“Do you want to win?” — the first question that Magic Johnson had for Commanders majority owner Josh Harris after landing part ownership. As revealed in an LA Times article by Buck, winning is an important aspect of owning any team for him. And his NFL side has been no exception to this desire. “Disappointing 14-7 loss for my Commanders to the NY Giants… Hard to win… when you only score 7 points” — last year’s tweet by Magic should further clear this. Now, it’s only fitting that he got to celebrate his team for a special win against the same NY Giants he was earlier upset about!
Yes, the Commanders defeated the Giants in their first home game, 21-18, in an exciting faceoff. Subsequently, Magic Johnson took to social media to share his joy with fans. “What an exciting game!! Cookie and I are so happy our Commanders won the first home game. Our kicker Austin Seibert was 7-7 in today’s 21-18 win over the Giants,” he wrote, also, taking a moment to thank the fans for their unwavering support.
The game wasn’t just special because of the win. The atmosphere was electric, as several notable figures attended the game. And Magic Johnson made sure to highlight some of the important names present at the stadium. Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, Commanders’ majority owners Josh and Marjorie Harris, co-owners Mark Ein and David Blitzer, and franchise legend Darrell Green were among the attendees.
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However, the star power didn’t end there—tennis sensation Frances Tiafoe, NHL legend Alex Ovechkin, and some of Magic Johnson’s closest friends were also in the crowd. As for the game, it was a hard-fought contest, eventually claimed by the Commanders. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels secured his first career win.
As highlighted by Magic Johnson himself, Seibert—the team’s newly signed kicker—stole the show by knocking down all seven of his field goal attempts. Thus setting a new franchise record. Meanwhile, Dan Quinn earned his first victory as the team’s head coach.
Amid all the celebrations, Kevin Durant, as always, came cheering for his hometown NFL team. “Commanders closed it out today, gonna need Maryland to keep the energy,” he wrote on X. It’s important to highlight that this home victory carried extra weight, as it marked the first win at the newly renamed Northwest Stadium. The change from its previous name, FedEx Stadium, came following a partnership with a major financial institution.
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Magic Johnson announced the partnership kick off with Northwest Federal Credit Union ahead of the game
As mentioned earlier, right investments and partnerships have been the key to success for Magic Johnson. And he carries the same hope for the future of his NFL team as well with its new partnership. Just last month, the Commanders and Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) announced a multi-year, exclusive naming-rights agreement for the team’s stadium.
This partnership has brought together two institutions deeply rooted in the region’s history and community. A move carrying significant promise for both sides. On the same note, Johnson shared an Instagram post ahead of the first home game of his team. “We are so excited to kick off our season at Northwest Stadium and our new partnership with Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU),” he wrote.
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He also ensured to thank NWFCU President and CEO Jeff Bentley, Chairwoman of the Board Gerrianne Burks, and the entire NWFCU Board for coming on board as the stadium’s naming rights partner. “We look forward to all the incredible work we will do together,” Buck added. And from the first home game, it seems the new name is working in favor of Commanders!
Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
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Is Magic Johnson's involvement the best thing to happen to the Washington Commanders in years?