RICHMOND — Making her first public comments since taking over temporary day-to-day operations of the franchise, Washington co-CEO Tanya Snyder addressed the team’s fans Saturday after practice — telling them the Burgundy-and-Gold were in a “new era” with coach Ron Rivera.
Earlier this month, the NFL fined the Washington Football Team $10 million following the conclusion of an investigation into the team’s sexual harassment scandal and announced owner Daniel Snyder would voluntarily reduce his role for several months. Days before the findings became public, Mrs. Snyder’s new title of co-CEO was revealed.
On Saturday, Mrs. Snyder only alluded to those changes, but expressed confidence in Rivera and the direction of the franchise.
“I have been on the sidelines for 22 years and I’m much more active and involved now with my husband,” Mrs. Snyder said. “We couldn’t be more excited about our new leadership that are wonderful. They’re so strong. Outside of football and the best in their class of everything they’ve done.
“So, you’re going to see a lot of great growth and listening to all of our fans, and we want to see you at the stadium.”
This was believed to be the first time a member of the Snyder family made a public address on Fan Appreciation Day in the eight years since the team started coming to Richmond. The crowd of thousands cheered after the conclusion of the speech.
Prior to the conclusion of practice, Mrs. Snyder roamed the sideline to toss out team merchandise to fans alongside president Jason Wright. She’s been visible over the course of the team’s five days in Richmond, attending practices and speaking at a private event held at the training camp’s facility for corporate sponsors.
Tanya Snyder pic.twitter.com/JpwRgnjtxO
— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) July 31, 2021
Tanya Snyder tosses put team merch to fans. Jason Wright is too and gets a pretty big reception. pic.twitter.com/sZH6oP04EF
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) July 31, 2021
“We’re 90 years next year as a franchise,” Mrs. Snyder said. “We would be nothing without our fans, so thank you so much for coming today. There’s a lot in store, so please stick around.
“I just want to say everybody, starting with Coach—we’ve got a great, new fabulous coach. We’re in a new era with Ron Rivera. Everybody is definitely showing up. They promised us — you heard our players — they’re going to show up, and they’re going to show up for you, so please show up for them.”
Mr. Snyder is still involved with the franchise’s longer-term projects, such as finding a new team name and securing a new stadium. He will not attend the NFL’s annual owner meetings in the fall, with Mrs. Snyder scheduled to attend in his place.
Rivera said he met with Mrs. Snyder last week to discuss the future of the team.
“She was in the office working on some of the stuff they’ve mapped out,” Rivera said. “But it was good to see her in there. We had a nice conversation about the stuff that’s being worked on right now for the team. She, and I know this, she’s very bright, very intelligent, sharp woman.
“She knows exactly what’s going on and, it’s cool, it really is. It just kind of neat seeing her in there working.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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