Commanders’ open practice gives fans their first look at Daniels

ASHBURN —  “Jayden Daniels, Jayden Daniels, Jayden Daniels.” 

That’s why fans Landon Shaw, Ty Laurie and Eric Whateley said they drove from Massachusetts and Canada to witness the Commanders’ first open training camp practice on Sunday morning in Ashburn. 

Before practice started, the line from the sold-out crowd wrapped around the parking lot. Each fan was eagerly waiting to catch their first glimpse of Daniels — Washington’s potential franchise quarterback — and the revamped Commanders roster. 

“It was a perfect opportunity to come out and show my support and just get an opportunity to witness something you’re really never gonna see,” Shaw said.

The Massachusetts native was the first fan in line — at 4:30 a.m.

“It’s like a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Shaw said. “I just kind of wanted to come out, have fun, enjoy myself and support the team.”

Shaw’s friend, Ty Laurie, made the 12-hour trek from Canada to watch the Commanders as he arrived around 6 a.m. for the 9 a.m. practice. He said Washington’s rookie quarterback was the main reason he crossed the border. 

“Change of ownership is a big part of it too,” Laurie said. “Things are transitioning in a good direction, I feel like. So, we’re trying to be more invested, moneywise and timewise.”

Commanders coach Dan Quinn said he felt that fan investment early on Sunday morning — Shaw, Laurie and others were already waiting as he arrived at the team’s practice facility. 

“To see that, it definitely brought a good feeling about what is next here,” Quinn said. “As far as the energy that happens, it’s good. The more people, energy, crowd noise that comes with that, it’s all part of performing.”

Enraptured fans cheered each catch and groaned with every dropped pass or muffed punt throughout the practice. When a field goal attempt by kicker Ramiz Ahmed doinked off the right upright, the crowd released its largest groan of the day.

Among the crowd of Commanders jerseys was Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Between drills, the Democrat spoke with reporters about his appreciation for the franchise and his intention to build a new football facility near Commanders Field in Landover. 

Despite his big-picture aspirations, Moore redirected several questions to talk about football and the optimism surrounding the Commanders’ new era. 

“People are excited that there’s a winning culture being brought on board,” he said. “I think you’re seeing it appear. I mean, it’s 9 o’clock in the morning and the stands are packed. The energy is real because building a winning culture matters.”

After practice, several Commanders thanked the fans for waking up early on a Sunday to watch a padless practice. Stars like Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin spent more than 20 minutes after their workout signing autographs for fans. 

Even as team officials tried to pull Daniels away from the crowd, the Commanders’ prized rookie circled back to engage with more fans, even signing a trading card for an ecstatic Landon Shaw. 

“It’s awesome to have the fans out here, to feel that energy,” quarterback Marcus Mariota said, noting that several fans from his native Hawaii cheered him on. “It’s such a cool event, it’s awesome for fans to be able to engage with the players and also for us to be able to engage with them.”

Sunday’s event was the first of five sold-out training camp events that will be open to the public. The Commanders will return to the practice field Monday morning, donning full pads for the first time under Quinn.

“Our guys up front, it’s been six or seven months since they’ve had pads on,” said Mariota, who will still be sporting a yellow non-contact jersey on Monday. “So kind of getting that rust off in that sense. Our defense, I already know they’re going to come in and set the tempo. For us, it’s making sure our guys are going in the right direction.”

The Commanders will have a week of padded practices before the intensity ramps up on Aug. 8 at a joint practice in Florham Park, New Jersey, with the New York Jets.