Jason Wright has spent the first days of his job as the Washington Football team’s new President with the press. When the news broke of team owner Dan Snyder’s choice for the position, his promises of ‘culture change’ were instantly speculated to be the reason. The hire made Wright the first Black President of an NFL team ever- in the 100-year long history of the institution. This momentous achievement came at an incredibly relevant time, with racial tensions high and a volatile environment within the Washington franchise. Coming out of a tumultuous year of media scrutiny, it is easy to dismiss Snyder’s choice as a PR move. And while Jason Wright has arranged interviews with over 30 news publications in recent days, he was sure to make clear that this is not indicative of how he will spend his career.
“I almost want to move past it and get to work,” he said regarding the media frenzy. Rather than reemphasizing the historical significance of his role, Wright detailed his hands-on, data-driven plans for the team’s financial and social progress. He defined his initial business strategy as a “community-based process,” seeking direct feedback from the sponsors, players, and fans. Wright believes this will ensure that the team’s new identity will represent everything that makes the club what it is.
“It’s going to set us up to engage with the public in a different way, which generates that value for the franchise,” he said. “The new identity will be more than a logo.” He elaborated on his goals for the team, projecting that the new identity could “drive value” for the $3.4 billion franchise.
While Dan Snyder’s focus right now is the reshaping of the team’s integrity, there is no denying that the billionaire has financial aims as well. After all, it was Snyder’s business expertise that turned his team into one of the most valuable franchises in NFL history. But the two businessmen share a unified vision for the team’s evolution as a whole, not only through economic growth. Throughout lengthy discussions with Dan and Tanya Snyder, Wright praised the job as an “opportunity” to both directly impact change and lead the team back to its iconic standing in the NFL world.
“I’m glad we are where we are now. I think we’re in the right spot,” Wright said. Unbothered by stepping into a series of controversies, Wright accepted the job with aspiration rather than hesitation. He says the way Dan responded to all of the recent turmoil confirmed his confidence in the franchise’s commitment to a real “culture change.”
“Dan and Tanya Snyder have set a new direction, not just in word, but also in deed,” Wright said. “Moving the bad apples out of the organization as soon as they were found. Those are real tangible commitments. That’s more than just talk.”
The former Arizona Cardinals RB offers a unique skill set, with real experience in both the football and cooperate fields. Following his graduation from the University of Chicago, Wright became a partner in the prestigious consulting firm McKinsey & Company. During his time there, he developed an analytical approach to success. He also co-authored reports on racial inequity and socio-economic disparity within the corporate world. Performance, prosperity, and progress are at the core of the initiatives that Wright brings to the table.
Dan Snyder reiterated this powerhouse combination to the press, stating that if he could “custom design a leader for this important time in our history, it would be Jason. His experience as a former player, coupled with his business acumen, gives him a perspective that is unrivaled in the league.”
Snyder continued to inspire hope in Washington fans, stating, “We will not rest until we are a championship-caliber team, on and off the field… Jason has a proven track record in helping businesses transform culturally, operationally, and financially.” One could say with confidence that this may be a pivotal moment for the Washington Football team. The new president’s optimistic attitude towards the challenges he faces put fans’ spirits as ease as we enter a new season- providing a beacon of hope for transformation. Jason is well-equipped to exceed expectations in redeeming the once glorious team.
“To be able to shape the identity of an NFL franchise, that’s a generational type of decision,” Wright said. “Who wouldn’t want to be at the helm of that?”
