Roger Federer and 'Hard s--- with good people': Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn, Adam Peters lead new Commanders era

Washington has a brand-new roster again, but a brand-new feel for the first time in a while

By Zachary Pereles Sep 6, 2024 at 10:41 am ET• 10 min read

ASHBURN, Va. -- It's Feb. 5, 2024, and on a chilly day outside, there are warm smiles on the faces of Commanders owner Josh Harris, his new general manager, Adam Peters, and his new head coach, Dan Quinn, as the trio meets the media for the first time.

Harris talks about the "mission" they're on to get the franchise back on track after more than three decades of struggles. Peters talks about Quinn's traits that made him the right guy to lead that: leading, communicating, teaching, and bringing people together.

Then it's Quinn's turn -- it's his introductory press conference, after all -- and he delves into the highs and lows. The lows of wondering if he'd ever get another chance and the high of finally getting one here. He allows himself one curse word on a phrase that will soon hit shirts around the building: "Hard shit with good people." He jokingly laments his lack of hair. He hits on a variety of logistics about play calling, about quarterback, about building a staff.

And then, when asked about leading a rebuild, he makes his point very, very clear.