When rumors began that the Washington Football team was in search of a new president, speculation ran rampant among media and fans. Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder knew how crucial this appointment would be to the future of his franchise, which he is striving to redeem through a promised 'culture change'. Jason Wright was a well-qualified candidate- with experience as an NFL player and an educational background in business. At a pivotal time for the team, every move Snyder makes is subject to scrutiny. But the historical significance of his choice amplified press attention, marking a major achievement for the entire NFL. Upon accepting the position, Wright became the First Black NFL team president. The decision was monumental for society and the Washington team alike. However, Jason is determined to not let the magnitude of the distinguished title get to him.
"It could, but I've chosen to not allow it to," he told the press early on. "If I weren't Black, I wouldn't feel that pressure so I'm going to choose to be unencumbered by that and take as much as I can the same advantage as somebody else ... I have a pretty high bar for myself anyway, so I'm not sure that the historical nature of the moment is going to push me much harder than I push myself already."
In recent interviews, Jason elaborated on his decision to join the franchise, despite the immense challenges that will come with it. Wright's former agent, Mike McCartney, recalled advising him in the early stages of negotiation.
"There's a history with a lot of negatives ... I wanted him prepared," he said.
Jason affirmed that he is well versed in the team's history and remains certain that he can be the "agent of change" that is desperately needed. Rather than be deterred by the trials ahead of him, he spoke extensively with Snyder about his priorities and intentions moving forward.
"He probed and asked the tough questions that make people uncomfortable," McCartney said. Jason and his wife of 12 years, Tiffany, reportedly spent time talking with Snyder and his wife about these concerns. Through these conversations, Wright was able to establish confidence in Snyder's plans for the future.
"Our early conversations with Dan and Tanya were rooted in values and all those words I've been using - transparency, inclusion, accountability, all of that - and I believed it because of the actions they've taken," Wright said, citing the steps Snyder has taken in the wake of the recent allegations last month.
The two couples bonded over a connection to the Washington D.C. area, as well as an affinity for philanthropy and community involvement. Tanya Snyder is well known in the NFL for her 'Think Pink' initiative encouraging early breast cancer detection. Tiffany Wright worked as an afterschool educator at a non-profit program in Cleveland. While teaching there, she and Jason opened their home to two at-risk teenagers. The girls are now in their 20's, have children of their own, and are 'doing incredibly well'. Family is a core value to both of the couples.
Wright told reporters, "We had a really broad definition of family because my parents really saw themselves as stewards of a bigger community."
Jason credits his parents for instilling in him a hard work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and empathy. He intends to build his strategy around these values. His mission, he states, is to create a professional, safe environment for employees. If successful, Jason Wright will be a huge win for Snyder's promises of redemption and the Washington Football team's success.
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