It might be hard to equate success to a change in ownership group when a rookie quarterback is ascending to stardom. But Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s track record is getting hard to deny. Since he became a minority owner for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014, they’ve consistently been one of the best teams in baseball. A year after joining the Washington Commanders, their fortunes are changing, too.
In Year 1, they had a 4-13 record and took quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, just a season later, they are 12-5, Divisional Round-bound, and have snagged their first playoff win in 19 years. It’s safe to say that Johnson is happy with his team’s success. Fans got a look at his celebration after the Wild Card win.
Magic Johnson Celebrates Washington Commanders’ Success
No one gave the Commanders a great chance at success this season. But the Lamar Jackson-esque play from Daniels earned him a (presumed) Offensive Rookie of the Year win and netted the team a playoff berth. Whether it was last-second heroics, scrambles, or precise passing, Daniels was excellent throughout the season. He finished ninth by PFN’s QB+ metric, far above the rest of the rookie class.
Still, many saw them as a Cinderella story going into the playoffs, thanks to their single-season turnaround. A mature, poised showing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers paved the way for a 23-20 victory nearly two decades in the making.
For Magic, the first round of congratulations went to co-owner Josh Harris for setting up the team and its culture.
“New vision, new owner with a strategy, picking the right people,” he said. “First, our coach Coach Quinn, Adam Peters, and then we all step out their way and let them do their job.”
Magic Johnson and Josh Harris on the Commanders playoff win:
“Talent, culture and people.” pic.twitter.com/nczxbjgdzY
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) January 13, 2025
However, he did want credit to go to the team and the coaching staff when it came to the success. “Don’t make this about us, it’s about those guys.”
Later on, he would go on to elaborate on the players and the contributions they made to make this season possible.
“You just got to give the players a lot of credit,” Johnson said. “What a drive by the offense. But, first of all, give Coach Quinn a lot of credit and then the players because it’s all about them. Nothing that we can do as ownership.”
Video: Commanders owner Magic Johnson talks about the team’s season and tonight’s playoff win over the Bucs. pic.twitter.com/hLEptTABwp
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 13, 2025
Johnson referenced the game-winning drive by the Commanders that took up the game’s final five minutes and put Zane Gonzalez in a position to win the game with a 37-yard field goal. It took a little help from the upright, but he sent Washington to the Divisional Round.
Johnson continued, “We just sit on the sideline and cheer. But, they pulled it out. I thought the defense really played good to put us in this position. That fumble and then holding them as well. So, here we are. I’m just happy for all Commander fans around the world because the ownership group, we wanted to turn it around, led by Josh here.”
In the fourth quarter, the Commanders’ defense, which came into the game as the 17th-ranked unit according to PFN’s Defense+ metric, forced the only turnover of the game with a fumble from Baker Mayfield. Moreover, they were able to hold the Buccaneers to a game-tying field goal on the penultimate drive, taking some of the pressure off the offense.
His love for his player was abundantly clear after the win.
“And, we just are so proud of these young men for this season and now for winning this playoff game,” Johnson said. “So again, it’s all about the players, all about the players.”
Washington will visit the Detroit Lions in the next round to try and keep its season alive.