PHILADELPHIA — As Washington Commanders players streamed into the visitor postgame locker room, a 68-year-old wearing a gray suit and burgundy baseball cap awaited them.
Minority team owner Mitchell Rales shook staff and player hands, embracing some. His vocabulary shifted slightly from player to player and coach to coach, but his message persisted.
“Hell of a season.”
“Love you guys.”
“We’re just getting started.”
Some Commanders were too disappointed or downtrodden to meet Rales’ gaze. Head coach Dan Quinn, for example, looked toward the floor as he absorbed the 55-23 NFC championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.