Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris lauds Donald Trump as "Ultimate Commander" amid NFL Draft 2027 announcement for capital

In a historic announcement made from the White House, it has been confirmed that the 2027 NFL Draft will be held in Washington, D.C., marking the league's return to the nation's capital for the first time since 1940. The National Mall, one of the most iconic and symbolic landmarks in the country, is expected to transform into a football fan haven for the three-day event.

The confirmation came directly from U.S. President Donald Trump, who addressed the press from the Oval Office with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell by his side.

“The draft is a celebration of one of our country's most cherished cultural institutions,” said Trump, emphasizing the national significance of the event.
This announcement not only signals a pivotal moment for the NFL, but also aligns with the resurgence of the Washington Commanders under the new ownership of Josh Harris. The franchise has seen a remarkable turnaround since Harris acquired the team in 2023, following a turbulent period under former owners Dan and Tanya Snyder. With renewed momentum and a trip to the NFC Championship Game in quarterback Jayden Daniels’ rookie year, the Commanders are becoming a franchise to watch.

Harris, who attended the White House ceremony, presented President Trump with a customized Commanders jersey emblazoned with “Trump” on the back. With a smile, he said, “You are the ultimate Commander,” paying tribute not only to Trump’s title but also the newfound honor bestowed on the team and the city.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed high expectations for the 2027 draft, predicting over one million visitors — a substantial increase from the 775,000 who turned out for the 2024 draft in Detroit. If those projections hold, it would become the most attended NFL Draft in league history.
The event’s announcement also coincides with another major milestone for the Commanders: a newly approved deal with the District of Columbia to return to the historic RFK Stadium site. Once home to Washington’s golden era from 1961 to 1996, the site is set to welcome a new stadium by 2030. Hosting the draft could be the perfect curtain-raiser for this new chapter in the franchise's story.
While Trump’s relationship with the NFL has seen its share of tension — from his 1980s investment in the defunct USFL to his public criticisms of player protests during his first term — Monday’s announcement marked a rare moment of unity. Goodell, standing next to the President, has previously rejected Trump’s push to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, reaffirming the NFL’s commitment to such initiatives earlier this year.
With major global sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics also headed to the U.S., the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington adds yet another chapter to what is shaping up to be a golden era for American sports. And for the Commanders, this might just be the beginning of a long-awaited revival.
Also Read: After 80-year wait, the NFL Draft is returning to the nation's capital in 2027, Donald Trump plans to announce soon