July 22nd 2023.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson was overcome with emotion when answering a question posed by the Today Show’s Craig Melvin. Taking a moment to compose himself, Johnson wiped his tears and said, “Breaking these barriers and opening these doors as a proud Black man—this is a…there’s a great opportunity. I don’t know why God blessed me with these opportunities, but I want to excel not only for myself and my family but for all African Americans making sure we can see ourselves in these seats.”
Johnson is part of an ownership group taking over the Washington Commanders that is led by Philadelphia 76ers owner and billionaire Josh Harris. As co-owner, Johnson stressed the importance of respecting employees, saying, “If we respect them, they will respect us and go to the wall for us. I’ve been in so many different sports teams and we know how valuable these employees are, because they make it run every single day.”
These two statements from Johnson perfectly capture his personality; he is someone who does not forget how to genuinely care about the well-being of other people. He clearly understands his responsibility, not only as a wealthy person, but as one of the first Black male owners in the NFL. Johnson is also following two Black women into the ownership space, former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Ariel Investments CEO Melody Hobson.
The NFL’s Washington Commanders have been sold to a group that seeks to make the team a great place to work, and one that also wants the players to enjoy their experiences. Johnson indicated that the team’s nickname was one of the things that the group would discuss, something that the public did not favor.
Magic Johnson is bringing a new era to the NFL, and a new era to Washington. His ownership stake is of both historical and future significance, and he is determined to excel not only for himself and his family, but for all African Americans.
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