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  • 12 Celebrities Cheering on the Washington Commanders During the Playoffs
NBA player Kevin Durant throws the ball around while in a Washington Redskins jersey and hat during warm-ups prior to the NFL game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
  • Culture

12 Celebrities Cheering on the Washington Commanders During the Playoffs

From Hollywood A-listers to legendary athletes, these are the celebrities that cheer for the burgundy and gold.

By Michele Kettner January 21, 2025 at 12:59 pm

Commanders fever is at an all-time high. In just one season, the team has surpassed preseason expectations and has reignited the city’s passion for its football team — becoming the talk of the town in the process.

And with two upset playoff wins in their pocket, the Commanders have an army of fans ready for Sunday’s conference championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, including a handful of famous faces. Here are 12 celebrity fans that have been linked to the Washington Commanders.

Matthew McConaughey

You’ll find this Hollywood A-lister on the sideline of many Commanders games throughout the season. According to the team, McConaughey became a fan while watching Western movies with his dad and rooting for the Indians. The team also had a player named Chris Hanburger, whose name was a close enough resemblance to the then four-year-old’s favorite food, hamburgers. 

Kevin Durant

The NBA superstar grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, less than 5 miles from the team’s current stadium, Northwest Stadium, and former home field, RFK Stadium. Even though KD is currently located in Arizona, he can still be seen rocking Commanders gear throughout the season.

Jeffrey Wright

The DC native has been going to games nearly his entire life. Not only did his mother have season tickets for 49 years, but the actor was once “Mascot of the Week,” and got to run out on the field before the team took on the Dallas Cowboys.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

It was the 1983 Super Bowl that turned this NASCAR legend into a super fan. The former driver has been seen at games and training camps over the years. He even used to have his spotter tell him when the team was winning on race days. 

Josh Brolin

Brolin’s first live football game was when the then-Redskins took on the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII. Washington, led by quarterback Doug Williams, came out victorious with a final score of 42 to 10.

Scott Van Pelt

The SportsCenter anchor constantly represents the DMV. An alum and regular at Maryland Terrapins games, Van Pelt also cheers on the burgundy and gold — and was even roasted by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts after the team defeated the Commanders earlier in the season.

Alexis Ohanian

The co-founder of Reddit grew up a Commanders fan in Ellicott City, Maryland. Like a true fan, Ohanian live tweets the games and tailgates in the parking lot of Northwest Stadium, just like everyone else. 

Frances Tiafoe

The Maryland-based tennis star doesn’t let his own matches keep him from the Commanders. After winning a match at the Australian Open, Tiafoe made sure to shout out the team after his first-round win.

Taraji P. Henson

The DC native and Howard University alum has been connected to the hometown team for ages. Her direct connection? The actress’ father was once a janitor for the team. 

Wale

When it comes to musicians, DC-native Wale has been one of the most vocal Commanders fans. The Grammy-nominated rapper even brought Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels out on stage when he performed at MGM National Harbor in November.

Sean Doolittle

Doolittle was a Washington football fan way before he was a part of the World Series Champion team The Washington Nationals. The former pitcher’s dad was from Annapolis and passed that fandom along to Doolittle and his siblings.

Jon Bernthal

The actor, best known for his roles in The Punisher, The Bear, and The Walking Dead, is also from Washington, DC. Before the Commanders took on the Detroit Lions, Bernthal provided the voice over for the Commanders’ latest hype video.

Feature image courtesy Cal Sport Media/Alamy Stock Photo

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

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