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The Washington Commanders have embarked on a significant transformation, signaling a new era under the stewardship of Josh Harris and his ownership group.
The franchise, seeking to revitalize its standing both on and off the field, has introduced Ryan Juarez as the Director of Rehabilitation and Jamal Randall Sr. as the Senior Physical Therapist/Assistant Athletic Trainer, marking a pivotal shift in the team's approach to player health and performance.
Harris's takeover came with the promise of drastic organizational improvements, responding to the Commanders' historical challenges, including their recent bottom ranking in the NFLPA's annual survey which cast a critical eye on the training facilities and staff with a grade of 'F-'. Harris said:
"Yeah, I'm not an 'F-' guy,"
His efforts are not just about enhancing the team's competitiveness but also ensuring a nurturing environment for the athletes.
"Everything we can do right now to make our players feel great about coming to work, feel comfortable, feel well taken care of, we're going to do."
The establishment of the new Rehabilitation Unit, spearheaded by Juarez and Randall, is a testament to Harris's dedication. This unit is designed to work closely with the performance department to streamline the rehabilitation process for injured players, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to recovery and return-to-play decisions.
Both Juarez, coming from an extensive background at the University of Nebraska and various professional teams, and Randall, with his seven seasons at the Atlanta Falcons, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Commanders.
Juarez, reflecting on his new role, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to rehabilitation, stated:
"This function will play a vital role in return to play decision-making."
His and Randall's appointments are part of Harris's broader strategy to prioritize health and performance, addressing player concerns highlighted in the NFLPA survey.
This initiative also aligns with Harris's history of emphasizing top-tier athletic support in his other sports ventures across the NBA and NHL, demonstrating a consistent approach to athlete welfare.
The Commanders' hires signal a significant shift towards prioritizing player health and performance, aiming to not only improve the team's standing but also to set a new standard for care in the NFL.
