Jake Russell
@jakerussell.bsky.social
Washington Post multiplatform sports editor/sometimes sports writer/author of "100 Things Nationals Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die."
JakeRussellSports.com/Nationals-Book
JakeRussellSports.com/Nationals-Book
Maryland five-star commit Baba Oladotun: “I remember going to games as a kid, watching Anthony Cowan Jr. and Melo Trimble and just wanting to be like these guys. It’s just surreal to be here and to have this opportunity right now.”
Local five-star Baba Oladotun commits to Maryland men’s basketball
The Blake senior, widely rated a top-10 prospect, chose the Terps over Arkansas, Georgetown and Kentucky. He is the program’s highest-ranked recruit in a decade.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Maryland five-star commit Baba Oladotun: “I remember going to games as a kid, watching Anthony Cowan Jr. and Melo Trimble and just wanting to be like these guys. It’s just surreal to be here and to have this opportunity right now.”
Navy has unveiled its uniform for the 2025 Army-Navy Game.
The uniform honors the 250th anniversary of the Navy. navy250uniform.com
The uniform honors the 250th anniversary of the Navy. navy250uniform.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Navy has unveiled its uniform for the 2025 Army-Navy Game.
The uniform honors the 250th anniversary of the Navy. navy250uniform.com
The uniform honors the 250th anniversary of the Navy. navy250uniform.com
Reposted by Jake Russell
Alex Ovechkin hit yet another NHL scoring milestone Wednesday night. The Washington Capitals captain recorded his 900th career goal against the St. Louis Blues.
November 6, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Alex Ovechkin hit yet another NHL scoring milestone Wednesday night. The Washington Capitals captain recorded his 900th career goal against the St. Louis Blues.
What a game. What a series. What a postseason.
After a classic World Series Game 7, the Dodgers remain on top
Los Angeles tied the deciding game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning and went on to win in the 11th, becoming baseball’s first repeat champion since 2000.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:24 AM
What a game. What a series. What a postseason.
Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, 35, is hiring Blake Butera, 33, to be the team’s newest manager.
Butera worked as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
Butera worked as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
Nationals expected to hire Blake Butera, 33, as their next manager
The skipper, chosen by new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, has much to address as his tenure with Washington begins.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, 35, is hiring Blake Butera, 33, to be the team’s newest manager.
Butera worked as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
Butera worked as the senior director of player development for the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
Reposted by Jake Russell
#Commanders QB Jayden Daniels on his fumble: "I’m not finna sit up here and blame it on the elements. At the end of the day, I got to focus. ... I had a lack of focus right there and it cost us the game.”
My story on Washington's loss to the Bears 🔗⤵️ www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
My story on Washington's loss to the Bears 🔗⤵️ www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
After Jayden Daniels’s late fumble, the Bears stun the Commanders
After Daniels’s miscue, Jake Moody’s field goal on the final play gave Chicago a 25-24 win as the late-game dramatics went the Bears’ way this year.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:28 AM
#Commanders QB Jayden Daniels on his fumble: "I’m not finna sit up here and blame it on the elements. At the end of the day, I got to focus. ... I had a lack of focus right there and it cost us the game.”
My story on Washington's loss to the Bears 🔗⤵️ www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
My story on Washington's loss to the Bears 🔗⤵️ www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The UFL unveiled a new lineup of teams (and a new league logo).
Out: Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, San Antonio Brahmas.
In: Columbus Aviators, Orlando Storm, Louisville Kings.
Rebranded: Houston Roughnecks -> Houston Gamblers, Arlington Renegades -> Dallas Renegades.
Out: Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, San Antonio Brahmas.
In: Columbus Aviators, Orlando Storm, Louisville Kings.
Rebranded: Houston Roughnecks -> Houston Gamblers, Arlington Renegades -> Dallas Renegades.
October 7, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The UFL unveiled a new lineup of teams (and a new league logo).
Out: Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, San Antonio Brahmas.
In: Columbus Aviators, Orlando Storm, Louisville Kings.
Rebranded: Houston Roughnecks -> Houston Gamblers, Arlington Renegades -> Dallas Renegades.
Out: Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, San Antonio Brahmas.
In: Columbus Aviators, Orlando Storm, Louisville Kings.
Rebranded: Houston Roughnecks -> Houston Gamblers, Arlington Renegades -> Dallas Renegades.
Jayden Daniels: “Sometimes, you can’t just be all cool and calm; sometimes, you got to be a little fired up to get guys going.”
The Commanders get mad, get even and get going in the right direction
All those angry outbursts Sunday? That’s Washington’s way of showing some urgency this season.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Jayden Daniels: “Sometimes, you can’t just be all cool and calm; sometimes, you got to be a little fired up to get guys going.”
Interesting note on if new Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni will have a role for interim GM Mike DeBartolo on his staff: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
(via @chelseajanes.bsky.social)
(via @chelseajanes.bsky.social)
October 1, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Interesting note on if new Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni will have a role for interim GM Mike DeBartolo on his staff: www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
(via @chelseajanes.bsky.social)
(via @chelseajanes.bsky.social)
BREAKING: The Nationals are hiring Red Sox assistant GM Paul Toboni, 35, as their new head of baseball operations.
Nationals set to name Paul Toboni as head of baseball operations
Toboni will arrive in Washington from the Boston Red Sox, where he helped oversee a stellar draft and player development system.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 24, 2025 at 7:04 PM
BREAKING: The Nationals are hiring Red Sox assistant GM Paul Toboni, 35, as their new head of baseball operations.
“They don’t know what they’re doing with anything, to be honest with you, baseball-wise,” a current Nationals employee said of Nats ownership.
“They badly, badly need leadership,” a former Nats employee said. “Right now, there is none. Zero.”
“They badly, badly need leadership,” a former Nats employee said. “Right now, there is none. Zero.”
Who is running the Washington Nationals?
At a critical juncture in its history, the MLB franchise appears to some as “directionless,” with too many hands on the wheel.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
“They don’t know what they’re doing with anything, to be honest with you, baseball-wise,” a current Nationals employee said of Nats ownership.
“They badly, badly need leadership,” a former Nats employee said. “Right now, there is none. Zero.”
“They badly, badly need leadership,” a former Nats employee said. “Right now, there is none. Zero.”
BREAKING: The D.C. Council gave final approval to a $3.7B deal for the RFK Stadium site, allowing the Commanders to return to the District in 2030.
D.C.’s $3.7 billion Commanders stadium deal gets final council approval
The Commanders stadium project will transform a largely vacant and blighted swath of D.C. and return the team to the city its owners have described as its “spiritual home.”
www.washingtonpost.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:36 PM
BREAKING: The D.C. Council gave final approval to a $3.7B deal for the RFK Stadium site, allowing the Commanders to return to the District in 2030.
Reposted by Jake Russell
For one season only, the Caps are bringing back paper tickets for full season plan holders. Look at these beauties featuring Ovi and friends (and a few foes) www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Caps celebrate Alex Ovechkin and give their fans something to hold on to
The Capitals say printed tickets for full season ticket holders, which feature various images of Alex Ovechkin, will return for one season only.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 10, 2025 at 5:33 PM
For one season only, the Caps are bringing back paper tickets for full season plan holders. Look at these beauties featuring Ovi and friends (and a few foes) www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Bobby Wagner: "We know how great we are in this room. We know we’re in the driver’s seat. We control everything."
All according to plan: Commanders’ newcomers lead way in opener vs. Giants
Deebo Samuel Sr., Laremy Tunsil, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Javon Kinlaw all make big plays as Washington shuts down New York, 21-6.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 8, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Bobby Wagner: "We know how great we are in this room. We know we’re in the driver’s seat. We control everything."
Dan Quinn: “It’s the attitude. It is the people. It’s the space.”
Column | For years, Washington was an NFL dumpster fire. Now, it’s a destination.
Why is there so much optimism around the Washington Commanders? “It’s the attitude. It is the people. It’s the space.”
www.washingtonpost.com
September 7, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Dan Quinn: “It’s the attitude. It is the people. It’s the space.”
Commanders center Tyler Biadasz: “If anything, I think the standard is just even that more tight-knit, in regards to how we want to play and get down. DQ talks about [how] we’re the hunters. We’re going to go after it.”
The bar has been raised for the Commanders. They say they’re ready to leap.
After last season’s unexpected success, everyone is talking about the Commanders entering this NFL season. Players and coaches are trying to tune it out.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 7, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Commanders center Tyler Biadasz: “If anything, I think the standard is just even that more tight-knit, in regards to how we want to play and get down. DQ talks about [how] we’re the hunters. We’re going to go after it.”
Former Nationals manager Davey Johnson died Friday at 82.
“One of the great baseball minds of all-time. A forward thinker with an old-school soul,” former Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said.
“No chance my career would have been the same without his guidance,” former Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman said.
“One of the great baseball minds of all-time. A forward thinker with an old-school soul,” former Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said.
“No chance my career would have been the same without his guidance,” former Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman said.
Davey Johnson, swashbuckling manager who sparked the Mets and Nats, dies at 82
Johnson led the Nationals to the playoffs for the first time. He also guided the Mets to the World Series title in 1986 and was a standout player with the Orioles.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 6, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Former Nationals manager Davey Johnson died Friday at 82.
“One of the great baseball minds of all-time. A forward thinker with an old-school soul,” former Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said.
“No chance my career would have been the same without his guidance,” former Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman said.
“One of the great baseball minds of all-time. A forward thinker with an old-school soul,” former Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said.
“No chance my career would have been the same without his guidance,” former Nationals star Ryan Zimmerman said.
"As a rookie, Daniels became known among teammates for his obsessive early arrival. Coaches who got to work at 6 a.m. would sometimes see Daniels walking off the practice field. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said Daniels has come to the facility even earlier this year."
Fame can sack an NFL superstar. Good luck catching Jayden Daniels.
After an exhilarating rookie season, the Washington Commanders quarterback now faces the challenges of maintaining excellence and humility.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 31, 2025 at 10:13 PM
"As a rookie, Daniels became known among teammates for his obsessive early arrival. Coaches who got to work at 6 a.m. would sometimes see Daniels walking off the practice field. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said Daniels has come to the facility even earlier this year."
“Do yourself a favor… Take some time over the coming weeks and months... Do a loop around RFK before it vanishes completely. This is athletic history. It’s D.C. history. And piece by piece, it’s finally being torn down.”
Column | Decrepit RFK Stadium had to come down. It still kind of stings.
As the former football, baseball and soccer venue gets torn apart, let’s remember all the times it shook.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 31, 2025 at 3:13 PM
“Do yourself a favor… Take some time over the coming weeks and months... Do a loop around RFK before it vanishes completely. This is athletic history. It’s D.C. history. And piece by piece, it’s finally being torn down.”
BREAKING: The Cowboys are trading Micah Parsons to the Packers, who are signing the star pass rusher to a four-year, $188M contract.
Cowboys agree to trade Micah Parsons to Packers
Parsons will sign a four-year, $188 million contract as part of the trade, while the Cowboys receive two first-round draft picks and defensive lineman Kenny Clark.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 28, 2025 at 9:45 PM
BREAKING: The Cowboys are trading Micah Parsons to the Packers, who are signing the star pass rusher to a four-year, $188M contract.
The Commanders are 10th in Forbes's latest NFL team valuations at $7.6 billion.
They've increased in value by $1.55 billion since Josh Harris bought the team in 2023.
Link: www.forbes.com/sites/justin...
They've increased in value by $1.55 billion since Josh Harris bought the team in 2023.
Link: www.forbes.com/sites/justin...
August 28, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The Commanders are 10th in Forbes's latest NFL team valuations at $7.6 billion.
They've increased in value by $1.55 billion since Josh Harris bought the team in 2023.
Link: www.forbes.com/sites/justin...
They've increased in value by $1.55 billion since Josh Harris bought the team in 2023.
Link: www.forbes.com/sites/justin...
Enjoying ballpark No. 6 on the season for Nats-Yankees.
August 26, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Enjoying ballpark No. 6 on the season for Nats-Yankees.
Reposted by Jake Russell
Mason Denaburg didn’t lose his love for baseball. But injuries ripped away the career he imagined.
This offseason, the former first-round pick had a choice — continue baseball or attempt to be a college punter. He chose the latter:
This offseason, the former first-round pick had a choice — continue baseball or attempt to be a college punter. He chose the latter:
Plan A was baseball. But it’s time for Plan B: Walk on as a college punter.
At 26, Mason Denaburg is transitioning from the pitcher’s mound to the football field, as he returns to a sport he played growing up in Florida.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 26, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Mason Denaburg didn’t lose his love for baseball. But injuries ripped away the career he imagined.
This offseason, the former first-round pick had a choice — continue baseball or attempt to be a college punter. He chose the latter:
This offseason, the former first-round pick had a choice — continue baseball or attempt to be a college punter. He chose the latter:
BREAKING: The Commanders and Terry McLaurin have agreed to a three-year, $96 million contract extension.
Terry McLaurin agrees to three-year contract extension with Commanders
McLaurin’s extension will pay him $96 million with the chance to escalate, a person familiar with the deal said.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 25, 2025 at 4:08 PM
BREAKING: The Commanders and Terry McLaurin have agreed to a three-year, $96 million contract extension.
The Commanders have traded running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the 49ers.
Commanders trade Brian Robinson Jr. to 49ers for sixth-round draft pick
Robinson has been the starting running back for Washington, but as other options emerged during training camp, the fourth-year player became expendable.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 22, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The Commanders have traded running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the 49ers.