Washington Commanders Make History with Groundbreaking 3-Year Life Transition Program for Players
Posted October 12, 2025
Washington, D.C. – October 13, 2025
In a groundbreaking move that could set a new standard for NFL franchises, the Washington Commanders have unveiled a pioneering three-year life transition program aimed at supporting players who are either released from the team or retire from football. The Commanders, known for their strong team culture and commitment to player welfare, have taken the next step in reinforcing their "family first" philosophy, extending it far beyond the football field.
The program, which officially launched today, offers former Commanders a comprehensive set of resources designed to ease their transition from professional sports to civilian life. These include career mentorship, education stipends, financial support, psychological wellness services, and family guidance resources. This initiative is designed to address the multifaceted challenges that players face when stepping away from the game, a phase that can be as difficult as it is life-altering.
A Milestone for Player Welfare
Owner Josh Harris, who has long been a champion for the well-being of his players, expressed his unwavering commitment to the team’s legacy with the announcement. "Once a Commander, always a Commander. Football may end, but our commitment to our people will never fade," Harris said in a statement. His words highlight the team’s dedication to ensuring that former players are not just remembered for their on-field contributions, but also supported throughout their post-football careers.
The program goes well beyond traditional retirement benefits, providing monthly income to help ease financial burdens, as well as psychological services aimed at mental health, which has long been a growing concern within professional sports. These services are paired with family support resources to ensure that the transition is as smooth and holistic as possible.
A Model for the NFL
Players’ unions and analysts alike have lauded the Commanders’ initiative as a much-needed step forward for the NFL, with many calling it a “model for league-wide reform.” For too long, the professional sports world has focused heavily on the athletic achievements of its players, often neglecting the realities of life after sports. The Commanders are now leading the way in a new era of player welfare.
"With this move, the Commanders have not only shown leadership on the field but in how they treat their players as people, both during and after their careers," said one NFL analyst. “This is the type of empathy and foresight that the league needs.”
Washington Fans Celebrate the Decision
Washington fans, known for their passion and loyalty, were quick to celebrate the news, viewing it as a reflection of the city’s gritty, loyal, and compassionate spirit. The move by the Commanders mirrors the same values that echo through FedExField every Sunday. Commanders supporters are known for their fierce loyalty to the team, and now they can take pride in knowing their beloved franchise is giving back to the players who helped bring them success.
For the reigning NFL champions, this initiative is not just about reputation—it’s about identity. The Commanders have shown that their success isn’t solely measured by wins on the field, but by how the entire organization cares for its members, both past and present. The three-year life transition program sends a clear message: in Washington, once you’re part of the Commanders family, you’re always a part of the family.
A Long-Term Vision
As the Commanders pave the way for NFL teams to adopt similar programs, the hope is that this initiative will spark a larger conversation about the long-term well-being of professional athletes. While the program is still in its infancy, it’s already having a profound impact on how the league views its players and their futures after football.
Washington’s Commanders have always prided themselves on being a team that embodies toughness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to each other. With this initiative, they have proven once again that these values extend far beyond the gridiron.
Steelers Facing Criticism for Odd Decision in Bengals Loss
There really wasn’t a single great individual performance from the Pittsburgh Steelers defense against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. But in edge rusher Nick Herbig’s case, it may have been due to the lack of opportunity.
Herbig played 29 defensive snaps for the Steelers versus their division rival in Week 7. That was 38% of the team’s snaps on defense in the matchup.
Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark argued that was far too low.
“I can understand some of the reasoning. It’s a short week. Herbig had played a lot on Sunday, and the team might not want to wear him down too early,”
Clark wrote. “The Steelers got off to a bad start against the run, and Alex Highsmith has been a better run defender. But I just don’t really get the justification for having him player 26 fewer snaps than Highsmith.
“For one, Highsmith is coming off an ankle injury, which he returned from in Week 6. Highsmith probably could’ve used the rest more than the younger and healthier Herbig, and Herbig has just been so dynamic as a pass rusher this year that he needs to be playing more.”
Herbig has 4.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits this season. He’s leads the Steelers in all three categories, and unlike All-Pros defenders T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, Herbig missed a game in September.
Steelers Pass Rush Struggles Against Bengals
The Steelers recorded two sacks versus Cincinnati in Week 7. However, quarterback Joe Flacco was far too comfortable for most of the night and tore apart the Pittsburgh secondary.
Flacco delivered a lot of short, quick passes. But the Steelers were also unable to generate much pressure when they had opportunities.
Watt, Heyward and Alex Highsmith all played at least 70% of the team’s defensive snaps in the contest. Yet, they combined for just one sack and two quarterback hits.
Highsmith recorded three tackles and no other statistics.
In limited playing time, Herbig posted two tackles and one quarterback hit.
The Steelers appeared to try a lot of different coverages to try and slow down the Bengals elite receivers Thursday. But the team made few adjustments to their defensive front during the game. That resulted in Herbig not getting a lot of playing time.
That was surprising given that he came into the game with a sack in three straight contests. Just four days prior, Herbig had two sacks and four quarterback hits in Week 6.
How Do Steelers Get Nick Herbig More Playing Time?
As head coach Mike Tomlin has said, needing to find more playing time for Herbig is a “good problem to have.” However, it’s still a problem nonetheless.
It’s an issue that Clark argued the Steelers are still trying to figure out.
“The Steelers had Herbig on the field with Highsmith and Watt in their Bronco package four times on Thursday, per Alex Kozora’s charting,”
Clark wrote. “Two of those plays led to incompletions, while two of them led to gains of 10+ yards through the air.
“But the Steelers went away from it for a large part of the game, and it’s something I’d like to see them experiment with more.”
If the Steelers aren’t going to deploy the three edge rushers together, then the team will have to take away playing time from someone else to get Herbig on the field.
That’s not ideal because Watt and Highsmith are elite edge rushers. But Herbig has arguably been Pittsburgh’s most impactful defender through seven weeks. He needs to be on the field, especially if Watt and Highsmith go silent.
The Steelers should ride the hot hand at every defensive position. No one is playing better for Pittsburgh’s defense than Herbig this season.
