The 5 o’clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.
I read an interesting discussion about the use of AI in sports writing recently. Something in that discussion gave me an idea that I thought I’d try out this morning. If it goes over well, I may repeat the effort with one or more similar articles in the future. If it falls flat, at least I’ll go to my grave (someday far in the future) not wondering what would have happened if I’d acted on the thought.
I opened up Google’s AI large language model and asked it a question about the Commanders.The question and complete answer are pasted below for you to read. I invite you, in the comments, to either provide your own answer to the question, or offer your critique of the AI answer (or both!).
Also, let me know in the comments whether or not you think this is interesting enough to try again in the future.
The most interesting thing a fan should know is that the Washington Commanders are the only NFL franchise to win three Super Bowls using three different starting quarterbacks—Joe Theismann (Super Bowl XVII), Doug Williams (Super Bowl XXII), and Mark Rypien (Super Bowl XXVI). This unique feat is often cited as a testament to the legendary coaching of Joe Gibbs, the only head coach in NFL history to achieve this milestone. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Other fascinating facts and milestones for fans include:
First Marching Band: In 1937, the franchise founded the NFL’s first marching band, which still performs at home games today.
Media Trailblazers: They established the league’s first team radio network in 1944 and were the first NFL team to have every game of a season televised in 1950.
Iconic Fight Song: “Hail to the Commanders” (formerly “Hail to the Redskins”) is one of the oldest and most recognizable fight songs in the league, debuting in 1938. [1, 2, 3]
Two “Golden Eras”: All five of the team’s championships (two pre-merger NFL titles and three Super Bowls) were won during two distinct 10-year windows: 1936–1945 and 1982–1991.
Doug Williams’ Historic Performance: In Super Bowl XXII, Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, setting a record by throwing four touchdowns in a single quarter.
“The Hogs”: During their 1980s dominance, the team’s offensive line became famous under the nickname “The Hogs,” arguably the most celebrated position group in franchise history. [1, 4, 5]
Ownership Transition: In 2023, the franchise began a new chapter when it was sold for a record-breaking $6.05 billion to an investment group led by Josh Harris.
Rookie Record-Setters: Current quarterback Jayden Daniels has already joined elite company as one of only three rookies in NFL history (alongside Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton) to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 600 yards in a single season. [, 2, 3]
So, you’ve seen what AI has to say. What do you think is the most interesting thing about the Washington Commanders that a fan should know?