I've always had grudging admiration for Dan Snyder. Sure, he seems like a smug little man who probably spent much of his high school experience stuffed in lockers, but he's self made and there's something to be said for that.
There's also something to be said for being able to by an $800-million professional football team when you're 34 years old. Snyder's owned the team for a decade now, and in that time he admits to learning some (mostly expensive) lessons.
"There are a bunch of things I wish I would have done differently," Mr. Snyder told The Washington Times yesterday at the annual NFL meetings. "I've made plenty of mistakes, but I've learned from my mistakes as a good entrepreneur, a good CEO would do. I've matured. I wasn't patient enough in certain areas early on. I didn't understand the game the way I do now. I didn't understand the agents, the contractual relationship with the salary cap, the importance of the age of players. Now it's easy for me, second nature."I thought it was pretty impressive when the Steelers hired 35-year-old Mike Tomlin last off-season after he had only been a coordinator for one year. I imagine trying to run an entire organization would be exponentially more difficult. So in one sense, I can respect Snyder for taking on the challenge.
On the other hand, the Redskins would've probably been more successful much sooner if he hadn't tried to be so involved in the football side of things.
Whatever, it sounds like he's learned a lot in 10 years. Usually, I'd be skeptical of such comments but Washington has managed to navigate free agency without offering one overrated player an insanely overpriced contract. And that, people, is why Vinny Cerrato is the most underrated general manager in the NFL.
Hat tip: Hogs Haven
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-08-2008 @ 2:11PM
FRANK SNELL said...
I CERTAINLY HOPE HE HAS LEARNED SOMETHING, HE COULD HAVE SAVED MILLIONS, HE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN MARTY MORE TIME, INSTEAD OF WASTING ALL THOSE MILLIONS ON WHAT'S HIS NAME. I DO THINK HE'S IMPROVING, AND THAT CAN ONLY BE GOOD.
Reply
4-15-2008 @ 5:29PM
rgorres said...
as long as the fans keep buying those tickets -dan snyder will be content to mediocrity -"we have the money to rebuild every three years" - no commitment to excellence - he knows he can sell it out regardless
look at the ratio of capitals to flyers fans (90% capitals - 10% flyers) in attendance - with the redskins - there so many people sick of dan that they are selling it to opposing fans
as long as dan owns the team - the redskins will never achieve dominance like they did with the cookes - it's all about business and money
last year the redskins came together as a team - then the owner demonstrated how he really is (classless)- how do you expect the players to jump into the fire for that team again - it's all about money and that will reflect on the players attitudes especially now
pleeze- spanuolo saying "i am not ready to be a head coach"? yea right - and greg williams interviewing? - he's been on the team and payroll for the last several years - what has dan snyder been observing the last few years? - i'll tell you what - his money and nothing else
so you idiot season ticket holders just keep paying for those high priced tickets and parking - and preseason too.
with the total price you pay for season tickets...just save it and buy a hd tv and watch it at the comfort of your home - think about it. freezing your @$$ off to watch mediocrity!
wake up people!
Reply