Denny Hamlin, NASCAR’s undisputed king of candor, is at it again. Whether tearing up the track or stirring the pot off it, Hamlin’s sharp wit and unfiltered honesty make him a lightning rod for fans and critics alike. And this time, his sights are set on the Washington Commanders, with a cheeky jab that cuts as deep as it entertains.
Hamlin, who has long credited Joe Gibbs—his team owner at Joe Gibbs Racing and a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee—for shaping his career, took a playful swipe at the Commanders, a team once led to Super Bowl glory by Gibbs. Amid the hype surrounding the upcoming Super Bowl LIX, Hamlin couldn’t resist poking fun at their decades-long championship drought.
A Nostalgic Swipe at the Commanders’ Last Hurrah
In a recent Instagram story, Hamlin posted a photo of himself holding a pen and paper, set against a backdrop of a younger version of himself, with the caption:
“The last time @commanders won the Super Bowl I was this old.”
For context, that was 1992—a staggering 33 years ago—when a young Denny Hamlin was just 12 years old. The Commanders, then under the leadership of Gibbs, clinched their last Super Bowl victory. Since then, the team’s fortunes have faded, with no Lombardi Trophies to their name in over three decades.
Joe Gibbs: The Common Thread Between NASCAR and NFL Glory
While Hamlin’s jab was lighthearted, it also highlighted the monumental impact Joe Gibbs has had on both NASCAR and the NFL. Gibbs’ tenure with the Commanders produced three Super Bowl titles, with the last coming in 1992. Reflecting on his time with the team, Gibbs once said:
“We know we aren’t a great team and that we have to play hard and together to win. And that’s what we did.”
Hamlin’s career under Gibbs has been nothing short of prolific. Over two decades with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has become one of NASCAR’s most successful and polarizing figures. The mutual respect between Hamlin and Gibbs adds an interesting layer to the playful dig, serving as a reminder of Gibbs’ storied legacy in two of America’s most beloved sports.
The Commanders’ Struggles and Hamlin’s NFL Passion
Hamlin, an avid NFL fan, often shares his thoughts on games and teams via social media. As the Super Bowl approaches, he’s been engaging with fans, even asking them to share what’s on their minds. When one fan jokingly questioned if the Commanders might win the Super Bowl, Hamlin’s response was a mix of nostalgia and brutal honesty.
The Commanders have failed to recapture their past glory since Gibbs’ departure, with coaching changes, ownership controversies, and a string of mediocre seasons leaving fans yearning for a turnaround. Hamlin’s jab serves as a lighthearted reminder of how far the once-dominant franchise has fallen.
Can the Commanders Rewrite Their History?
With Super Bowl LIX on the horizon and the Commanders facing the Philadelphia Eagles in a high-stakes matchup, the pressure is on. While Hamlin’s quip stings, it also underscores the team’s need for a fresh spark to recapture their championship-winning magic.
Hamlin’s Focus Remains on NASCAR
Despite his NFL banter, Hamlin’s primary focus is on the upcoming NASCAR season. With big expectations and a chip on his shoulder, the outspoken driver is poised to chase his first Cup Series championship in 2025. If his trash-talking skills are any indication, Hamlin’s on-track performance should be equally sharp.
