Commanders rookie class visits high school students in Southeast DC

WASHINGTON (7News) — Winning on and off the field - It's a new era with the Washington Commanders' NFL franchise.

A lot of smiles because of their play on the field. On Monday afternoon, those smiles were from their work in the community.

The entire Commanders' rookie class made their way to Southeast D.C.

The players participated in a student-athlete leadership session at Digital Pioneers Academy. It was the perfect opportunity for the rookies to connect with their new home.

7News Sports Director Scott Abraham spoke with Commanders Foundation Chair Marjorie Harris about the significance of the event for the team, the rookies, and the school.

"It's incredibly rewarding. They are the future of the Commanders. We saw what happened last year. You just never know what's going to happen," Harris told Abraham. "They are all different. They are all from different backgrounds. They are all interesting and they're all playing for their future and that comes out when you talk with them. To bring them into this environment, I think is very humbling for them."

For many of those rookies, this was a full-circle moment. Less than five years ago, they were in high school, dreaming big just like the student athletes who attended the event.