Nobody would blame Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin for being frustrated with the franchise that drafted him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Despite drafting him, the Commanders have done little to provide McLaurin with the platform needed to consistently showcase his talents.
Nevertheless, McLaurin remains one of the most dedicated players in Washington. He is always smiling when seen outside his home or the facility, and he never takes the bait to publicly air grievances.
“Honestly, I think I try to stay in my process. When I was young, I would look at guys in the league and my peers and think, ‘I could do what they’re doing.’ People don’t necessarily appreciate that, as a receiver, you play one of the most dependent positions on the field,” McLaurin said on a recent appearance on SportsCenter. “I’ve gotten comfortable being uncomfortable. I don’t stress about who’s going to be at quarterback, but I know I’ll be prepared when my number is called. It’s a no-excuse mentality; all those factors are pieces to the puzzle, but I’ll never use that as an excuse for the unpredictability.”
“It’s sad in many ways because, as beloved as McLaurin is by the Commanders fan base, he’s missing the partner every great receiver needs to cement himself in the history books of a franchise and the NFL. Time is running out for him to be the primary guy for an electric quarterback. Rookie Jayden Daniels may very well be his last chance to form a dynamic duo.
Forming that connection goes beyond talent, and McLaurin is doing everything he can to get to know his newest quarterback.
“That starts when you get to know someone and learn what they’re about, their whys, and why they put time and effort into what they’re doing,” McLaurin said. “When you have that connection, it’s easier to be honest. We don’t take any conversation in our building personally because we know our brothers are looking out for us and want the best for the entire team. Jayden exudes that. Our personal relationship will help us and the entire group as we move forward.”
Another new quarterback and another new relationship, but the same mission-focused and dedicated McLaurin that Washington has come to know and love.
