The Washington Commanders' rookies took a break from being the youngest in the room during an empowering afternoon at Digital Pioneers Academy.

"It was really important for us to bring the rookies in and have them experience their city," Marjorie Harris said. "This is gonna be their city. I said, 'When you go to see these kids, it means that we care about them, because we're showing up.'"

The rookie event at DPA earlier this week is part of a years-long relationship between the Commanders and the southeast D.C. high school, which has been significantly impacted by gun violence. In 2023, the organization helped launch DPA's football program. It didn't take long for the program to blossom into a source of pride and purpose for many in the Panthers community.

Since that first touchpoint in 2023, from training camp and gameday hangouts to Super Bowl surprises, the bond between the Commanders and DPA has continued to grow. Monday's event was the latest example of the impact that can be made not just through financial support, but through personal connection and visibility

Unique to Monday was the vulnerable and intimate environment the high schoolers and the Commanders rookies were able to share. This space was cultivated by performance coach, professor and former D.C. Diva Monica Livingston who struck a balance between deep conversation-starters and light-hearted exercises in the interactive workshop.

"The energy in that room was electric. Watching the Commanders rookie class connect with high school players on leadership, teamwork and purpose; it was powerful," Livingston said. "The high school athletes didn't just show up; they leaned in. We didn't just talk football; we built future leaders. The day was about building character, connection and confidence, and the Commanders helped make it unforgettable."

In small groups, the rookies and the DPA players answered a variety of get-to-know-you questions. They had an opportunity to speak about challenges they had navigated and keys for overcoming adversity. And, more importantly to the players, they had a chance to engage in some friendly competition. In a contest to see who could hold the longest plank, DPA linebacker Jakhi Jones beat out new Washington wide receiver Jaylin Lane.

Everybody in that room could feel like a winner to some degree at day's end. The rookies got to be out in their new home and spend time with local youth. The DPA players were able to learn from young role models and keep feeling inspired to push for their goals.

"It's a dream come true," said Panthers defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach Antonio Brown. "Three years ago. we didn't have a football program. We didn't have athletics. So, to bring all that here at DPA in three years. You've got the NFL, the Commanders here. Last year we won a championship, [went]11-1. It's just a dream come true to get these guys something else to look at."