Eddie Goldman Presser: “I don’t know Jayden Daniels yet, but he definitely knows how to work his magic”

The veteran defensive lineman from DC speaks to the local media

Eddie Goldman has had an unusual path through his NFL career, including opting out of the “COVID year” and retiring before making a comeback in Atlanta a year ago. Now he has joined the Commanders as they try to improve their defensive fortunes following a dramatic and successful inaugural season for Adam Peters, Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels.

Goldman spoke to the media on Saturday morning.

“Who is DQ? Is that defensive quality control?” Eddie Goldman had everyone smiling before he even got started on his media session. Once things kicked off officially, though, Goldman was all business, giving direct and concise answers to questions, with very little expansion.

Asked about the free agency process, Goldman said that the Commanders ‘reached out’ and described the decision as a ‘no-brainer’, adding that Washington had been his favorite team as a child (he’s from DC). Later in the media session he added that is “means a lot” to come home to play, and used the word ‘surreal’.

He said his strongest memories of the team growing up were “the drought”, which he went on to explain referred to years of losing and ‘a lot of hardships’ for the franchise.

Referring to Jayden Daniels, Goldman said that the team rallies behind him. He said that he hasn’t met Daniels yet, but added that “he definitely knows how to work his magic — especially late in the game”.

Like most new arrivals, Goldman professed that he is ready to do whatever the coaches need him to do.

He explained that his decision to retire and then return to the NFL had to do with ‘off the field stuff’, adding that he wants to keep his personal life personal, but that his business is handled and he’s back. He feels as if the time off means that his body is fresh, and he has no issues being ready to play.

Like many of his fellow recently signed free agent teammates, Golman said that the Commanders appeared, from the outside, to be a tight knit group, adding that you can’t find that in every NFL organization. He stressed that every year is different and that he understands the need to build success afresh every year.

All in all, Eddie Golman seems to be a man of few words who is happy to be here and ready to work.