Can Washington, D.C., pro football make a comeback?

Daniel Snyder is no longer the owner of the Washington Commanders . A shroud has lifted over the district. Still, it may be hard to recapture the magic of when the pro football team, then called the Redskins , was at its peak.

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If you were born and raised in Washington, it’s hard to describe the mania that once surrounded the team. In the 1980s, the players were treated like gods. Local stores would empty on Sundays. RFK Stadium was a euphoric, section-shaking party where fans of all ages, races, and classes would cheer the burgundy and gold. The National Symphony Orchestra once played “Hail to the Redskins” at a Kennedy Center concert. More important than being winners — which we were, taking home three Lombardi trophies — the team, the announcers, the fans were all fun.

That vibe ended in 1999 with the new owner, Daniel Snyder. In Snyder's 23 seasons as Washington's owner, the team has had six playoff appearances and two postseason victories. The team went 7-10 this season, marking its fifth straight season with a sub-.500 record. There have also been lawsuits and talk of a toxic culture, especially regarding the treatment of women.

That was addressed quickly and bluntly this week when Don Geronimo, a local radio host, was fired for referring to a local sports reporter as “Barbie” and saying he thought “she was a cheerleader.”

That’s dumb stuff to say, especially while at the team’s training camp and live on the radio. The Commanders are not going to put up with it.

They also should find a new stadium to play in. FedEx Field, which opened in 1997, is a terrible arena.

The new owners also should address some fan behavior, including drunkenness and foul language in front of children. Going to games at RFK Stadium as a child, the vibe was always positive.

Also, consider a new name — yes, again.

The new owners also need to leave some room for fun. The old Washington teams were fun, from Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green’s bubbly personality to smiling quarterback Sonny Jurgensen to “the fun bunch,” a dynamic group of wide receivers.

Then there was star running back John Riggins, nicknamed “the Diesel.” It’s near impossible to imagine, but there was a time when Riggins got drunk and told Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, “Loosen up, Sandy baby. You’re too tight.” While it’s a good thing the new owners are clamping down on sexist language, they risk becoming so intolerant that they don’t let football players, who engage in a violent game under huge pressure, have a little fun.

The Riggins tale is a legendary Washington story. “I had been with a good friend, had a few beers, didn’t bother to eat,” Riggins explained afterward. “I went down to the hotel where the party was, walked in, and — God, I don’t know why because I hardly ever drink it — I had a double scotch. And I had another.” Riggins approached his table, where he was seated with governors, magazine editors — and a Supreme Court justice. Riggins saw Virginia Gov. Chuck Robb. “Gooo-be-na-tooor!” he said, according to Robb. “I understand that we’re going to be seated at the same table tonight!” Riggins refused food — “I continued to drink my dinner.”

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was about to leave because she had an early commitment the next morning. Riggins approached O’Connor’s seat, put his arm around her husband, looked over at the first female justice in American history, and uttered the famous line.

Witnesses said Riggins “squatted and was staring off into space. He was really out of it.” The Diesel got under the table and fell asleep. He was out through the whole speech by Vice President George H.W. Bush. “People checked Riggins a couple of times during the show to make sure he was breathing,” a guest remarked. The Washington Post came up with one of their greatest headlines ever: “John Riggins’ Big Sleep: He Came, He Jawed, He Conked Out.”

No lectures, no rehab for Riggo, no scandal. O’Connor herself laughed about it in the paper the next day.

So, yes, bring the new, positive culture to the Commanders. Just remember to let the fans and players have some fun.

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Mark Judge is an award-winning journalist and the author of  The Devil's Triangle: Mark Judge vs. the New American Stasi . He is also the author of God and Man at Georgetown Prep, Damn Senators, and A Tremor of Bliss.