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John Keim
ASHBURN, Va. — As actor Jon Bernthal’s profession blossomed, there was one a part of his childhood he by no means relinquished: his fandom for the Washington soccer franchise. And that was evident whereas he was filming a film in Morocco final fall. That is when Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels — taking part in with a damaged rib — heaved a 56-yard Hail Mary go to receiver Noah Brown on the ultimate play of the sport to stun the Chicago Bears.
“I went operating via the streets of Morocco grabbing individuals,” Bernthal informed a gaggle of reporters after watching the Commanders’ apply Monday. Bernthal was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in suburban Maryland. He was solely 7 years previous when the franchise received its first Tremendous Bowl — and 16 when it received its final one. He has acted in 41 films, together with “The Odyssey” — the film he was filming in Morocco final 12 months — that might be launched in 2026. He additionally will star as The Punisher in “Spider-Man: Model New Day,” which might be launched in July 2026. He has additionally appeared on greater than two dozen TV exhibits — and can play The Punisher in an upcoming Disney+ collection.
No matter the place he’s, Bernthal mentioned he takes his fandom with him. “I have been throughout this world making films: Morocco, Eire, Greece. Throughout North Africa,” he mentioned. “It doesn’t matter what time of day, I am discovering a solution to watch these video games, and through the years, it has been arduous however proper now it is payback time. “It feels so good to be a Commanders fan. It feels prefer it was again within the day: ’83, ’84, ’87, ’92.”
These, in fact, had been the years by which Washington performed within the Tremendous Bowl, successful three of them. After watching a shortened apply Monday — the Commanders could have a full exercise Tuesday morning — he stays inspired. He additionally favored that Daniels talked together with his son, who additionally performed catch with backup quarterback Sam Hartman. “You may really feel this workforce is a bunch of go-getters. Coach [Dan] Quinn is a go-getter; we’re in actual fine condition transferring ahead,” Bernthal mentioned. “The reality is the reality. You may’t mess with this workforce.
“The whole lot is true with this workforce.”
