Javon Kinlaw grew up in Northeast D.C., dreaming of one day playing for the team he admired as a child. Now, the defensive lineman has turned that dream into reality. Signing with the Washington Commanders marks a full-circle moment for him.
Given his personal and professional connections to the franchise, returning home seemed inevitable. So, when the Commanders approached him during free agency, the choice was an easy one.
“I’ve had a great relationship with Adam Peters for a long time, and his belief in me over the past few years has been amazing from the start,” Kinlaw shared. His former assistant defensive line coach with the San Francisco 49ers, Darryl Tapp—now the same position coach for Washington—also made the decision simpler. “It was pretty much an easy decision for me,” Kinlaw said. “Just the trust they have in me.”
Kinlaw’s path hasn’t been without challenges, but they never stopped him from pursuing his NFL dreams. “God blessed me with the ability to play this game, and I use it to my advantage,” he explained. His faith has helped him overcome tough times, including injury struggles, and continue contributing to teams he believes in.
As a Washington fan growing up, Kinlaw remembers watching players like Trent Williams and Jordan Reed. Now, as a Commander, he’s excited about the moment. “For me to be able to be on this team now is a full-circle moment,” he said. “I’m blessed and highly favored to be here.”
Kinlaw has been impressed by the Commanders’ recent success. “I know a lot about the turnaround,” he remarked. “It happened in the blink of an eye… going from zero to hero.” The team’s camaraderie and passion have only increased his excitement about joining them. “When you watch that film, you see a team that plays for each other,” Kinlaw said. “Guys are playing hard—even on special teams. That’s what you want to see.”
While thrilled to be home, Kinlaw is focused on making a strong impact on the field. “I’m looking to be a natural-born leader,” he said. “I want to bring a style and physicality to the D-line.”
His return to Washington also reconnects him with the community he holds dear. Though he hasn’t spent much time in the neighborhoods where he grew up recently, he’s eager to give back. “I’m just looking to be around, man—just looking to give back to the communities I grew up in,” he said.
As Kinlaw continues to evolve, he’s ready to help the Commanders reach new heights, all while embracing the opportunity to represent his hometown team. “I’m looking to thrive with these guys,” he shared. “I feel so blessed and happy to be here.”
This marks a new chapter for Kinlaw—and there’s no better place to begin it than at home with the Washington Commanders.
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