Commanders coach Dan Quinn reveals surprising new favorite team ahead of NFL’s Madrid debut

Anticipation is building ahead of the NFL’s debut in Spain, where the Washington Commanders will face the Miami Dolphins at Real Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, November 16.

At the Commanders’ first media appearance ahead of the historic game, the room at Ciudad Real Madrid, the LaLiga giants’ training complex, falls silent as Dan Quinn enters.

Dan Quinn wears unexpected jersey to Commanders media appearances

Towering at 6-foot-3 and over 220 pounds, Quinn could almost pass for a defensive end if not for his white beard. On this day, he’s wearing a Madrid Bravos jersey, representing the Spanish franchise in the European League of Football.

“Quick shoutout to the Madrid Bravos from the ELF,” a grateful Quinn begins. “We did our workouts over at their facility today, and also big thanks to everybody here at Real Madrid.”

Quinn’s NFL journey now includes a new fandom - Madrid Bravos

Quinn is known for transforming Seattle’s defense into one of the league’s most feared units in 2013-2014, and he later led the Atlanta Falcons to the 2017 Super Bowl as head coach.

He joined the Commanders in 2024, guiding them to the NFC Championship game last season. This year has been tougher: Washington sits third in the NFC East with a 3-7 record, dropping the last five games in a row.

Still, Quinn’s impressive résumé now includes a new chapter in fandom, with the Madrid Bravos, who he says he will be a “big fan” of from now on, joining his list of football loyalties.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.