The Washington Commanders selected Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly, Jr. with their first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, further strengthening an already improved offensive line. However, contrary to circulating rumors, Conerly did not “send back a $100 bill” to the team.
This myth originated from an account on X (@CommandersFB) that shares team insights– often mistaken by fans as the official account. Each year, the account echoes a joke based on a scene from the Kevin Costner film Draft Day. In the movie, a $100 bill is taped to the last page of a playbook sent to players by “Washington.” Some players ignore it, some acknowledge it, and one even returns it with a note saying, “Save this for when I win you the Super Bowl.”
In recent years, the same account has humorously reposted this anecdote, replacing the name with that of Washington’s first-round draft pick. Past posts have gone viral, even being mentioned live on 106.7 The Fan’s Sports Junkies show before it was realized as a reference was from a film.
While Conerly may not have returned any cash, Commanders coaches are very high on the tackle, who is expected to secure the right tackle spot opposite Pro Bowl left tackle– and new acquisition– Laremy Tunsil, helping protect quarterback Jayden Daniels for years to come.