03-06-2025
Commanders' PR staff wins 2025 Pete Rozelle Award
Remember when former Washington team president Bruce Allen said the franchise was "winning off the field?" That feels like a generation ago, and much has changed. These days, the now-Commanders are winning off the field—they just happen to be winning on the field, too.
On Monday, Washington's public relations staff, led by Vice President of Football Communications Sean DeBarbieri, won the 2025 Pete Rozelle Award, via the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). The award is given annually to the NFL team "that consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media."
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It's the first time in the award's 36-year history that Washington has won.
Washington's PR staff consists of DeBarbieri, Charlie Mule (senior manager of football communications), Jerod Carrier (manager of football communications) and Samantha Fristachi (coordinator of football communications).
'The greatest strength of Washington's football PR staff is its ability to build trust. Sean's group is honest, transparent and fair, and has a keen understanding of the jobs of media, players and team executives,' said PFWA president Nicki Jhabvala, from the Washington Post. 'It works with media instead of against them, often seeking reporters' input to try new things, such as off-record roundtables with the head coach, and using feedback to adjust its schedule when needed. Pitches may not always be fulfilled, but they're always fully considered."
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The award is long overdue for Washington's PR staff, which has dealt with many challenges over the years.
The award is named after former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Rozelle was the NFL's commissioner from 1960-89.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' PR staff wins Pete Rozelle Award
