Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin Tom Hauck/GettyImages

Sporting icon and Commanders fan rallies behind Terry McLaurin in contract war

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Ryan McCafferty | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Any conversation regarding the Washington Commanders this offseason cannot be had without mentioning the contract saga involving star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

What originally seemed like no reason to sound the alarm bells has turned into the drama of the summer, complete with a training camp holdout and trade request. The Commanders play meaningful football in only three weeks, and their top offensive weapon still hasn't joined his teammates on the practice field.

Everybody has an opinion on the matter. The vast majority are in support of the two-time Pro Bowler getting his money. Adam Peters might not listen to the ordinary fan, but perhaps he'll take notice of an endorsement from one of the Commanders' most loyal supporters from elsewhere in the sports world.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. goes to bat for Terry McLaurin as Commanders' contract battle continues

Dale Earnhardt Jr., 26-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner and 15-time Most Popular Driver, has weighed in on the McLaurin saga, making his voice heard on X (formerly known as Twitter). And he echoed what most fans are feeling on the subject.

Woke up today feeling extra anxious. When the @Commanders and @TheTerry_25 gonna announce a new deal? We need to get that done yesterday.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 14, 2025

Earnhardt has been a lifetime fan of Washington's NFL franchise, growing up in North Carolina prior to the Carolina Panthers coming to town. His support has never wavered through thick and thin. He has frequently chimed in on various team developments, such as its name change and Dan Snyder's long-awaited sale of the organization to Josh Harris.

In 2017, Earnhardt took several members of the team, including quarterback Kirk Cousins, linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, and cornerback Josh Norman, on a ride-along experience at Richmond Raceway. Last season, before Washington's NFC Championship game appearance, he narrated a hype video that was posted on the Commanders' social media accounts.

Foot on the gas. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/NIYCD17020
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) January 25, 2025

But he is more than just another famous sports figure who happens to root for the Commanders. Earnhardt has actively been involved with the team on multiple occasions. He knows Washington's brass on a personal level. He might not hold a position in the front office, but his voice carries weight.

Whether his word will be enough to move the needle in this case is questionable. Recent reports have conflicted as to how close Washington is to getting a deal done with McLaurin. Some claim the two sides could meet at around $28 million, while others seem to think the second-team All-Pro has played his last game for the Commanders.

ESPN insider John Keim published an article detailing the standoff, and it did not read as particularly optimistic. Nevertheless, fans can hope for the best.

Count the two-time Daytona 500 winner among them.