Commanders Celebrate Deaf Superfan Dale McCord as NFL Fan of the Year Nominee

Dale McCord, a passionate lifelong fan of the Washington Commanders and a trailblazer for accessibility in sports, has been named the team’s 2024 Fan of the Year nominee.

This recognition celebrates McCord’s passion for the Commanders and his contributions to the fan community.

It also marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first deaf nominee for the NFL’s Fan of the Year award.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dale M (@d_mcc017)

Born in Centerville, Virginia, McCord has been a loyal supporter of Burgundy & Gold since childhood.

His love for the team began with his grandfather, Hayden, who became a season ticket holder in the early 1980s.

McCord took over the family season tickets in 2011 and has been a devoted fan ever since.

He enjoys attending games, tailgating, and building camaraderie with fellow Commanders supporters.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Melissa Elmira Yingst (@melmira)

McCord lost his hearing at age two but never let it hinder his love for football.

With advancements in technology, closed captioning enabled McCord to connect more deeply with the game.

He has since dedicated himself to advocating for greater inclusivity for deaf fans in football.

McCord advocates for better captioning at stadiums and the inclusion of sign language interpreters during key moments.

His efforts aim to create a more inclusive and accessible experience for all football fans.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeremy Smith (@deafplusadvocate)

A member of the Pro Football Ultimate Fan Association (PFUFA) since 2017, McCord uses his platform to promote inclusivity in football.

He has led initiatives such as bringing deaf and hard-of-hearing children to PFUFA’s Kids Tailgate Party during Hall of Fame weekend.

His efforts ensure these young fans feel included and welcomed in the football community.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dale M (@d_mcc017)

McCord’s wife, Jillian, admires his loyalty to the Commanders and his commitment to inclusion.

She said

As a nominee, McCord has won two tickets to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

He eagerly awaits the NFL Honors Awards on February 6, where the Fan of the Year winner will be announced.

“It’s an honor,” McCord said.,

McCord’s journey shows how passion and advocacy can inspire fans and promote sports accessibility.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Dale McCord proudly shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, showcasing his grandpa’s portrait tattoo by @inkbynico, expressing gratitude for bringing the meaningful artwork to life.
• Dale and his wife celebrated a significant milestone on July 4, 2022, by bidding farewell to Leesburg and moving to Purcellville, expressing excitement for new home adventures.
• The couple has two dogs, Hope and Charlie.