BREAKING NEWS: Washington Commanders Team Bus Involved in Minor Accident on Way to Game
June 14, 2025 — 12:45 PM ET
In a startling development just hours before kickoff, a team bus carrying members of the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the Redskins) was involved in a minor traffic accident on the way to today’s preseason game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The accident occurred at approximately 10:15 AM near Exit 15W on the New Jersey Turnpike. According to early reports from the New Jersey State Police, the Commanders’ team bus was part of a convoy en route to the stadium when one of the vehicles made a sudden stop due to congestion caused by earlier road construction in the area. The bus carrying several players and staff was rear-ended by a trailing equipment truck. No other vehicles were involved.
Initial assessments from both team officials and emergency responders suggest that there were no serious injuries. However, as a precaution, several team members were evaluated on-site by paramedics. A few individuals reported minor neck and back discomfort but declined transportation to a hospital. Team physicians are continuing to monitor all personnel involved.
“The safety and well-being of our players and staff is our top priority,” said Washington Commanders spokesperson Jessica Morgan in a press briefing held outside MetLife Stadium. “We are thankful that this was a minor incident and that everyone is accounted for. We are proceeding with caution and following medical advice regarding each individual’s ability to participate in today’s game.”
Eyewitnesses who happened to be driving on the same route reported a brief period of traffic disruption following the collision. “It looked like a fender-bender, nothing major,” said Andrew Torres, a local commuter. “Still, I was surprised to see the Commanders logo on the bus. Definitely not something you expect on a Saturday morning.”
Following a thorough inspection and after receiving clearance from local law enforcement, the team resumed its journey to MetLife Stadium. The Commanders arrived around 11:30 AM, slightly behind schedule but with enough time for final pre-game preparations. Head Coach Dan Quinn reassured fans and reporters that the situation, while unnerving, would not impact the team’s performance.
“We’re professionals. These things happen, and we roll with it,” Quinn said. “The guys are focused, in good spirits, and ready to compete.”
The NFL has confirmed that the game will proceed as scheduled, with kickoff remaining at 1:00 PM ET. However, the league is expected to review transportation protocols for all teams in the wake of the incident, particularly regarding multi-vehicle convoys in high-traffic areas.
This incident also sheds light on the increasingly complex logistics involved in transporting professional sports teams. As security measures have grown more stringent and team entourages have expanded, travel coordination has become a delicate operation involving law enforcement, transportation experts, and team management.
Commanders’ fans took to social media within minutes of the news breaking, expressing concern and offering support. Hashtags such as #CommandersStrong and #SafeTravelsDC quickly trended across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
This is not the first time an NFL team has experienced transportation troubles. In 2017, the Minnesota Vikings’ team plane skidded off the runway during landing in Green Bay, Wisconsin. While no one was hurt in that incident either, it prompted a league-wide reevaluation of travel safety guidelines.
Commanders quarterback Marcus Howell, one of the players on the affected bus, tweeted shortly after arriving at the stadium: “We’re good. A little shaken, but focused. Thanks for all the love. Time to go to work. #HTTC”
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely not only to see how the Commanders perform on the field today, but also how the league and the organization manage post-incident follow-up. For now, the focus shifts back to football, though the close call serves as a sobering reminder of the everyday risks even professional athletes face off the field.
Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
