The DC Defenders brought home their first-ever United Football League (UFL) championship title in June, but recently D.C. Mayor Murial Bowser honored the local team with an official proclamation.
“We are so excited to celebrate the Defenders. You’ve given us more reason to say we are the District of champions,” said Bowser. “Today as Mayor of Washington, D.C., I do hereby proclaim July 11 as DC Defenders Day in Washington, D.C.”
Keeping momentum going, the Defenders took the celebration from the Mayor’s Office on July 11 to the District Wharf on July 12, where the minor league team celebrated delivering a record-setting performance in the title game against the Michigan Panthers, walking away with a 58-34 victory.
Further, the Defenders became the first team in UFL history to score 50 points in a championship matchup.
The championship celebration held Saturday afternoon featured a meet-and-greet, photo opportunities with select players, a live DJ, and chance for fans to see the UFL trophy up close.
The event drew crowds eager to be a part of a moment that was decades in the making.
“It’s a big win for us because we haven’t had a football championship in a while,” said Defenders fan Willis Rodriguez. “So it’s a great thing for the city.”
The Defenders’ championship victory is the first football title for the District since the Washington Football Team Super Bowl win in 1992, ending a 32-year dry period. For many the Defenders’ triumph signals a renewed energy in the football culture that runs deep in Washington.
With their historic win, explosive offense, and growing fanbase, the DC Defenders have established themselves as a team to watch next UFL season.
“D.C., thank you for everything,” said defensive end Malik Fisher. “Every season, every game, every roadtrip anybody made, anytime you watched on tv, we appreciate y’all.”
