Each day this week, I'll be sharing conversations with Commanders players (as well as head coach Ron Rivera) to get you set for this weekend's first pre-season game.
The Commanders host the Panthers at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and you can hear all the action on BIG 100. Pre-game starts at 11 a.m.
Here's my conversation with tight end John Bates, in his second year with the Commanders. John found himself starting in the middle of last season when Logan Thomas got hurt. Unfortunately, John has been dealing with a calf injury, but he's practicing again and feeling better every day.
John is originally from the Pacific Northwest and played college ball at Boise State.
In addition to talking about the upcoming season, we talk music (he's a huge country music fan!), do Lisa's 30-second Drill where we learn that he loves The Office TV show, and get his picks in the Battle of the Bands match-ups.
Click below for the interview, and Hail to the Commanders!
#HTTC