An argument can be made that Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman is better suited for the cover of GQ instead of Sports Illustrated. Not that any of those magazines are calling, but one look at Hartman and the notion wouldn’t escape anyone.
The fact of the matter is that Hartman is not just quite the looker; he’s too good-looking, according to the team’s offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, who recently quipped that Hartman does not have his permission to “marry his hypothetical daughter.”
“He’s way too good looking,” Kingsbury quipped while speaking to reporters about his interaction with the team’s QB during meetings.
For those who scrolled to this point hoping to get a glimpse of Hartman on Sunday when the Commanders host the Las Vegas Raiders, you’re out of luck.
While yes, Hartman is technically a quarterback with the Commanders, it’s worth noting he’s on the team’s practice squad, which means he practices with the team during the week to help them prepare for Sunday’s games but doesn’t get to suit up on game day.
That being said, Hartman plays a pivotal role as a quarterback on the practice squad. Duties include emulating the playing style of the quarterback the Commanders are set to face on Sunday.
Hartman was a stellar quarterback during his time at Wake Forest and Notre Dame, though he went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed with the Commanders as a free agent and has been part of their developmental process ever since.
The Commanders will be without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels on Sunday against the Raiders due to a sprained knee injury sustained last week against the Packers. That means backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Oregon, will get the start.
Journeyman Josh Johnson, 39, assumes the backup role, leaving Hartman as a practice squad quarterback.
Hartman played during the preseason and has yet to play a regular-season snap in the NFL. If he gets in one day and performs well, perhaps a Head and Shoulders commercial is in his future.
