Virginia Beach's Bobby Price Aims to Earn a Lasting Role With the Commanders

Bobby Price has long considered the 757 his football home. Now the Virginia Beach native, who has moved between teams since entering the NFL in 2020, hopes to find some stability with the Washington Commanders.

Price starred at Bishop Sullivan and later at Norfolk State. His current situation is something of a full-circle moment, since he grew up in Hampton Roads cheering for Washington's burgundy and gold.

His childhood favorites say a lot about the player he has become. "My favorite guy growing up was Donovan McNabb," he recalled, before mentioning the late Sean Taylor. "Now I play defense so a big fan of the big hits and stuff like that." Price now works in the same defensive backfield where Taylor once played.

The cornerback appeared in three games for the Commanders last season, and he wants a bigger part this year. His first target is making the 53-man roster out of training camp. "Definitely become a big part of the equation," he said of his 2025 ambitions. "Just being able to be part of the team, being a puzzle piece and just doing whatever I can do to help the team."

Teammates have noticed his approach. Safety Quan Martin called Price "a high-energy dude" who "comes to work every day the same dude," adding that his effort and energy bring a lot to the team.

Price is also trying to learn from the players around him. His position group includes veteran Marshon Lattimore and second-year standout Mike Sainristil, who give him plenty of experience to draw on. "It feels good, because veteran guys, Pro Bowl guys who have been there, knows the film, knows how to break down film, knows different types of guys through the division," Price said. "It gives me the opportunity to learn from those guys and become a better player."

Price has not lost touch with home while chasing his NFL goals. He is also following the green and gold, and said he is glad Michael Vick is there. He added that the team has some former pros, and that he is excited to see those players learn how to be professionals and how to become a good football team.

Playing for his boyhood team close to home matters to him. "As a little kid being a Redskins' fan, it means the world to me," Price said. He noted that his mom, dad and brothers can watch him play, and that his young son can come down to see him as well.

Price began his career with the Detroit Lions, where he spent his first three seasons, and joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2023. Last season was his first with the Commanders. His best year came in 2021 with Detroit, when he appeared in 15 games and recorded 18 tackles and three passes defended.