For the most part, Taylor Heinicke’s two-plus seasons in Washington will be remembered favorably by fans. However, much like anyone who has taken snaps for the franchise over the past three decades, there is a clear divide within the fan base.
While most Washington fans respect Heinicke and his story, they understand his limitations and that he is just a backup. Then, on the other hand, you have those fans who believe all Heinicke needs is more help around him, and he can be a franchise quarterback.
The truth is, Heinicke did some wonderful things in Washington. He gave fans some great memories over the last two seasons, which have been horribly difficult due to the ownership situation, off-field controversies and the name changes. But he is not a long-term NFL starting quarterback. You can love and appreciate Heinicke and still acknowledge his limitations.
After the news broke Tuesday that Heinicke was heading to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, many Washington fans took to Twitter to remember Heinicke. Others celebrated his departure.
Here are some of those reactions.
Local media
Thank you for the memories, Taylor Heinicke.
Gamer, underdog and winner.
He now gets to play for his hometown team, the Atlanta Falcons.
Heinicke is getting paid too…two-year deal with up to $20 million per @TomPelissero.
Go get ‘em, number 4! pic.twitter.com/h1VVxrxTqs
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) March 14, 2023
A salute to Taylor Heinicke for his two-plus seasons with Washington. Did far more than anyone could have ever expected. #Commanders
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) March 14, 2023
As mentioned on @team980 & @Audacy app – I kinda feel bad that I was hard on Taylor Heinicke but I think I was fair. I should enjoyed the carpet ride more but he is what he is. A good story but a fringe starter, at best. #Falcons #Commanders
— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) March 14, 2023
The Taylor Heinicke story is so incredible and now includes signing with the hometown team for a bunch of money that we can realistically ponder which actor plays him in the inevitable movie.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) March 14, 2023
More local media
Lookin forward to a Sam Howell Taylor Heinicke matchup in week 13 this year … Heinicke deserves every dollar he’s getting and Commanders fans can’t be anything but grateful for his time here in DC https://t.co/qHUsXKPS1Z
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) March 14, 2023
Rick Snider’s Washington wishes bon voyage to Washington Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke. Gimme two minutes. pic.twitter.com/w8vhHpzkPh
— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) March 14, 2023
Taylor Heinicke will go down as one of the coolest guys we got to cover. Happy that he gets to go home to play in Georgia and happy that he’s getting paid handsomely to do so. Someone let the pylons in Atlanta know to keep their heads on a swivel pic.twitter.com/zpp271DVBy
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) March 14, 2023
Fan reactions
Thank you for the sparks when we needed them…Good luck in Atlanta , Taylor Heinicke! #LegendOfHeinicke ♥️pic.twitter.com/O9iNe5mhos
— Hilary (@HilareeBanks) March 14, 2023
He honestly made Sundays bare-able. Reminded me of Cousins in the aspect of games could go either way 🤷🏼 it was time to move on though, Howell deserves a fair shot and if we keep going back to Heinicke without handing him the team then it’s not fair to him. Hope he balls out ATL
— Gunnar (@Shanks_Mister18) March 14, 2023
Happy for Heinicke. Played hard for the team and I respect that.
Overachieved at times.
I put him in that Rock Cartwright, Lorenzo Alexander, James Thrash level.
Players that put in that work. https://t.co/jAtnM1S6j7
— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) March 14, 2023
More fan reactions
Heinicke was fun but it's the right time for a clean break.
— Burgundy Blog (@BurgundyBlog) March 14, 2023
Guess im in the minority.
I’m seeing a lot of happy commanders fans about Heinicke leaving. I am not one of those fans.
He was 11-10 here as a starter. The players loved him. He was fun to watch.
Thanks Taylor. Hope you have great success in Atlanta
— Commander Ray (@Boss_Hogg_81) March 14, 2023
And more...
Heinicke to ATL is official. One of the most polarizing QBs in our history. say what you want, he outperformed expectations. I think the overhype is what caused the fan divide but tip of the cap to him pic.twitter.com/81e5ktiwSA
— Commanders Declassified Podcast (@DeclassifiedWft) March 14, 2023
Cant have the entire stadium chanting his name when Howell throws his first pick but wishing the guy success
— Alex Harrison (@A_J_Harrison) March 14, 2023
Taylor Heinicke gets his bag & goes home to Atlanta
couldn’t be happier for him
TH4 forever ❤️ https://t.co/UPNGU8w05p— Jackson Didlake (@diidlake) March 14, 2023
The Taylor Heinicke video that he posted to Instagram thanking Washington and the fans, what a bunch of amazing memories! THANK YOU, Taylor for making us believe.
And personally, thank you for motivating me to believe in myself and follow my dreams 💙💪 pic.twitter.com/wIPQEMgAQZ— Washington DC Sports News (@DCSportsNews365) March 14, 2023
this play is the embodiment of everything Taylor Heinicke, and i love it pic.twitter.com/Jkb9NbbaKl
— ßΞИJΛM!И (@_ItsBenjiMan) March 14, 2023
Favorite memory?
Now that Heinicke is gone 🫡 What will be your favorite memory of him with The Commanders pic.twitter.com/HoGg29YIUq
— Big Doug (@DougMcCrayNFL) March 14, 2023
Come get this MOXIE!!! pic.twitter.com/7iVfyK72Ju
— DMV Sports 3 (@sports3_dmv) March 14, 2023
Back to back scoring drives in Indy.
The quote “bad win” game via @JPFinlayNBCS lol. Down two scores Taylor finally got to break the shackles that Ron and Scott religiously put on him in 22’. https://t.co/EmDqOT68Qm
— Commando Bando (DW) (@DSuperman25) March 14, 2023
