Commanders fan Melba Jacobson celebrates 100th birthday

SILVER SPRING, Md. (DC News Now) — Melba Jacobson can’t contain her excitement for her next trip out to Ashburn, Virginia. On Thursday, July 31, Jacobson turned 100-years-old, which means a birthday trip to Commanders training camp is coming up.

Jacobson has visited the franchise’s camp every year since her 90th birthday (except during COVID), commemorating her visit with a sign, taking pictures with players and receiving autographs. She just might be the oldest and one of the most beloved Commanders fans.

“When I came here in 1941, the [team] had been here a few years. There was no television then so we listened on the radio. Sammy Baugh was the quarterback,” Jacobson said. “I just want them to go through the good times that I did.”

The walls of Jacobson’s Silver Spring, Maryland apartments hallways are filled with signs from her visits to Commanders training camp. They’re so important to the 100-year-old fan that she moved one of her son’s baby pictures to make more room on the wall to display her signs prominently. Jacobson already has a spot for her 100th birthday sign that she’ll have for her visit to Ashburn in August.

Last year, we introduced you to Jacobson has she visited camp for her 99th birthday, receiving a hug from then Commanders defensive end Chase Young, a cake from cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and a serenade of “Happy Birthday to you” from the team.

“She looks forward to it all year. She’s always talking about her boys,” Jacobson’s daughter Sharon Ramboz, who initially came up with the idea to take her mother to camp in 2014, said. “You would think that they were her own kids.”

Jacobson affectionately calls the players, “my boys.”

“I give them all hugs on the field,” Jacobson said. “Even if they’re sweaty.”

Jacobson has had close relationships with many players over the years, including former quarterback Kirk Cousins and Washington legend Joe Theismann. Theisman sent Jacobson a birthday video for her 100th birthday, saying: “happy 100 and may you have many many many more. You are a very special person. In fact you are my hero.”

Jacobson is eager for her visit to celebrate in Ashburn and says the top of her wish list for her visit is to meet the new owners.

“I’d like to meet them, the new owners,” Jacobson said. “I want to be introduced, say hello and ask them some questions.”

Originally from Texas, Jacobson quickly became a fan of Washington when she moved to the district. Ramboz told DC News Now that when she was growing up, her mother couldn’t be disturbed when the games were on.

“My mother always has such an amazing happy personality. I think that’s why she does so well, because she always looks for the positive,” Ramboz said. “Her big positive is football for sure.”

In the Jewish tradition, people say “may you live to 120.” When Jacobson was told “may you live to 120,” she responded – “at least till then! Or at least until they win the Super Bowl!”

“Everybody should have as good a life and as long of a life as I’ve had,” Jacobson said. “I like all people.”

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