Total Pro Sports
The Washington Commanders- an NFL team with a rich but controversial history- have been through a series of changes recently. Their name change wasn’t just about rebranding; it was about addressing decades of criticism, responding to societal pressures, and embracing a more inclusive identity.
Let’s break down the story behind why the team decided to leave their old name behind and how they landed on their new one.
For most of its history, the team was known as the Washington Redskins, a name it had carried since the 1930s. Before moving to Washington, the franchise began as the Boston Braves. The term “redskin,” defined by Merriam-Webster as an offensive slur “used as an insulting and contemptuous term for an American Indian,” drew criticism as far back as the 1960s. Native American groups and individuals highlighted the derogatory nature of the name and its logo, which depicted a Native American wearing a headdress.
One legacy. One unified future.
We are the Washington Commanders #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/Eav9NOV5Mm
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022
Despite lawsuits and growing calls for change, the franchise’s owners resisted. Dan Snyder, who took ownership of the team in 1999, famously vowed never to alter the name, stating he would “never” give in to the demands of activists. For decades, the organization maintained its controversial identity, despite growing awareness of its problematic connotations.
Everything changed in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. The tragedy sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice and systemic racism. Amid this heightened awareness, attention turned once again to institutions perpetuating racist stereotypes- including the Washington NFL team.
#BREAKING: An independent autopsy commissioned for George Floyd’s family finds that he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression. pic.twitter.com/S5S8EJu63S
— Jenn Franco KESQ (@jennfranconews) June 1, 2020
Corporate sponsors like Nike and Pepsi joined the conversation, threatening to withdraw financial support if the team refused to rebrand. FedEx, the sponsor of the team’s stadium at the time, also called for immediate action. Faced with significant economic pressure, Snyder finally relented. The organization announced it would retire the Redskins name and logo, initiating a search for a new identity.
In July 2020, the franchise adopted the temporary name “Washington Football Team” (WFT) as a placeholder. This period marked a departure from its 87-year history under the Redskins moniker. While fans and critics alike debated the generic nature of the interim name, it was always intended to be a short-term solution. The team invited fans to participate in the rebranding process by submitting suggestions for a permanent name.
Over the course of 19 months, the franchise sifted through more...
