The saga of the Washington Football Team’s identity has been one of the most talked-about topics in sports, extending far beyond the gridiron. For decades, the team’s former name, the “Redskins,” sparked fierce debate and widespread calls for change due to its derogatory nature. In 2020, facing immense pressure, the franchise embarked on a significant rebranding journey, culminating in the adoption of the Washington Commanders name. This monumental decision, however, continues to be a subject of discussion, recently reignited by former President Donald Trump’s demand for the “Redskins” return.
The Evolution of a Franchise Name: From Redskins to Commanders
For 87 years, from 1933 to 2020, the team known today as the Washington Commanders bore the name “Redskins.” Originating from the team’s Boston roots, the name was intended to honor Native American heritage, particularly their coach and player William “Lone Star” Dietz, who claimed Sioux ancestry. Over time, however, the term became widely recognized as a racial slur, leading to growing opposition.
Decades of Controversy and Calls for Change
The controversy surrounding the “Redskins” name wasn’t a sudden development. For more than 50 years, Native American groups, activists, and civil rights organizations consistently protested the name, citing it as offensive and a harmful stereotype. Legal challenges were mounted, public awareness campaigns launched, and numerous petitions signed, all advocating for a name change. Despite this sustained pressure, then-owner Daniel Snyder staunchly resisted, famously declaring, “We will never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER—you can use caps.”
However, the tide began to turn dramatically in 2020. Amidst a national reckoning on racial injustice and heightened corporate social responsibility, major sponsors like FedEx (who held naming rights to the team’s stadium), Nike, PepsiCo, and Bank of America publicly called for a name change, threatening to pull their sponsorships if the team did not comply. This financial pressure, combined with increasing public sentiment and pressure from the NFL itself, proved to be the tipping point for the franchise.
The Interim: Washington Football Team
In July 2020, facing the combined weight of sponsor demands and public outcry, the team announced it would retire the “Redskins” name. As a temporary measure, and to allow for a thorough rebranding process, the franchise adopted the moniker “Washington Football Team.” This interim name, while lacking the flair of a traditional NFL team, served its purpose: it immediately removed the offensive term and bought the organization time to consult with fans, conduct market research, and develop a new identity that would resonate positively and reflect modern values. It marked a crucial step in the team’s journey and solidified the commitment that the Washington Commanders name change was not just a fleeting thought.
The Washington Commanders Era Begins
After nearly two years as the Washington Football Team, the franchise unveiled its permanent new name: the Washington Commanders. On February 2, 2022, the team officially became the Commanders, alongside a new logo, uniforms, and branding elements. The choice aimed to reflect a sense of leadership, unity, and a nod to the region’s military ties, particularly with the Pentagon located nearby.
The team’s leadership, including then-team president Jason Wright, emphasized that the new name was the result of extensive research, fan engagement, and a desire to forge a new, inclusive identity for the franchise. The Washington Commanders name change was presented as a fresh start, leaving behind the baggage of the past and embracing a future built on respect and community.
Fan Reception and Rebranding Challenges
The reception to the Commanders name was, predictably, mixed. Some fans embraced the new identity, eager for a fresh start and proud that the team had addressed the controversial past. Others, particularly those with a deep emotional attachment to the “Redskins” name, expressed disappointment or indifference. The transition also brought significant logistical challenges, from updating stadium signage and merchandise to rewriting team history for official records and media guides. This massive undertaking underscored the permanence of the decision to move forward with the Commanders name, making any thought of a return exceedingly complex.
Donald Trump’s Intervention: A Demand for the Redskins’ Return
In late 2023 and early 2024, the debate over the team’s identity was unexpectedly reignited by former President Donald Trump. Speaking at various rallies and events, Trump publicly called for the Washington team to revert to its “Redskins” name. His statements often framed the change as “politically correct” overreach, arguing that the original name was part of the team’s tradition and should not have been abandoned. Trump’s comments resonated with a segment of his base and some disillusioned fans who felt the name change was an unnecessary concession.
The Political Dimension of Team Names
Trump’s intervention highlighted the deeply politicized nature of sports team names, particularly those with cultural or historical sensitivities. For some, defending the old name becomes a stance against what they perceive as “cancel culture” or an overemphasis on cultural sensitivity. For others, the issue is fundamentally about respect, representation, and discarding harmful stereotypes. This clash of values often plays out in the public sphere, making discussions about team identities far more than just about sports.
Legal and Public Opinion Ramifications
While Trump’s comments generated headlines, the practical implications of his demand are virtually non-existent. Legally, the team has successfully trademarked its new Commanders identity, and reverting would involve a complex and costly legal battle over intellectual property. More importantly, public opinion has largely shifted. While a vocal minority may desire the return of the “Redskins” name, the broader societal consensus, particularly among younger generations and corporate entities, is firmly against the use of racially insensitive terms in professional sports. Furthermore, Native American organizations remain steadfast in their opposition to the name.
Why the Commanders Name Change is Likely Permanent
Despite calls from figures like Donald Trump, the likelihood of the Washington Commanders reverting to the “Redskins” name is virtually zero. The decision to adopt the Commanders name was the culmination of decades of pressure, millions of dollars in rebranding efforts, and a strategic move by the NFL to align with modern values of inclusivity and respect. To reverse course would be an unprecedented step, fraught with financial, legal, and reputational risks.
Legal and Financial Hurdles
Reverting would involve staggering costs. The team has invested heavily in new uniforms, merchandise, stadium branding, and marketing campaigns centered around the Commanders identity. Undoing all of this would mean discarding millions of dollars in investment and incurring even more to re-rebrand. Moreover, the original trademarks for the “Redskins” name faced significant legal challenges and would likely do so again, potentially preventing the team from even legally using the name nationwide. Major corporate sponsors, who were instrumental in pushing for the initial change, would almost certainly abandon the team if it were to revert, leading to massive revenue losses.
Social and Ethical Considerations
Perhaps most importantly, the social and ethical reasons that prompted the Washington Commanders name change still stand. The name “Redskins” is widely considered a derogatory slur by a significant portion of the population, particularly Native American communities. Reinstating it would be a severe public relations disaster, alienating a large segment of the fanbase, drawing widespread condemnation from civil rights groups, and undermining the NFL’s stated commitment to diversity and inclusion. The league has actively worked to promote an inclusive image, and a reversion would directly contradict these efforts.
The Future of the Washington Commanders Identity
For the Washington Commanders, the future lies in building a new legacy around their current identity. The focus has shifted from the contentious name to on-field performance, community engagement, and creating a positive team culture. The franchise, now under new ownership led by Josh Harris, aims to unite its fanbase under the Commanders banner, separate from the controversies of the past. The journey of why the Commanders changed name is now firmly a part of the team’s history, not its present or future.
By investing in the team’s success, engaging with the community, and moving forward with a respectful and inclusive identity, the Commanders hope to write a new chapter. The former name remains a point of historical discussion, but the team’s identity has definitively evolved, signaling a new era for professional football in Washington.
In conclusion, the decision of why the Washington Commanders changed name was a complex, multi-faceted process driven by decades of activism, shifting social norms, and significant corporate pressure. While calls to revert to the old name may surface from time to time, the permanence of the Washington Commanders identity is firmly established. The team has moved forward, embracing a new chapter and focusing on building a respected and successful franchise for years to come.