Trends International NFL Washington Redskins HG - Mobile Wallet
The NFL 's Redskins became the Washington Football Team in 2020, then the Commanders in 2022, but the team may return to the identity it previously held for 87 years. Commanders owner Josh Harris has expressed support for a name reversal since he took over the team last year. Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell visited Capitol Hill on Monday to lobby for a bill that would help revitalize Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. A senior Senate staffer told Newsweek that U.S. Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota was among the lawmakers who met with Harris and Goodell. Newsweek reached out to the NFL and Harris' representatives for comment Tuesday morning. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources recently passed the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, which would transfer the land with the former stadium and its vicinity to the D.C. government for up to 99 years. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for a full vote. There is no guarantee that the Commanders would build their next stadium at the site, but it's possible that the football team returns to its home from 1961 to 1996. A name reversal would be "a win against this woke mindset / sensitivity we've seen the last couple of years," conservative influencer Amir Odom told Newsweek . "Why are we politicizing sports team names?" he asked. "There's more to worry about in this country than grown men fondling balls on a field and what name we refer to them as." "Let's let this be a cultural and community thing. It's one thing for politicians to share their opinion but to get this involved is a bit much." Harris, who bought the football team from longtime owner Dan Snyder last year for $6.05 billion, had previously said the old Redskins name, originating in 1933, would not return . But Harris' group includes NBA legend Magic Johnson, who told NBC News otherwise. "Everything's on the table, especially after this year," Johnson told journalist Craig Melvin last year. "We'll see where we are with the name." The NFL’s Washington Commanders has been sold to a group led by billionaire Josh Harris and a group that includes NBA legend @MagicJohnson . @CraigMelvin sat down for an exclusive interview with Johnson to talk about ushering in a new era for the team. pic.twitter.com/Y3NvWjU9j9 Some fans have even urged President-elect Donald Trump to change the team's name back when he returns to office. In September, ML Football, the credentialed media for everything football related, announced that the family of the Blackfeet chief featured in the logo wants the team to change its name back to Redskins. 🚨BREAKING🚨 The family of a Blackfeet chief, who served as the face of the Washington Redskins for 48 years, WANT THE TEAM TO CHANGE THIER NAME BACK. 👀👀👀 “The fans want him back and we want him back,” family told Fox. 90% of Native Americans supported the Redskins name. pic.twitter.com/ZGIbfF4BXD "90 percent of Native Americans supported the Redskins name," the post reads. "People are fed up with everything being offensive," Odom said. "If they change the name back it's definitely a cultural win for keeping things how they are no matter the origin since context has changed. I feel like this could be a nod to keeping historic statues up despite the origins." "Redskin" is sometimes used as a discriminatory slang term against Indigenous people in the United States. Amid the Black Lives Matter protests that followed the death of George Floyd , Snyder faced growing pressure from sponsors, including Nike, FedEx and PepsiCo, to change the team's name. The league and team announced in July 2020 that it was "undergoing a thorough review of the team name." Snyder had insisted for over two decades, however, that he was not going to abandon the Redskins name, even as Indigenous advocacy groups fought to get rid of it. In 2020, more than a dozen tribal leaders and organizations sent a letter to Goodell calling for the league to force Snyder into changing the team's name. Criticism surrounding the name started in the 1960s and gained larger public traction in the 1990s. The team rebranded itself as the Washington Football Team in 2020 before becoming the Commanders in 2022. But another name change could hurt the team, Jim Rocco, author of the coming book, Sports Crisis Communications: Cases & Controversies , told Newsweek . "It's always bad for a sports brand to sway this way and that in the face of changing political winds. You tend to make your fans dizzy," he said. "In this case, the idea is actually a little crazy. What's going to happen if the Democrats retake control of Congress ? Will they change the name again?" David Aaker, known as the "father of modern branding," agreed that the team is in "a lose-lose situation." "Whatever route will upset some people and cause their support of the team to be reduced and that will not be offset by those that 'won,'" Aaker told Newsweek . "If the name change is made I would not make a big deal out of it." Republican U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana previously threatened to block legislation pertaining to the RFK stadium site until the NFL and Commanders agreed to honor the old Redskins logo. In a letter to Fox 5 WTTG, Daines said that the former logo, which depicted Blackfeet Chief Two Guns White Calf, acted as "a symbol of pride, strength and honor" and that it should not be censored. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which Daines leads, approved legislation last week that would fund revitalization of the D.C. football stadium site. Daines told Newsweek he is now in favor of the bill because the Indigenous family credited with designing the original logo is now satisfied with the team's efforts to honor Walter "Blackie" Wetzel's work. There seems to be "good faith negotiations" with the league around the old logo. It is expected to be included on alumni shirts for those who played while sporting the Redskins logo. "My goal has always been to support the Wetzel family and tribal stakeholders in their goal to bring the iconic Blackfeet logo back to a place of prominence," Daines told Newsweek . "Native Americans in Montana have diverse views on the Redskins nickname but they overwhelmingly agree that the Blackfeet logo is a symbol of pride, strength and honor. I've insisted that the NFL , Commanders and their corporate sponsors celebrate it, not censor it." A Commanders team spokesperson on Monday told Newsweek that there are no plans to bring the logo back. It was developed in 1971 by Wetzel, a former leader of Blackfeet Nation. The Redskins image is a composite of Native American photographs, including one featuring a Blackfeet chief. Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair. Hold us accountable and submit your rating of this article on the meter. Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair. Hold us accountable and submit your rating of this article on the meter. Monica is a Newsweek reporter based in Boston. Her focus is reporting on breaking news. Monica joined Newsweek in 2024. She is a graduate of Clark University, with a master's from both Clark University and Northwestern University. She was part of the team named a finalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigation as well as a winner of the George Polk award for their work uncovering Phillips Respironics wrongdoings with their breathing machines. You can get in touch with Monica by emailing m.sager@newsweek.com. Languages: English. Monica is a Newsweek reporter based in Boston. Her focus is reporting on breaking news. Monica joined Newsweek in 2024. ... Read more Filed under: Limited return for the old logo There have been a lot of articles written recently about the Washington Commanders new ownership bringing back the team's old name (Redskins) and their iconic logo. The team has repeatedly said their former name wasn't coming back, and it's reportedly a non-starter for them and the NFL. They haven't shut the door on another name change from the unpopular Commanders name, but continue to talk about other priorities getting done first. One of those priorities is a new stadium, and the potential return to the RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C. has brought the name/logo debate back into public debate. Montana Sen. Steve Daines held up a committee vote to transfer administration of federally owned land to D.C. that would allow authorities to work on building a new stadium with the Commanders. He pushed to have the former logo honored and worked with the Wetzel family to get that done. Josh Harris honored the logo's creator, Walter "Blackie" Wetzel, at the stadium and in other ways. The bill has now moved on to the full Senate where it faces opposition from the Maryland delegation, but the logo is reportedly coming back for limited uses. A.J. Perez from Front Office Sports reports the team will start selling alumni shirts by the end of the month. There's "no appetite" from the team to bring the old logo back as the official logo in conjunction with another rebrand. There was speculation that this could be a possibility when the logo debate heated up again, but a team spokesperson indicated that's not in the new ownership group's plans. The Washington Commanders’ controversial former logo, which shows a Native American man in profile with trailing feathers, is expected to be used on alumni shirts that will go on sale by the end of the month. The new apparel is meant to highlight the careers of the franchise’s greatest players who played pre-2020, a source with knowledge of the plan told Front Office Sports . There’s no appetite within the Commanders’ organization to bring the former “R” icon with Native American imagery back as an official team logo even as part of a rebrand, a team spokesperson tells FOS . The Washington Commanders’ controversial former logo featuring a Native American chief is expected to be used on alumni shirts, planned to go on sale soon, a source tells FOS. However, the team has no plans to bring the logo back as any official rebrand. https://t.co/VLweIAkbsc pic.twitter.com/w0ZpY7YbZF In a move as divisive as it is surprising, the NFL has announced the reinstatement of the Washington Redskins name and logo, scrapping the Washington Commanders moniker introduced just two years ago. The decision, described by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as a “return to our roots,” has reignited fierce debate across social media, corporate boardrooms, and sports bars nationwide. “This isn’t just a name—it’s a legacy,” Goodell said at the official press conference. “After careful consideration, extensive fan feedback, and, let’s be honest, a desire to sell more merchandise, we’ve decided to bring the Redskins back.” The Washington Football Team rebranded itself as the Commanders in 2022 following years of public pressure to retire the Redskins name, which critics deemed offensive to Native Americans. The change was heralded as a step forward in cultural sensitivity, but for many fans, it left a nostalgic void. Fast-forward to 2024, and the NFL’s announcement feels like a 180-degree turn. “It turns out people really, really miss the old name,” said team owner Josh Harris. “We’ve been listening to our fans, and they’ve made it clear: ‘Commanders’ just didn’t cut it.” The decision has been packaged as part of the league’s new “Tradition Over Trends” campaign, which aims to prioritize fan loyalty and “timeless values” over what Goodell called “temporary social pressures.” While the Redskins name and imagery will return, the NFL insists this is a “refreshed, respectful reintroduction.” Gone are the old depictions of Native American chiefs and feathered headdresses. Instead, the team logo will feature a stylized “R” within a laurel wreath, an attempt to sidestep controversy while maintaining brand recognition. “We’re honoring the past while moving forward,” Goodell said. “It’s like re-wrapping a present you’ve already opened—but with shinier paper.” The response to the Redskins’ return has been predictably polarizing. Fans nostalgic for the old days have taken to social media to celebrate, with many tweeting photos of their old Redskins jerseys and tattoos. “This is the best news I’ve heard all year,” said Earl Tucker, a lifelong fan. “I can finally wear my Redskins hat again without being judged—or at least not as much.” However, critics argue that the move is a blatant regression. “This isn’t about honoring tradition,” said Rebecca Strongbow, a Native American advocate. “It’s about profits and pandering to the loudest voices in the room.” The debate has turned particularly heated online, with hashtags like #RedskinsForever trending alongside #NFLToneDeaf. The corporate world finds itself caught in the crossfire. FedEx, which famously pressured the team to drop the Redskins name in 2020, has remained conspicuously silent since the announcement. Meanwhile, Nike, which pulled Redskins merchandise from its shelves during the previous controversy, issued a carefully worded statement: “We support tradition, innovation, and inclusivity—often in unpredictable combinations.” Some sponsors, however, are leaning into the decision. Patriot Energy and Freedom Foods have both unveiled ad campaigns celebrating the return of the name, with slogans like “Back to Bold” and “Hail to Heritage.” The return of the Redskins name comes at a time when cultural and political divisions in America are more pronounced than ever. Former President Donald Trump, never one to miss an opportunity for a headline, praised the move on Truth Social, calling it “a win for REAL America.” On the other side, celebrities like Mark Ruffalo and Alyssa Milano have publicly condemned the decision. “This is a slap in the face to every Native American,” Ruffalo tweeted. “Do better, NFL.” As the Redskins prepare to take center stage once more, the short-lived era of the Commanders has already become an awkward footnote in sports history. The team’s Commanders branding, uniforms, and merchandise are now being discounted at record speeds, with fans rushing to stock up before they disappear forever. “This is the fastest we’ve ever seen clearance racks empty,” said one local sporting goods store manager. “It’s like people are hoarding Commanders gear just to prove it existed.” While the NFL has attempted to spin the move as a nod to tradition, Native American advocacy groups remain vocal in their opposition. “This decision reinforces harmful stereotypes and prioritizes nostalgia over respect,” said a statement from the National Congress of American Indians. The NFL has promised to donate a portion of Redskins merchandise sales to Native American charities, though specifics remain unclear. Critics have dismissed the gesture as “too little, too late.” One of the most celebrated aspects of the Redskins’ return is the reinstatement of the iconic fight song, Hail to the Redskins. The team has even enlisted country star Jason Aldean to record a new version of the anthem, which will debut at the season opener. “It’s about bringing people together,” Aldean said. “Even if that togetherness involves a lot of arguing on Twitter.” As the Redskins gear up for their first season under the reinstated name, the team is banking on nostalgia to win over critics and reclaim its place as one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. Whether this gamble pays off or backfires spectacularly remains to be seen. For now, the NFL seems undeterred by the backlash. “This is about more than just a name,” Goodell said. “It’s about honoring history, embracing the future, and selling a boatload of jerseys.” The return of the Redskins name is more than a rebranding—it’s a cultural flashpoint that highlights the ongoing tensions between tradition and progress. Whether fans are cheering or jeering, one thing is certain: the Washington Redskins are back, and the conversation around them isn’t going anywhere. NOTE: This is SATIRE, It’s Not True. With years of experience in crafting clever and satirical pieces, Alex has made a name for himself as one of the funniest and sharpest writers in the industry. Although his true identity remains a mystery, what is clear is that Alex has a knack for finding the absurdity in everyday situations and turning them into laugh-out-loud funny stories. He has a unique perspective on the world and is always on the lookout for the next big target to skewer with his biting wit. When he's not writing hilarious articles for Esspots.com, Alex enjoys playing practical jokes on his friends and family, watching stand-up comedy, and rooting for his favorite sports teams. He also has a soft spot for animals, particularly his mischievous cat, who often inspires his comedic material. In a move as divisive as it is surprising, the NFL has announced the reinstatement of the Washington Redskins name and logo, scrapping the Washington Commanders moniker introduced just two years ago. The decision, described by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as a “return to our roots,” has reignited fierce debate across social media, corporate boardrooms, and sports bars nationwide. “This isn’t just a name—it’s a legacy,” Goodell said at the official press conference. “After careful consideration, extensive fan feedback, and, let’s be honest, a desire to sell more merchandise, we’ve decided to bring the Redskins back.” The Washington Football Team rebranded itself as the Commanders in 2022 following years of public pressure to retire the Redskins name, which critics deemed offensive to Native Americans. The change was heralded as a step forward in cultural sensitivity, but for many fans, it left a nostalgic void. Fast-forward to 2024, and the NFL’s announcement feels like a 180-degree turn. “It turns out people really, really miss the old name,” said team owner Josh Harris. “We’ve been listening to our fans, and they’ve made it clear: ‘Commanders’ just didn’t cut it.” The decision has been packaged as part of the league’s new “Tradition Over Trends” campaign, which aims to prioritize fan loyalty and “timeless values” over what Goodell called “temporary social pressures.” While the Redskins name and imagery will return, the NFL insists this is a “refreshed, respectful reintroduction.” Gone are the old depictions of Native American chiefs and feathered headdresses. Instead, the team logo will feature a stylized “R” within a laurel wreath, an attempt to sidestep controversy while maintaining brand recognition. “We’re honoring the past while moving forward,” Goodell said. “It’s like re-wrapping a present you’ve already opened—but with shinier paper.” The response to the Redskins’ return has been predictably polarizing. Fans nostalgic for the old days have taken to social media to celebrate, with many tweeting photos of their old Redskins jerseys and tattoos. “This is the best news I’ve heard all year,” said Earl Tucker, a lifelong fan. “I can finally wear my Redskins hat again without being judged—or at least not as much.” However, critics argue that the move is a blatant regression. “This isn’t about honoring tradition,” said Rebecca Strongbow, a Native American advocate. “It’s about profits and pandering to the loudest voices in the room.” The debate has turned particularly heated online, with hashtags like #RedskinsForever trending alongside #NFLToneDeaf. The corporate world finds itself caught in the crossfire. FedEx, which famously pressured the team to drop the Redskins name in 2020, has remained conspicuously silent since the announcement. Meanwhile, Nike, which pulled Redskins merchandise from its shelves during the previous controversy, issued a carefully worded statement: “We support tradition, innovation, and inclusivity—often in unpredictable combinations.” Some sponsors, however, are leaning into the decision. Patriot Energy and Freedom Foods have both unveiled ad campaigns celebrating the return of the name, with slogans like “Back to Bold” and “Hail to Heritage.