In July 2020, the Washington football franchise took a bold step by retiring the Redskins nickname, a decision steeped in years of debate and cultural reflection. The move came on the heels of major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Nike, and Dick’s Sporting Goods pulling Redskins merchandise from their platforms, making it clear that change was not only necessary but inevitable. Widely regarded as a racial slur against Native Americans, the team name had been a contentious issue for decades.
After a brief stint as the “Football Team,” Washington finally settled on the moniker “Commanders,” a nod to the strong, leadership-oriented spirit they want to embody. While there have been calls from some quarters, including among Native American groups, for the team to revert to its original name, the Commanders have drawn a definitive line in the sand. Commanders owner Josh Harris confirmed that the old name is not making a comeback.
In an interview with Bret Baier on “Special Report,” Harris emphasized, “The Commanders’ name actually has taken on an amazing kind of element in our building.” He highlighted how the name resonates with the identity of tough, football-loving players, like Jayden Daniels, who embody the spirit of what it means to be a Commander. Harris also touched on the synergy between the team’s name and Washington D.C.’s significant military presence, underscoring their commitment to move forward proudly under the Commanders banner.
However, former President Donald Trump weighed in with an alternative opinion. Speaking candidly to reporters, Trump expressed that, if he were at the helm, he would have retained the Redskins name, suggesting it carried a unique resonance that the Commanders doesn’t quite match. While acknowledging that winning can make any name appealing, he remarked, “I wouldn’t have changed the name… It doesn’t have the same ring to me.”
Despite differing opinions, the Washington Commanders are committed to their new chapter, and all eyes will be on how they leverage their identity moving forward—proving that ultimately, the spirit and culture of a team are what truly define its legacy.
