Welcome to the NFL, Washington Commanders.
The football team in Washington unveiled its new name and logo Wednesday following what the franchise said was a tedious process to evolve without neglecting its past.
One legacy. One unified future.
We are the Washington Commanders #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/Eav9NOV5Mm
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022
Though a video shot from a helicopter that captured a sneak peak at the new name Monday night deflated some of the energy around the formal announcement, multiple outlets reported the franchise purchased and licensed the Washington Commanders name in the days after it announced the team would remove the name “Redskins.”
In July 2020, commissioner Roger Goodell opened conversations with the Washington franchise about a new team name that would remove references and imagery considered derogatory to Native Americans.
Prior to the start of the franchise’s 88th season, it switched the name to the Washington Football Team while vowing to study options for a new, permanent name. Team president Jason Wright and head coach Ron Rivera had input and supported a name with ties to the military based on the team’s location.
Team owner Dan Snyder thanked alumni present at the formal announcement before his wife, co-owner Tanya Snyder, said “we’re excited to celebrate the rich history of the burgundy and gold while also paving our way for a new tradition as Washington Commanders.”
Former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann said during the ceremony that the new name represents, in part, “the leadership quality we see in the organization as we go forward.”
“I like the name Commanders,” he added. “It has a ring to it. It has a sense of authority to it.”
IllumiNative CEO Crystal Echo Hawk, a member of Pawnee Nation, said her nonprofit network of tribal leaders and activists celebrates Washington “putting a horrible chapter to rest” and pointed the focus to Kansas City.
“The NFL is not done,” she said. “The Chiefs have to step up and follow the lead and be on the right side of history. Washington has shown these rebrandings can be successful. This is a good thing. All eyes turn to the Chiefs.”
–Field Level Media