The Washington Commanders and the NFL are already at odds over an investigation into the team’s workplace culture. Now, the two sides are on opposite ends over the Commanders’ official crest.
The Commanders revealed a crest along with its “W” logo during the franchise’s name change on Feb. 2. Inside the outlining circle of the crest, the team highlighted the years in which they won championships.
However, fans quickly pointed out the years were incorrect for their three Super Bowl championships. The team elected to place the years that the actual Super Bowls were won. Yet, all NFL championships are widely recognized by the season.
In an attempt to tweak the crest following fan feedback, the team altered the numbers to the Super Bowl Roman numerals. But, all logos and identities of teams must be approved by the NFL. The league denied the Commanders’ request, according to Michael Phillips of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
One reason the NFL may have rejected the Roman numerals idea, is that the league owns copyrights to elements of the Super Bowl, which includes the Roman numerals. No other team in the league uses Roman numerals in their identity.
Phillips’ report matches what Commanders insider Chad Ryan reported over the Super Bowl weekend.
The team is “brainstorming” tweak the crest and present merchandise for fans, according to Phillips.
One way to look at the situation is to applaud the Commanders’ brass for attempting to fix their mistake. On the other hand, how did this mistake happen in the first place? Everyone knows NFL championships are associated with the season played.
No one says the 1992 Washington Redskins. It’s the 1991 team. No one is saying the 2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl LV. It’s the 2020 team.
The organization had nearly two years to cross every “t” and dot ever “i.” Then again, this is the same organization that appeared to rip a minor league football team of its name and branding.
