The Washington Commanders dropped its former moniker in 2020 following pressure from sponsors and the Native American community that deemed the name racist and disparaging to Native Americans. However, on Sunday during alumni day, Commanders co-CEO and co-owner Tanya Snyder capped her address to fans by saying, “Hail to the Redskins and let’s beat Green Bay.”
Snyder’s words were no accident. The Commanders honored a host of former players and the five NFL championships from its storied franchise’s past Sunday. All of which played and occurred under the former name.
In a statement to Pro Football Talk, a Commanders spokesperson confirmed Snyder meant to say Redskins.
“Yes, she did, celebrating all our legends, who were here for Alumni Homecoming Weekend,” the spokesperson texted.
Many fans criticized the team’s decision to drop the old moniker that existed since 1937 and the subsequent name change to “Commanders” in February. Others were happy to see the name changed after decades of outcry against it.
Nevertheless, Snyder’s use of the old moniker is peculiar, considering why the team dropped the name. Some will ponder what’s the point of the name change if Commanders officials justify sparingly using its former name. For others, it’s no less offensive if the word gets used even for special occasions.
