Could the Washington Commanders change its name shortly with its new ownership group? Maybe. But if the name gets changed, it will not be its old moniker, Redskins.
Commanders team president Jason Wright silenced the chatter while appearing on 106.7 the Fan’s BMitch and Finlay Show.
Wright said going back to the old name “is not being considered. Period.”
Returning to the old moniker gained legs when Josh Harris and his investor group officially bought the Washington Commanders from Dan Syder in July. During a prep rally for training camp, Harris repeatedly used the “Redskins” name. Even notable limited partner Magic Johnson referenced the name.
Last month, Wright acknowledged the team’s brass was aware fans didn’t like the current name.
A petition has surfaced by the Native American Guardians Association to change the team’s name back to its old moniker with over 128,000 signatures.
Those efforts won’t convince the team to go back. Instead, ownership is focusing on building a championship-caliber team, improving the guest experience at team activities, and re-engaging with the community and fan base that soured on the franchise under previous owner Dan Snyder.
The Commanders dropped the old moniker in 2020 after pressure from sponsors and some Native American groups, calling the name disparaging and racist. After a pitstop as the Washington Football Team, the franchise unveiled the Commanders’ name in February 2022.
Wright’s comments will surely upset part of the fan base. The name change was the final straw for a group of frustrated fans. Meanwhile, some fans may not like the choice of the Commanders’ name but still love the team.
Their love for the team increased drastically, as Snyder is now out of the picture.
Team business has picked up since the ownership change. The team struck sponsor deals with Verizon, Anheuser-Busch, Folds of Honor, and the Air Force/National Guard.
Commanders expect a near sellout for Week 1’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. It’s a new day with the Burgundy and Gold. Don’t expect the old to return, including the Redskins name.
