Washington Football Team Changing Its Name to Avoid Native American Linkage

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By Briasia Russ Published: July 13, 2021

Washington Football Team Changing Its Name to Avoid Native American Linkage

The Washington Redskins logo is shown on the field before the start of a preseason NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Landover, Md. The Washington Redskins are undergoing what the team calls a “thorough review” of the nickname. In a statement released Friday, July 3, 2020, the team says it has been talking to the NFL for weeks about the subject. Owner Dan Snyder says the process will include input from alumni, sponsors, the league, community and members of the organization. FedEx on Thursday called for the team to change its name, and Nike appeared to remove all Redskins gear from its online store. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

By Briasia Russ

The Washington Football team will be changing their name and logo to avoid any relation to the Native American culture.

As reported by ESPN, the team’s president Jason Wright emphasized the team’s “inclusive process to listen to all voices” with a “particular emphasis to engaging, listening, and learning from Native American leaders and individuals throughout the country.”

The president also further explained how the logo and name change is the right path.

“In sum, this engagement demonstrated to us a consensus that moving forward with no ties to Native American imagery is the right path,” he said. “I am personally and deeply grateful for the Native American community leaders who engaged with us, sharing painful, raw and real stories that persist to this day.”

Fans took their opinions of the name change to social media.

They don’t need a new team name.

“Washington Football Team” is the best name in team sports. They’d be foolish to come up with a new one. https://t.co/t1gNUTeXWc

— ??????? ???? (@exavierpope) July 12, 2021

Wright covered the creation of the Warriors nickname. There was a survey sent out by the franchise for thoughts on the possible nickname.

“One might look at this name as a natural, and even harmless transition considering that it does not necessarily or specifically carry a negative connotation. But as we learned through our research and engagement with various groups, ‘context matters’ and that makes it a ‘slippery slope,’” Wright said.