Washington Football Team Finally Reveals New Name: The Washington Commanders

February 2nd, 2022 - 12:21 PM EST by Adam Downer

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After 18 months and two cumbersome seasons, the Washington Football Team, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, have announced their new, permanent team name: The Washington Commanders.


For those following the story, the new name isn't exactly surprising. The organization had accidentally leaked it days before the announcement in a presentation with NBC, who caught the new name on papers held by executive staff.


The announcement ends a remarkably long sports controversy. The old, "Redskins" nickname inspired protests as far back as the '80s, as many considered the term a slur against Native Americans. Washington and their fans held steadfast for decades, to the point where South Park even parodied their stubbornness in an episode.

The tense time in America that was mid-2020 ultimately brought sponsor pressure onto franchise owner Dan Snyder, who finally acquiesced to change the name. With no replacement nickname picked, the team went by the "Washington Football Team" for two seasons.

Unlike baseball's Cleveland Guardians, formerly the Indians, "Commanders" seems to have no relation to anything explicitly D.C.-related. Naturally, fans were divided on the new name, with many feeling it was too generic. Others joked they would call the team the "Commies" as a way to troll the fans.


Despite fan protestations, it seems everyone will just have to get used to "Commanders." It's doubtful Washington owners will want to go through another 40 years to change their name again.



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