HOME > Washington Commanders Original Name
Introduction
The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Football Team, have undergone a name change. This decision was made after years of controversy surrounding the team's previous name, which was considered by many to be derogatory towards Native Americans. In this article, we will explore the original name of the team and the reasons behind the change.
The Original Name
The Washington Commanders were originally known as the Boston Braves when they were founded in 1932. The team was owned by George Preston Marshall, who also owned a chain of Washington D.C. radio stations. In 1933, the team moved to Washington D.C. and changed their name to the Redskins. This name was chosen to honor the team's head coach, William Henry Dietz, who claimed to be of Native American descent. However, there is no evidence to support Dietz's claim, and many Native American groups have criticized the use of the name.
Controversy Surrounding the Name
The controversy surrounding the name of the Washington Redskins began in the 1960s, when Native American groups began to protest against the use of the name. They argued that the name was a racial slur and that it perpetuated negative stereotypes about Native Americans. Despite these protests, the team continued to use the name for decades, and it became one of the most recognizable brands in the NFL.
Calls for Change
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to change the name of the Washington Redskins. Many Native American groups have called for the name to be changed, and several prominent politicians have also spoken out against it. In 2013, President Barack Obama said that if he were the owner of the team, he would consider changing the name. In 2020, amid widespread protests against racial injustice, the team announced that it would be retiring the Redskins name.
The New Name
After retiring the Redskins name, the team announced that it would be known as the Washington Football Team for the 2020 season. This was intended to be a temporary name while the team worked on finding a new, permanent name. In February 2021, the team announced that it would be known as the Washington Commanders. The new name was chosen after a lengthy process that involved input from fans, players, and community leaders. The team said that the name was intended to reflect the strength, courage, and leadership of the team and the community it represents.
Conclusion
The Washington Commanders have undergone a significant change in recent years, with the retirement of their controversial name and the adoption of a new one. While the team's original name, the Redskins, was once a source of pride for many fans, it had become a lightning rod for controversy and criticism. The new name, the Washington Commanders, is intended to be a reflection of the team's values and the community it represents. Only time will tell whether it will be embraced by fans and become as iconic as the team's previous name.
