Back in 2020, the NFL franchise located in Washington D.C. officially changed its name away from its longtime name, the Washington Redskins, due to the racially-insensitive nature of the name. And despite a push from a group of fans, they aren’t going to be changing it back to that name.
After dropping the racist name “Redskins,” the team played under the name “Washington Football Team” for two seasons before adopting its current “Washington Commanders” name ahead of the 2022 NFL season.
Following the sale of the franchise by former team owner Dan Snyder, there has been a push to change the name once again. But even if that happens, team President Jason Wright has made it very clear that the team will not be changing its name back to its old “Washington Redskins” name.
“It is not being considered,” Wright told the radio station 106.7 The Fan during a recent interview, according to Fox News. “Period.”
Wright’s comments come in response to a viral petition that reached more than 100,000 petitions from fans seeking the return of the Washington Redskins name.
These comments led to plenty of reactions on social media.
Jason Wright told JP and BMitch on 106.7 The Fan today that changing the name back to the Redskins is not being considered. “Period”. So with that, it’s time to move on. Let’s enjoy the season and the Commanders. #HTTC
— Mark Moseley Jr (@MarkMoseley3) August 30, 2023
So a new name is being considered but its 100% never going to be Redskins again which everyone with common sense knew https://t.co/NNrFwWlDNO
— Ashley Reynolds (@Ashley_Reynolds) August 30, 2023
There you go. https://t.co/GsEZwq01Xm
— Riggo's Rag (@RiggosRag) August 30, 2023
I hope this ends all the petitions and conversations about this. https://t.co/Bh19tbiZ7G
— Rob Anthony (@MrRobAnthony) August 30, 2023
Thank you. They are just getting sponsors back after the Snyder exit. Wasn't any way they were going back to Redskins. https://t.co/mCudxsYGm3
— “Ain’t no straddling the fence!” (@DaGlue) August 30, 2023
This was so obvious but didn't stop local and national media members who should know better from acting like this was a real possibility. Move on. Worry about changing the current name to something actually good. https://t.co/OCzQjSR4a1
— Joey Flyntz (@jflyntzmd2nj) August 30, 2023
Despite the urging from a portion of the team’s fanbase, it seems that the team will not be returning to the racist name it dropped back in 2020.
[Fox News]