After what seems like an eternity, Washington’s NFL team finally has a new permanent name. Say so long to the Washington Football Team and hello to the Washington Commanders.
Team President Jason Wright made the announcement Wednesday morning on Today, completing an over-18-month search for the organization’s replacement name.
“It’s something that broadly resonated with our fans, and it’s something that we believe embodies the values of service and leadership that really define the DMV and this community,” Wright said.
The search for Washington’s new name started back in July 2020 when Team Owner Daniel Snyder announced the organization would retire the Redskins name and logo. While Snyder had vehemently been opposed to ever changing the team’s name, the switch came after major brands threatened to protest the franchise and nationwide Black Lives Matter protests and calls against racism became the main topic of conversation across the country. On July 23, Washington announced it would temporarily take on the moniker Washington Football Team.
The future of Washington football is here #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/MwkCLTkVAA
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022
“As an organization, we are excited to rally and rise together as one under our new identity while paying homage to our local roots and what it means to represent the nation’s capital,” Snyder said in a statement. “As we kick off our 90th season, it is important for our organization and fans to pay tribute to our past traditions, history, legacy, and the greats that came before us. We continue to honor and represent the Burgundy and Gold while forging a pathway to a new era in Washington. Today may mark the first day for the Washington Commanders, but we are and always will be Washington.”
During the rebranding process, there were plenty of names flying around from the 40,000-plus fan submissions, including Red Tails, Admirals, Redhogs, and Presidents. One notable name that didn’t make the list was the fan favorite RedWolves/Wolves. When announcing the name reveal date, Wright gave the fans an explanation as to why this name was not chosen.
“Once we began looking into Wolves, however, we became aware of a notable challenge: Trademarks held by other teams would limit our ability to make the name our own,” Wright said in a press release. “And without Wolves, variations like RedWolves wouldn’t have been viable either for these and other reasons.”
Those wanting to celebrate the start of the new era as the Washington Commanders can attend the team’s Park and Party celebration on Friday. The drive-in event at FedExField from 6 to 9 p.m. costs $5 and will feature photo opportunities with the team’s Lombardi trophies, tailgate games, food trucks, fireworks, and more.
Photo by Emilee Fails/Washington Football Team
For more sports stories around the DMV, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
