Washington Name Series: Redwolves

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June 25, 2021

by David Earl

Redwolves Both Popular and Polarizing

Let’s just dive right into our poll, as it’s a real possibility that Redwolves will be the new name.  Many fans do support this as a nickname. Going as far back as a July 2020 poll and many since, our poll (although smaller turnout) reflects the continued and undeniable support for Redwolves.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or just off the grid, the debate over the Redwolves name has become interesting and polarizing. Regardless of the core of fans dead set against the name, it has had overwhelming support in most polls. When it comes to the biggest complaints against this name, the majority of those fans just simply want Redskins back and thus will reject any name idea. For the purpose of these name series articles, I won’t be focusing so much on those who despise the Redwolves name but discussing the name itself and how it may or may not be a reasonable option.

The Native American Ties

Now as I discussed in my first article Washington Name Series: Redskins Irreplaceable the voices in support of the Redskins name shouldn’t be ignored, and the team should try to reach a reasonable compromise, under Native American guidance. Yet, what Keith speaks below is true for a number of Native American tribes, as we have come to know over the years:

Certainly, he has a point that we need to learn from our history, especially with how poorly this topic was handled by the organization for years. As protests such as Minneapolis in 2019 made it clear We Are Not Your Mascot for decades, the legitimate disgust for the name undoubtedly become more prevalent. As it would be disingenuous for me to not mention, I also have to account for those who feel pride in an NFL team representing their people. “The Native Americans were forgotten people. That logo, lets people know these people exist,” is quoted by Walter “Blackie” Wetzel in this article and is a sentiment shared by Native Americans. While it’s a conversation many don’t want to have because it doesn’t align with their narrative, it’s something Jason Wright and the organization should be working on having. So how could Redwolves fit into all this and not be depicted in a racist overtone?

George Carmi made reference to Chief Red Wolf, who wasn’t a warrior nor someone of great influence but he did carry a strong voice for his people during his time. I agree that he isn’t the strongest tie to Native Americans but does give a nod to the Sioux Tribe. Through that affiliation the team could discover the Sioux Tribe history of prideful warriors who took honor within their own very seriously. It is in that connection we can draw from when discussing Ron Rivera’s cultural development, especially through solidarity with your brothers on the team. Thus using Redwolves to make a direct tie towards the Sioux Tribe through Chief Red Wolf can provide a possible jumping-off point going forward (however unlikely I get that).

How Does Florida State Fit?

The Florida State Seminoles offer a blueprint to emulate in order to make an argument to keep Native American ties. Their relationship with the Seminole Tribe came to light in 2005 as the tribe came out in an unprecedented public declaration of support for the university. It’s within this example you will read, “Florida State does not have a mascot. Instead, we have the honor of calling ourselves Seminoles.” Through that narrative, this organization can work towards a direction of honorably representing a Native American Tribe and their rich history while never depicting them as a “Mascot” like Florida State.

Whether it’s through the Sioux Tribe or another willing tribe, the impact of a relationship like this could change many lives within a lot of these struggling reservations. While focusing on uninformed activists (especially celebrities) pushing just how insidious the Redskins name is, this organization could do so much to help what’s truly plagued these people for decades. Poor education, economic struggles, drug addiction, poor overall living conditions (to name a few) could now be addressed by more than just words and labels. This organization’s involvement could positively alter future generations of Native Americans and be a catalyst for a stronger and healthier future. Let’s be real honest here too, considering how they lost their lands and such, it’s the least we (as a Country) can do for these people. This logic not only applies for “Redwolves” but also “Warriors” if that’s the direction they decide to go.

Endangered Red Wolf

Being originally indigenous to the area, the red wolf is now facing a critical point of their existence. This family of the wolf is now the most endangered of this canine breed due to “predator control programs and the degradation and alteration of the species’ habitat.”

With only 20 known animals in their natural environment and only about 240 kept in breeding habitats, this species would not only benefit monetarily from the organization but just developing more awareness and education could truly change this animals fate. Also, as Brett eluded to above, this would also draw more attention to the animal rights groups and their loyal followers, giving them a potentially larger platform through this team helping their cause. So if the decision is to keep distance from any Native American references, the Redwolves name also provides that avenue – the team can not only appease animal rights groups but can very easily represent a majestic animal while distancing themselves from a Native American association these animals have had.

In Closing

While I continued my push for Native American representation today (plus explained here too), I believe the importance of this direction for Native American tribes and fans alike is immeasurable. As I am not the biggest fan of Redwolves, there is no denying how this option can make a strong positive impact representing Native Americans going forward. Just like the Florida State Seminoles, it’s not about having a great mascot but having the great honor of being part of something original and special to this land. Being a Redwolves (or even Warriors) fan and knowing potential proceeds from ticket, food, and merchandise sales can help reservations with their true struggles in everyday life is something we all can take honor in being a part of. The narrative from the Redskins name being a racist slur, while wrongly ignoring its true origin, has sadly silenced those who took the honor in an NFL franchise representing their people. As I eluded to in my first name series article, Jason Wright and the organization should explore a compromise, and Redwolves could very well be that resolution. If you read this far thinking I missed the point of why Redskins was retired and want me to move on, please reread the Florida State section or just jump to this article.

As far as marketing and merchandise, I do like some of the mock-up of the logo and uniform designs. The idea of a wolfpack, which applies more affectively with just Wolves as a name (that’s the next article in this series), can expand the marketing angles as well. Here are some of my favorite design ideas: