Washington Commanders: New Era or Continuing On?

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February 3, 2022

by David Earl

Moving Forward History Included

Comment from discussion Coast_watcher’s comment from discussion "When New Name is Announced".

There certainly was a mixed feeling on this poll but the results were overwhelmingly in favor of not treating this rebrand as an expansion team. While the call back to the history of the Redskins is not overly prevalent, especially in the name Commanders, the color scheme was incorporated fairly well across the board. The burgundy and gold theme was the one aspect that this fan base, as a whole, demanded. Everyone wanted to keep some attachment to this team’s great history prior to Dan Snyder. Losing all ties to the Redskins name itself, with the classic logo gone, and the iconic fight song now a distant memory, without question the color scheme was imperative.  It was the only remaining callback for the older generation of fans. The new name, logo, and overall uniform design were all aimed at the younger and future generations, which is understandable. Beyond the burgundy uniforms, the white and black jersey designs were more of a new age look that pops in the eyes of today’s demographic. The compromise was evident and, for some, the compromise was not enough to sway their decisions on going forward while holding onto the past. That is now a bit of hindsight but important to note in relation to how this poll turned out prior to the reveal. The next steps will be vital for this organization – while some have decided to move away from the team entirely the overall vibe is still somewhat optimistic.

The Hog Sty’s Steve Thomas shares a sentiment some share in when he said, “I think team leadership either wants to move on from the past or is inadvertently doing it. Either way, the glory years of the past aren’t going to be much of a part of the future, and that’s sad. The front office doesn’t care about those of us who still appreciate the glory years. I better not see anyone wearing new jerseys with the names and numbers of Redskins legends.” So it’s on the organization to ensure heavily invested long-time fans like me and Steve see a successful infusion of the past with the present and well into the future. The Redskins name should never be fully washed from history as there is a story to be told which goes far beyond the negatives. There is a history of pride and honor which should be celebrated and praised.

New Name Same Team

Comment from discussion Luwkiee’s comment from discussion "When New Name is Announced".

We certainly cannot just ignore and bury the past; that would be disrespectful to the greats like Joe Gibbs, Doug Williams, Darrell Green, John Riggins, The Hogs, and The Posse just to rattle off a few. The history at RFK, such as the “We Want Dallas” chants, the Monday Night Miracle with Santana Moss, and the 10 men on the field tribute to the late great Sean Taylor at Fed Ex Field are just memories we shouldn’t toss aside like yesterday’s news. As the last couple of decades of memories are certainly embarrassing, the golden age of this franchise can continue to be told and infused with the new chapter that lays ahead. While it’s certainly difficult for fans like myself to move forward, it’s also important that fans like myself not to allow the rich great history of this organization to be forgotten either. However, it’s also imperative that the history is celebrated appropriately by this organization by not infusing the name Commanders into the team’s past. Regardless of why the Redskins name was changed and how it ultimately happened, the Redskins name should still be acknowledged for what it meant and represented. The Redskins name had always been handled respectfully.  It was developed with input from tribal leaders to ensure an accurate, respectful logo design; plus the fans never mocked Native American culture using the tomahawk chop. The point being, while some Native Americans found the name offensive, many found great pride in the Redskins name and what it represented during the glory years. So if this organization truly wants the older generations to move forward they need to understand to not completely scrub the past of the Redskins name. There is a give and take here – the name has finally been retired, but allow the history to remain fully intact.

Most Recent Past Dictating Course

Here is an excellent point that I’m sure resonates with many in regards to the past 25 or so years. It seems like a broken record to say that Dan Snyder has done so much harm to the Redskins brand that moving on entirely is the only resolution here. While Dan still remains and is a reminder of that tenure, this rebranding seems to be a closure of sorts for some in regards to his toxic ownership. Faith in Jason Wright and Ron Rivera seems to be the one key aspect of hope to which fans cling as this team goes forward with this rebranding. Essentially this seems to be an expansion team to most while knowing the devil still lurks in the closet out of sight while competent figures steer the ship. Even with all that said, moving forward will not be an easy feat as long as Dan Snyder and his toxic culture/scandals remain visible in the review mirror. Unfortunately, this team is in such a large market and the recent scandals being of such high profile that letting the past go is just impossible for many.

Self Inflicted Wounds

The interesting point of “self-inflicted wounds” brings to mind just how this all could have been avoided. The PR nightmare this ownership has been in handling the name only shined a brighter light on the name controversy once 2020 . The fact that major culture wars occurred in 2020 and the team’s biggest financial backers of the name applied pressure to change crucified the Redskins name. Dan’s mismanagement of this organization put him in a position in which he had no fight left to give once his back was up against the wall. If Dan had just properly done his due diligence early on after buying the team and was compassionate in his actions the name had a chance to survive through the 2020 turmoil. I’ve always said if Dan had spent the first few years of his ownership speaking to the tribal leaders of each reservation to discuss the name and how the organization could continue the use in a respectful manner he could have had the ace up his sleeve. A little foresight on his part could have brought this organization into a new era of Redskins football that would have been far more inclusive to Native Americans. Florida State University’s handling of the Seminoles nickname is one example of what Dan could have done.  He could have gone another step further in using this organization to benefit the Native Americans in their everyday struggles. This team could have ushered in a new era of Redskins football working side by side with Native Americans across this country but he chose the arrogant and narcissistic route he’s all too comfortable with to this day. So, yes, Dan has brought onto himself to this point.  No one has any sympathy for him and the Snyder family (probably never will be too).

Final Thoughts

Personally, I feel like the Redskins name and the memorabilia you may have should never be wiped out and never recognized again. There are stories and history that should always be shared, especially to the younger generations gravitating to this team. Share what Gibbs and the Hogs have meant or the pride in Doug Williams being the first African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the MVP for the Redskins. The joy of watching one of the best teams in NFL history win a Super Bowl in the 1991 season, plus the emotions we had in the loss of Sean Taylor many years later all happened as Redskins, not the Commanders. Acknowledging the past appropriately ensures a smoother adjustment towards the name Commanders. For someone like me, spending nearly 40 years of my life invested in this team, and having these memories, and many more, I am not willing to budge from this team, particularly if I am going to adapt in the future. I am not willing to abandon this team over the disagreements of the name – i.e, retiring Redskins to become the Commanders – but I will also refuse to recognize the history of this team as Washington Commanders history.  It is Redskins history.