The Washington Commanders have experienced significant changes to their brand over the past few years, but the franchise might be contemplating a return to its roots. While nothing is guaranteed, there are ongoing discussions that could see the team bringing back its old, and controversial, Redskins logo.
In recent weeks, chatter about the potential revival of the Redskins logo has intensified. One prominent voice adding to the speculation is Montana Senator Steve Daines, who addressed the issue this week.
According to Daines, negotiations concerning the return of the logo are progressing positively, which has rekindled debates across the sports world.
“Censorship of the former Commanders logo was a case of woke gone wrong,” Daines said in his statement. “I applaud the Commanders & the NFL for their commitment to never censor the logo again & for working with the Wetzel family to restore it to a place of prominence and honor to benefit Indian Country.”
Daines’ comments have reignited the controversy surrounding the old logo, which was removed in 2020 amidst growing concerns about racial sensitivity and inclusivity.
The franchise, formerly known as the Redskins, opted to change its name and logo following years of criticism from Native American groups and activists who argued that the imagery was offensive and perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
For two seasons, the franchise went by the Washington Football Team before rebranding to the Washington Commanders in 2022. Now, just a few years later, the idea of revisiting the legacy logo is gaining traction, and fans are divided on whether this is a step forward or backward.
As news of the potential revival spread, fans and commentators took to social media to express their thoughts. The reactions have been mixed, with some advocating for the return of the iconic logo and others vehemently opposed to the idea.
“As long as that name doesn’t come back, I’m okay with it,” one fan wrote, acknowledging the divisiveness of the old name while seemingly supportive of the logo.
Another fan took a different stance, arguing, “They can’t bring that back. It was offensive then, and it’s still offensive now.”
Despite the backlash, there are those who view the old logo as a piece of sports history worth preserving. “They had one of the dopest logos in all of sports. Bring it back!” one fan commented on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighting the emotional attachment many have to the team’s legacy branding.
Others, however, approached the situation with caution and nuance. “As a white dude, I think it’s not my place to say whether it is offensive or not,” wrote one social media user. “But I understand why they made the change given other cultural shifts at the time.”
The potential return of the Redskins logo has undoubtedly struck a nerve with the fanbase and beyond.
The original logo and team name were a part of Washington’s identity for decades, but as society evolved, the pressure to move away from racially insensitive imagery became overwhelming. In July 2020, amidst widespread social movements and calls for racial equality, the team announced its decision to retire the Redskins name and logo—a decision that was met with both support and resistance.
The ongoing negotiations about the logo’s potential return involve discussions between the Commanders, the NFL, and representatives of Native American groups, including the Wetzel family, who are reportedly in favor of restoring the imagery. Senator Daines framed the effort as a means of bringing the logo back to “a place of prominence and honor” that would benefit Native American communities.
However, many Native American groups and advocacy organizations have previously spoken out against the use of the Redskins name and imagery, stating that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the marginalization of Indigenous cultures. For them, the return of the logo would be a significant step backward in the fight for respect and equality.
As it stands, it is still too early to determine whether the Commanders will officially bring back the old logo. The decision, should it come to fruition, would likely spark renewed debates and protests, both in favor of and against the move.
The Commanders organization will have to weigh the cultural and social implications of such a choice, especially in a climate that is increasingly aware of the importance of representation and sensitivity.
For now, the Commanders have announced no official decision, and the future of the franchise’s branding remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that any move to revisit the old logo will be closely scrutinized and passionately debated by fans, critics, and advocates alike.
As the Commanders prepare for their next chapter, the question remains: Would it be wise for the team to embrace its legacy logo once again?
Or should they continue to look forward, leaving behind an image that has divided opinions and sparked so much controversy? Only time will tell, but the conversation around the Washington Commanders and their identity is far from over.
