NBC faced backlash on social media after airing a graphic during Sunday night’s broadcast that marked Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels surpassing Robert Griffin III’s rushing record for a rookie quarterback. While the milestone was celebrated, eagle-eyed fans noticed a key alteration: the removal of the Washington Redskins logo from Griffin’s jersey in the graphic, sparking outrage and accusations of “rewriting history.”
A Record-Breaking Night for Daniels
Daniels led the Commanders to a crucial 30-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, clinching a playoff berth for Washington. In the process, he achieved a historic feat of his own, rushing for 127 yards to bring his season total to 867 yards. This surpassed the record Griffin set during his electrifying 2012 rookie season, in which he amassed 815 rushing yards.
The rookie’s dual-threat performance has been a standout storyline this season, cementing him as the top quarterback from the 2024 rookie class. Drafted second overall by the Commanders, Daniels has revitalized a franchise making its first playoff appearance since 2020.
NBC’s Graphic Sparks Controversy
As NBC celebrated Daniels’ record-breaking achievement with a side-by-side comparison of Daniels and Griffin, viewers noticed the Redskins logo had been airbrushed from Griffin’s jersey. The Washington franchise, which played under the Redskins name for decades, rebranded to the Washington Football Team in 2020 and later to the Commanders in 2022, following years of pressure to drop a name considered offensive to Native Americans.
The alteration of Griffin’s jersey did not sit well with many fans, who took to social media to voice their displeasure:
- “Imagine being so ‘progressive’ you edit history in real-time,” one fan posted. “NBC airbrushing the Redskins logo off RG3’s jersey is peak clown show.”
- Another wrote: “NBC erasing the Redskins logo is a perfect example of cultural erasure. Woke ideology doesn’t stop at renaming mascots—it’s about rewriting history, erasing heritage, and imposing ideological control. This is a war on tradition.”
- A different viewer criticized NBC’s decision as censorship, saying, “Woke NBC thinks they’re too good for the Redskins’ name. Newsflash: censorship doesn’t make you virtuous, it makes you a coward. Free speech means respecting all opinions, not editing out what offends you.”
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The Legacy of the Redskins Name
The controversy over the Redskins name remains divisive. While the rebranding was praised by many for respecting Native American concerns, others, including members of the Blackfeet Nation, have called for the return of the logo. Earlier this year, Thomas White Calf, the great-nephew of Chief John Two Guns White Calf—whose likeness was used for the logo—expressed pride in his ancestor’s role as a symbol for the team.
“Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history,” White Calf said. “The Blackfeet are proud of him. The fans want him back, and we want him back.”
The origins of the term “Redskins” are also hotly debated. While some claim it was used as a slur as early as the 19th century, others argue its historical context is more nuanced. The debate continues to fuel discussions about cultural sensitivity and representation in sports.
Daniels’ Historic Season
While the graphic controversy dominated headlines, it shouldn’t overshadow Daniels’ incredible rookie season. The young quarterback has proven to be a dynamic playmaker, leading the Commanders back to relevance. His rushing ability, paired with a strong arm, has helped Washington secure a playoff spot for the first time in four years.
The Commanders will close out their regular season against the Dallas Cowboys before beginning their postseason campaign the following weekend. As Daniels continues to develop, he appears poised to carry the franchise into a bright future.
A Divisive Debate
NBC’s decision to remove the Redskins logo underscores the ongoing tension surrounding the franchise’s history and rebranding.
While some fans view the alteration as a necessary step toward inclusivity, others see it as an attempt to erase the past.
For now, the focus for the Commanders and their fans remains on the playoffs, but the debate over tradition and progress will likely persist for years to come.
