The NFL franchise in Washington stated on Tuesday that it will change its name on February 2 and that it will no longer be known as the Wolves or RedWolves.
Other candidates included Commanders, Admirals, Armada, Brigade, Sentinels, Defenders, Red Hogs, Presidents, and the status quo “Washington Football Team.”
In an episode of the team-produced show “Making the Brand,” team president Jason Wright remarked, “We are on the verge of beginning a new chapter, but our past, our heritage cannot be lost along the way.” “It’s more vital than ever to keep linked to our roots.” We recognize the significance of selecting a memorable name for the club, one that will serve as a foundation for the next 90 years and beyond.”
Because of trademarks held by other groups, Wright stated the decision was taken not to go with Wolves or RedWolves. Those possibilities were well-liked by Washington supporters.
The new helmets and outfits will be burgundy and gold in color, with three stars on the collar and stripes on the shoulders of otherwise plain jerseys. Coach Ron Rivera exclaimed, “I love this,” in a footage from “Making the Brand” in which he examines one of the helmets. Right on the money. “I believe the appearance will be quite appealing.”
A “W” logo appeared in a teaser anticipating the unveiling.
“Hail to the greats who lay the basis for our legacy,” “Hail to the fans we consider family,” “We are and always have been Washington,” “We will fight for our community,” and “Together we will determine our future” were among the statements included in the film.
Current players met with military members and supporters, and photos of franchise legends were blended in.
After decades of criticism that it was offensive toward Native Americans and current pressure from team sponsors, the organization abandoned its previous moniker in July 2020. The Washington Football Team was chosen as the team’s name for that season, and it remained such until 2021 as the front office underwent a protracted rebranding process.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” Wright remarked. “We had to treat every stage of the process seriously in order to get it properly, and the destination is the total of all those components.”
In the midst of a national reckoning on race, Washington was the first club in the four major North American professional sports organizations to shift away from Native American iconography. After resolving a dispute with a roller derby club of the same name, Cleveland in Major League Baseball followed suit, adopting the new moniker Guardians, which is currently in force.
The Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League have both defended their team names.
During the rebranding process, Wright made it plain that Washington will not employ any Native American images in the future. He, Rivera, and others have alluded to a desire to uphold the once-illustrious franchise’s legacy, which includes three Super Bowl titles.
“I simply believe our franchise’s tradition and history are so significant, and I think as fans, we’re going to unite around that squad,” said Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs. “I’d think that naming the squad is probably less essential than attempting to bring everyone together….” The devotion we have for that squad is the one thing we have going for us.”
In recent years, Washington hasn’t had much going on on or off the field. After an investigation into workplace conduct, the league fined the team $10 million, owner Dan Snyder squabbled with minority partners before buying out their shares, the front office was chastised this season for botching late safety Sean Taylor’s jersey retirement, and the team hasn’t made the playoffs in 15 years.