Washington’s NFL team, which was formerly known as the Redskins, announced on Monday that they are abandoning that old name. The team has sported the name for over 80 years, and has resisted many calls to change it.
Historically, the name has offended many Native Americans. The term “redskins,” while somewhat archaic, is still a derogatory way to refer to Native Americans.
On July 3, the team announced that they were enacting a thorough review of this decision. Ten days later, on Monday, they announced that they are retiring the old name:
“Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review.”
They have not yet announced what the new name will be. Speculation holds that the new name might include the word “red,” and will somehow relate to the state of Washington.
The team remained defiant over the years, resisting calls to change the name or the mascot. However, the summer protests throughout the past few months have ratcheted up the pressure on the NFL to address issues of racial inequality.
San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick rocked the NFL when he began taking a knee during the National Anthem to protest police brutality against black people.
Kaepernick has been a free agent since 2017. Many believe he has been blacklisted by team owners of the NFL who refuse to sign him. This has caused many longtime fans to criticize the NFL’s lackluster response to matters of social justice.
Foremost among the voices that condemned Kaepernick’s kneeling was Dan Snyder, the owner of Washington’s team. In 2013, Snyder infamously noted that the team would never change the name. However, in the aftermath of the protests over George Floyd’s death, Snyder has softened his tone.
However, there was more than just social pressure on the Washington team. Many of their biggest sponsors, including Fed Ex and PepsiCo, had implored them to change the name in the off-season. When PepsiCo threatens to take away its advertising dollars for their soda and soda alternatives, you know you’re in trouble as a business.
Likewise, Nike, the company that makes all of the NFL’s official apparel, pulled all of Washington’s gear from their site. This is in line with Nike’s ongoing endorsement of Kaepernick.
Native American advocates were pleased by the move Monday morning. Many noted that this change will be beneficial to Native youths who will not hear a derogatory slur against them celebrated as a mascot of a football team.
