The Original Name of the NFL Washington Commanders

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 87 views

The Evolution of NFL Team Names: Understanding the Washington Commanders' History and the Concept of Appropriation

The National Football League (NFL) has a rich history, with many teams having undergone name changes over the years. One such team is the Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins. In this article, we will delve into the original name of the NFL Washington Commanders, explore the reasons behind their name change, and discuss the concept of appropriation in the context of professional sports team names.

The Original Name of the NFL Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders were originally known as the Washington Redskins. The team was founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, but was later renamed the Boston Redskins in 1933. In 1937, the team moved to Washington, D.C. and became known as the Washington Redskins. The team's name was chosen to honor the Native American population of the region, with the word "Redskin" being a colloquialism for a Native American.

Why Did They Change Their Name?

In 2020, the Washington Redskins announced that they would be changing their name due to public pressure and criticism surrounding the use of the term "Redskin." The team's owner, Daniel Snyder, had long been resistant to changing the team's name, but ultimately relented to the pressure from sponsors, players, and the public. The team's new name, the Washington Commanders, was announced in February 2022.

Defining Appropriation

Appropriation refers to the act of taking something that belongs to someone else, often without their permission or consent. In the context of professional sports team names, appropriation occurs when a team uses a name or logo that is derived from a marginalized or oppressed group, without properly understanding or respecting the cultural significance of that group.

Two Professional Sports Teams That Have Recently Changed Their Name

The Cleveland Indians to the Cleveland Guardians: In 2021, the Cleveland Indians announced that they would be changing their name to the Cleveland Guardians. The team's name was changed due to public pressure and criticism surrounding the use of the term "Indian," which was seen as a racial slur.
The Washington Redskins to the Washington Commanders: As mentioned earlier, the Washington Redskins changed their name to the Washington Commanders in 2022. The team's name was changed due to public pressure and criticism surrounding the use of the term "Redskin."

The Kansas City NFL Team: A Case Study

The Kansas City NFL team, also known as the Kansas City Chiefs, has a name that is derived from the city's Native American heritage. However, the team's name and logo have been the subject of controversy over the years, with some critics arguing that the team's use of Native American imagery is a form of cultural appropriation.

The Chiefs' Name and Logo: A Complex Issue

The Kansas City Chiefs' name and logo are a complex issue, with both supporters and critics offering valid arguments. On the one hand, the team's name and logo are a nod to the city's rich Native American heritage, and are seen as a way to honor the region's indigenous people. On the other hand, some critics argue that the team's use of Native American imagery is a form of cultural appropriation, and that the team should change its name and logo to something more inclusive.

The evolution of NFL team names is a complex issue, with many teams having undergone name changes over the years. The Washington Commanders' name change is a prime example of how public pressure and criticism can lead to a team changing its name. The concept of appropriation is also an important consideration in the context of professional sports team names, and teams must be mindful of the cultural significance of the names and logos they choose to use.

Recommendations for NFL Teams

Be Mindful of Cultural Significance: NFL teams must be mindful of the cultural significance of the names and logos they choose to use. Teams should avoid using names and logos that are derived from marginalized or oppressed groups, without properly understanding or respecting the cultural significance of that group.
Engage in Meaningful Consultation: NFL teams should engage in meaningful consultation with the communities they are drawing inspiration from. This can help to ensure that the team's name and logo are respectful and inclusive.
Be Willing to Change: NFL teams must be willing to change their name and logo if they are found to be culturally insensitive or appropriative. This can help to maintain a positive reputation and avoid controversy.

The evolution of NFL team names is a complex issue, with many teams having undergone name changes over the years. The Washington Commanders' name change is a prime example of how public pressure and criticism can lead to a team changing its name. By being mindful of cultural significance, engaging in meaningful consultation, and being willing to change, NFL teams can help to ensure that their name and logo are respectful and inclusive.
Q&A: The Evolution of NFL Team Names and the Concept of Appropriation

In our previous article, we explored the evolution of NFL team names, including the Washington Commanders' name change from the Washington Redskins. We also discussed the concept of appropriation in the context of professional sports team names. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the topic.

Q: What is cultural appropriation in the context of NFL team names?

A: Cultural appropriation refers to the act of taking something that belongs to someone else, often without their permission or consent. In the context of NFL team names, cultural appropriation occurs when a team uses a name or logo that is derived from a marginalized or oppressed group, without properly understanding or respecting the cultural significance of that group.

Q: Why are some NFL teams' names and logos considered culturally insensitive?

A: Some NFL teams' names and logos are considered culturally insensitive because they use imagery or terminology that is associated with marginalized or oppressed groups. For example, the Washington Redskins' name and logo were criticized for using a term that is considered a racial slur. Similarly, the Cleveland Indians' name and logo were criticized for using a term that is associated with Native American stereotypes.

Q: What is the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation?

A: Cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation are two different concepts. Cultural appreciation occurs when a team or individual takes the time to learn about and understand a culture, and then uses that knowledge to create something that is respectful and inclusive. Cultural appropriation, on the other hand, occurs when a team or individual takes something from a culture without properly understanding or respecting it.

Q: Why are some NFL teams resistant to changing their name and logo?

A: Some NFL teams are resistant to changing their name and logo because they have a strong emotional attachment to their current identity. They may also be concerned about the financial costs associated with changing their name and logo. Additionally, some teams may feel that their name and logo are an important part of their history and tradition.

Q: What are some examples of NFL teams that have changed their name and logo due to cultural sensitivity concerns?

A: There are several examples of NFL teams that have changed their name and logo due to cultural sensitivity concerns. For example, the Washington Redskins changed their name to the Washington Commanders in 2022, while the Cleveland Indians changed their name to the Cleveland Guardians in 2021.

Q: How can NFL teams ensure that their name and logo are respectful and inclusive?

A: NFL teams can ensure that their name and logo are respectful and inclusive by engaging in meaningful consultation with the communities they are drawing inspiration from. They should also take the time to learn about and understand the cultural significance of the names and logos they choose to use. Additionally, teams should be willing to change their name and logo if they are found to be culturally insensitive or appropriative.

Q: What role do sponsors and fans play in influencing NFL teams' name and logo decisions?

A: Sponsors and fans play a significant role in influencing NFL teams' name and logo decisions. Sponsors may pressure teams to change their name and logo if they are seen as culturally insensitive or appropriative. Fans may also express their opinions and concerns about a team's name and logo, which can influence the team's decision-making process.

Q: How can NFL teams balance their desire to honor their history and tradition with the need to be culturally sensitive and inclusive?

A: NFL teams can balance their desire to honor their history and tradition with the need to be culturally sensitive and inclusive by taking a thoughtful and nuanced approach to their name and logo decisions. They should engage in meaningful consultation with the communities they are drawing inspiration from, and take the time to learn about and understand the cultural significance of the names and logos they choose to use. Additionally, teams should be willing to change their name and logo if they are found to be culturally insensitive or appropriative.

The evolution of NFL team names is a complex issue, with many teams having undergone name changes over the years. By understanding the concept of appropriation and being mindful of cultural sensitivity, NFL teams can ensure that their name and logo are respectful and inclusive.