The NFL’s Washington franchise is set to reveal its new team name
Washington will continue to use its burgundy and gold color scheme but gave few hints as to the new identity. Team president Jason Wright said last month that the new name would not be “Wolves” or “RedWolves” due to trademark issues.
“We look forward to getting started with our team name and identity on a clear path without inconvenient obstacles, legal or otherwise,” Wright said. “And while we’ve always understood that it would be nearly impossible to select a name that all of our fans would identify with as their first choice, we are very pleased with our final selection, which aligns with our values, carries our rich history, represents the region and, more importantly, is inspired and informed by you, our fans.
“We are confident that this identity is one our team and fans across DC, Maryland, Virginia and beyond can rally to for another 90+ years as we continue to cheer on Burgundy & Gold in this next chapter. “
Once one of the NFL‘s flagship franchises, Washington has won just two playoff games since Dan Snyder bought the team in 1999 and has been a constant source of dysfunction and scandal in recent years.
The rise and fall of the “Redskins”
The team was founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, but team founder George Preston Marshall changed the name to “Redskins” a year later to avoid confusion with baseball‘s Boston Braves. The team moved to Washington DC in 1937.
The name’s reference to skin color, as well as its logo of a Native American with feathers in his hair, were criticized at least as early as 1971-72. Still, the team has staunchly resisted efforts to change its name, and Washington owner Dan Snyder told USA Today in 2013 that he “never” would.
Besides the team name, the Washington franchise has had other major issues with the way it is run.
“Harassment and bullying occurred frequently and many described the culture as a culture of fear, and many female employees said they experienced sexual harassment and a general lack of respect in the workplace” , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the statement.
Snyder also apologized and took responsibility for workplace culture in a statement, but remained in charge of the team.
The emails were leaked to the media in October 2021, forcing Gruden to resign as head coach of the Oakland Raiders.