The last thing some Washington fans want to contemplate is another name change. Since July 2020, the storied NFL franchise has undergone three name changes before settling on the “Commanders” in Feb. 2022.
To say the name is divisive would be an understatement. There is a large segment of the fan base who hate the name. Some believe it feels like an expansion team with the name and uniforms. Others feel like it’s the last stench of former owner Dan Snyder. Finally, some are just thrilled Snyder is gone and want to focus on football — not another name change.
No one is wrong.
The talk about the name has increased in recent weeks, with new ownership mentioning “Redskins” on multiple occasions. Even head coach Ron Rivera was asked about so many recent mentions of the old name. Majority owner Josh Harris has been asked about the name, simply saying, it doesn’t matter what he thinks about it; it matters what the fans think.
As Adam Schefter told Harris on his podcast,” They don’t like the name.”
Then there was limited partner Magic Johnson saying “everything is on the table,” during an appearance on the TODAY Show.
Many believe that Johnson and Harris not shutting down talk of the name means they are considering another rebranding — just not anytime soon.
Since taking over so close to the season, Harris and his partners have made it clear that the 2023 season, fan experience and improving FedEx Field were the top priorities. There are also talks for a new stadium. It’s a busy time for Harris, Mitchell Rales, Johnson, David Blitzer and Mark Ein.
Speaking of Ein, Harris’ lifelong friend — and minority partner — he was a recent guest on “The Kevin Sheehan Show” on Team 980.
Sheehan asked Ein about the name change Monday.
“We live here, so we know it’s been an issue that people are really passionate about, and it’s been out there for quite a while,” Ein said per Lou DiPietro of Audacy. “It feels like it’s accelerated a bit since we took over, but it’s complicated. We have a lot of other things in the short-term that we want to focus and deliver on.”
Again, Ein didn’t shut down the talk of a name change but made no promises. That’s exactly how he should handle it. Washington’s new owners do understand the divisive nature of the name. Whether or not it will change again is an issue for down the road. One thing is certain; if there is a name change, it’s not going to be anytime soon.
It’s all about the 2023 NFL season. Then, as Magic Johnson said, “Everything is on the table.”
