Josh Harris, the controlling owner of the Washington Redskins Washington Football Team Washington Commanders, confirmed on Monday that the team’s name will remain unchanged despite calls from fans to return to the original branding, emphasizing its growing acceptance within the organization.
“Is it safe to the Commanders name is around to stay?” a reporter asked Harris during a team press conference.
“Yes,” he replied bluntly. “And I think it’s now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff. And so we’re going with that.”
Josh Harris was just asked point blank if the Commanders name is here to stay.
His answer will shut down any talk of name changes for the forseeable future. pic.twitter.com/OnOhrskiPG
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) February 3, 2025
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Harris acquired the team in 2023 from Dan Snyder and has dismissed any intentions of reverting to the previous “Redskins” name, which was retired in 2020 due to its controversial nature. However, since the name change, segments of the Commanders’ fan base have called for a return of the iconic mascot and logo.
In a surprise development in late 2024, descendants of John Two Guns White Calf, the Blackfoot chieftain whose image adorned the Redskins’ uniform for 48 years, petitioned to have the logo restored, citing its importance to Native American communities. Indeed, at the time of the logo’s removal, polls indicated that upwards of 90% of Native Americans approved of the Redskins branding and supported both the name and the logo.
However, since then, the name “Commanders” has gained significance, particularly after rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels led the team to the NFC championship game.
While there are plans to honor the team’s past, including possibly revisiting old uniforms, discussions about a new stadium are ongoing with local authorities, targeting a 2030 opening.
Harris’s commitment to the name reflects a focus on building future success while acknowledging the franchise’s storied history.
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