Washington Football Team reveals Commanders as new name

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Washington’s NFL team unveiled its new name on Wednesday, 18 months after retiring their previous one over mounting pressure that the name and logo – established in the 1930s – had racist connotations. 

Welcome, the Washington Commanders. 

JOE THEISMANN LIKELY REVEALED WFT’S NAME BY MISTAKE

Washington Football Team outside linebacker David Mayo (51) sets the play with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) and defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

"As an organization, we are excited to rally and rise together as one under our new identity while paying homage to our local roots and what it means to represent the nation’s capital," co-owner and co-CEO Dan Snyder said in a statement. "As we kick-off our 90th season, it is important for our organization and fans to pay tribute to our past traditions, history, legacy and the greats that came before us. We continue to honor and represent the Burgundy & Gold while forging a pathway to a new era in Washington. Today may mark the first day for the Washington Commanders, but we are and always will be Washington."

The new logo features bold lines and angled cuts, which the team defines as a symbol of "forward movement and progress." The "W" is inspired by military rank insignia to tie in the team’s new identity while still honoring the traditional gold and burgundy colors. 

The symbol carries forward an element of the Washington Football Team chapter in the franchise’s history and acknowledges the team’s deep Washington roots, while the W’s angled cuts, bolded lines and serifs signify forward movement and progress. (Washington Commanders)

Washington also announced that fans will be invited to FedEx Field on Friday night for an event surrounding the brand launch. Sales for the new team merchandise opened at 9 a.m. ET.

Speculation about the team name grew Tuesday night after a news helicopter flying over FedEx Field revealed the name Commanders on a wall inside the stadium. This followed legendary quarterback Joe Theismann’s comments over the weekend when he appeared to suggest Commanders would be the name. 

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"I think the Commanders is a name that is gonna be hopefully one people talk about moving forward," he told CBS Sports Radio. "There were so many different options. Once again, it's trademark infringement. It's getting approval from different people. If you choose a name, is there a group out there that isn't gonna like it? There's so many things you have to consider."

Washington Football Team fans hold signs in the stands against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first quarter at FedEx Field.  (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

Theismann later clarified his remark, telling The Washington Times, "Like you, I’ll find out on Wednesday."

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Washington retired its former name in July 2020 after decades of complaints that it was racist toward Native Americans. The organization opted to use the name Washington Football Team as a temporary placeholder, although the name was considered as a potential option at one point during the process. 

Founded in Boston in 1932, the team shared the name Boston Braves with the city’s Major League Baseball team at the time. The following year, owner George Preston Marshall changed the name to the Redskins, and in 1937 the team was moved to D.C.

In the word mark, "WASHINGTON" introduces the tall and proud letters of the team’s name.  (Washington Commanders)

Aside from the name change, Washington has suffered a number of controversies both on and off the field.

The NFL fined the team $10 million last summer after an investigation into workplace conduct, Snyder squabbled with minority partners before buying out their shares, the front office took criticism this season for botching late safety Sean Taylor's jersey retirement and over the past 15 years, the team has not won a playoff game.  

The Associated Press contributed to this report.