It looks like the Washington Commanders will keep the same name, which has upset a Native American group.
A Native American group released a statement criticizing the league over the Commanders name change.
The Native American Guardian’s Association called the change “degrading” and “insensitive” in a lengthy statement that was sent out this week.
Washington changed its name to the Commanders in 2022 after briefly being known as the Washington Football Team. The Washington Commanders name was widely mocked but has since grown on the fans and opposing fan bases.
Not everybody likes it.
The Native American Guardian’s Association supported the original team name and mascot and found the “Commanders” name incredibly insulting, per TMZ.
Additionally, it argued that “Commanders” played a role in “decimating the once-formidable native nations of this continent.”
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“Had the NFL done any type of focus group with Natives, they would know that their team name is considered indefensible as it was a series of Commanders – many from D.C. – who decimated the once-formidable native nations of this continent,” NAGA said. “As the original Americans, we deserve better than be labeled D.C. Commanders – it’s insulting. We deserve honest representation and the telling of the truth. Educate, not Eradicate.”
NAGA further claims it’s being “ignored by today’s woke/racist decision makers at the D.C.-based franchise, which continues to insist on utilizing THE most DEGRADING and INSENSITIVE namesake in any sports league – the Commanders.”
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: A Native American group is calling out the #Commanders for not changing their name back to Redskins.
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 6, 2025
Statement from NAGA (Native American Guardian Association):
“Had the NFL done any type of focus group with Natives, they would know that their team name is… pic.twitter.com/Q9GFDPgB3l
Washington Commanders Owner Made Final Decision On Name Change
The Washington Commanders had an incredible 2024 season during year one of a rebuild.
Washington successfully identified a rising star at quarterback in Jayden Daniels and might just be a piece away from going to the Super Bowl.
So, while the Commanders look to add to a group that went to the NFC Championship Game, they are still dealing with questions about changing their nickname.
Amid speculations for change, Commanders owner Josh Harris has made a perfectly clear statement that the franchise is not changing anything.
The Commanders nickname is here to stay no matter what.
