The Washington Football Team just announced that it will reveal its new name and logo on February 2.
“We are confident that this identity is one that our team and our fans across D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and beyond can rally behind for another 90 years and more as we continue to cheer on the Burgundy and Gold in this next chapter,” team President Jason Wright wrote on the team’s website.
Wright adds that the team was “in the final phases of this massive undertaking” and that “Wolves” and “Redwolves” were not in contention. Last July the team ixnayed Warriors, as well.
The team dropped its longstanding “Redskins” name in 2020 after a campaign from critics who said it was racist. Wright said the club is eager to start a new era.
“We can’t wait to hit the ground running with our team name and identity on a clear path—one without distracting obstacles, legal or otherwise,” he said.
Franchise owner Dan Snyder said in 2013 that the team would never change its name: “It’s that simple. NEVER—you can use caps.”
Some teams with culturally insensitive nicknames have shown signs of switching, too. MLB’s Cleveland Indians will rebrand as the Guardians in 2022. However, some still remain: the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, MLB’s Atlanta Braves and the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs are among those who continue to use their names.
