It’s official (finally).
The NFL team in our nation’s capital will officially retire the Redskins name and logo and search for a new team name that they’ll announce at a later date. (Personally, I love the name Red Tails.)
Per NFL.com:
“Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review,” the team said in a statement. “Dan Snyder and Coach (Ron) Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years.”
While the name change has been a long time coming, several Bucs players both past and present have a connection to the Redskins organization. Most notably, former Bucs first-round pick Doug Williams quarterbacked the Redskins to a victory in Super Bowl XXII over John Elway’s Denver Broncos, earning Super Bowl MVP honors along the way.
This offseason, running back Peyton Barber left Tampa and signed a two-year deal with Washington, so he’ll find himself as a member of this new-look Washington franchise.
But it’s Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans who may have the fondest memory of anyone when it comes to playing the team formerly known as the Redskins. Evans had his best game to date back in Week 11 of the 2014 season, his rookie year. In that game, Evans had seven receptions for 209 yards and two touchdowns. It remains the only 200-yard receiving game of Evans’ career (although he came close last season with a 198-yard game against the Titans in Week 8).
The big performance earned Evans praise in the locker room after the game from then-head coach Lovie Smith. It was truly the game that let everyone know Evans was a rising star in this league.
This season, Evans will look to become the first wide receiver in league history to begin his career with seven-straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. What a career it has been so far for the future Hall of Famer.
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