Tag: name change

Is the honeymoon over for Commanders’ Josh Harris?

Josh Harris has done everything right so far. But unfortunately, he can’t please everyone.

There is often a honeymoon period until it too concludes.

Perhaps no one in the DMV has been more loved than Josh Harris was in July 2023. Harris had just been granted by the NFL approval for his new ownership of the Commanders.

Training camp was beginning, and the fans not only came out in great numbers, but the atmosphere was actually celebratory.

Though the team played horribly, Ron Rivera, Jack Del Rio, and Eric Bieniemy proved to be a major disappointment, and the team finished 4-13, Harris went unscathed.

Harris had arrived and taken the helm at his initial press conference, using the word “Redskins” and the fan base was electric. Not only was Daniel Snyder gone, but Harris was bringing back the name “Redskins” because, after all, he had used the word “Redskins.”

That’s how “logic” works for many people these days. Simply listen to some of the political pundits on television. They can reach conclusions that are simply not via logical reasoning. They hear what they want to hear.

I have loved the “Redskins” franchise since my childhood. My first “Redskins” memories go back to the 1969 season, and I’ve been following them closely (too closely) ever since.

I was upset when the name was changed. I knew the actual history of how the name “Redskins” was adopted for the 1933 season, and it was not to demean Native Americans.

By 2020, the opposition had reached the point where NFL owners were not being supportive publicly of the name “Redskins.” They were caving under public pressure. Without that support, “Redskins” would soon die.

Harris probably still prefers “Redskins.” However, he is not stupid. He is fully aware NFL owners would not back such a proposal. He is also fully aware there would be an instant national outcry, slandering him as a ‘racist.’

Harris also knows the Commanders just enjoyed a hugely successful season. The first winning season following four losing seasons since “Redskins” was dropped.

He is altogether certain he will sell more Commanders merchandise and season tickets this offseason. He is also confident in winning as they did, helping many more accept “Commanders.”

Yes, he will lose some who refuse to accept anything other than “Redskins” be the name of their team. Yet, as the team continues to win, making the fan base proud of their team, “Commanders” will become easier to accept.

Though I still wish the name was “Redskins,” there will be more and more of us putting winning on the field as the core value, and the name will become more of a peripheral value.

Yes, for some, the honeymoon is over for Josh Harris. But he actually never said he was going to bring back “Redskins.”

Harris continues to pour money into improving Northwest Stadium and the Ashburn facility. He also made huge scores hiring Adam Peters and Dan Quinn.

And now Harris has Jayden Daniels as well.

Josh Harris: Commanders’ name is here to stay

Josh Harris shot down the talk of another name change.

On Monday, Washington Commanders’ managing partner Josh Harris made it abundantly clear that the Commanders’ name will not be changing.

In his season-ending press conference, Harris addressed the 2024 season, thanking GM Adam Peters and his staff, head coach Dan Quinn and his staff, the players, the fans, and the DMV region. He also discussed the future, such as where the potential new stadium could be, and answered questions about another potential rebranding.

The first question posed to Harris was about rebranding.

“Right now in this building, the name Commanders means something,” Harris said, making it clear the focus was not currently on rebranding.

Later, Harris was asked if it was safe to say the Commanders name was here to stay.

“Yes, and we’re actually, I think it’s now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff, and so…..we’re going with that,” he said.

This should shut down the talk of another potential name change in the near future. There have been reports that Washington was considering tweaking the uniforms, perhaps as early as the 2025 season, but Harris did not address that possibility.

Harris did say the team would continue to embrace its past, which we’ve seen on the team’s website, which has included the Redskins’ logo on Sean Taylor’s merchandise.

Could a uniform change be coming for the Commanders?

Could the Commanders return to a more familiar look?

Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan believes the Washington Commanders will make some changes to their uniform for the 2025 season.

Bram Weinstein, however, tweeted Thursday that there will be no branding changes and that the priority, for now, is the new stadium.

On Friday’s episode of “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan, Paulsen and his co-host Danny Rouhier said they believed a uniform change is coming.

“This is something we’ve heard rumblings about since the fall,” said Paulsen. We’ve been told they are trying to go back to their roots a little more, something that looks like the early 1990s Joe Gibbs’ Redskins Super Bowl uniforms.”

Rouhier asserted he wants to see the Commanders looking like the old Redskins in uniform, wearing the white jersey and burgundy pants for home games.

Paulsen added that he thinks Washington should be wearing “throwback” uniforms once a year. He quickly added he understands they are never going to return to the name “Redskins” and he feels strongly the old logo will not return as well.

He suggested the old “R” on the helmet. FYI, those were the actual helmets for the Redskins during the 1970 and 1971 seasons. Paulsen suggested they could also wear the 70th-anniversary uniform once a season as a throwback (those were awesome). The spear on the helmet was also mentioned as a possibility. The 1969 season was the last for the spear logo on the helmet.

Paulsen and Rouhier disagreed on the black alternate uniform. The truth is, the black uniforms were launched to replace the throwbacks they used to wear each season. It was a move away from the past tradition of not only name and logo but also, to some degree the burgundy and gold.

The name and the logo were dropped in 2020, the 2019 season being the last the “Redskins” name and logo were official for the team.

Paulsen reminded listeners there is no way the NFL would approve a return to “Redskins” and therefore, it is not going to occur. Yet he also declared, “I don’t think you are asking for much, if you are a lifetime fan of this team, who wants to turn on the TV and see something that looks recognizable to what you loved your whole life. That’s not a big ask.”

New poll reveals most D.C. fans dislike Commanders’ name

A new Washington Post poll reveals DC-area sports fans hate or dislike the “Commanders” name.

It’s been over two years since the Washington NFL franchise revealed its new name, the Commanders. The reveal, the name, and everything that followed were viewed as mostly a dud by a large portion of the fan base.

Last summer, the Commanders were sold to a group led by Josh Harris. Harris and some of his partners mentioned the former name on multiple occasions. Limited partner Magic Johnson even said all things were on the table regarding another name change.

Since then, Harris and others have acknowledged issues with the current name, but changing it is not a priority—for now, if ever.

Harris and his ownership group have a lot on their plates. First, they hired a new general manager and coach. By all accounts, Harris did well there. His new GM, Adam Peters, built the roster while Harris focused on other issues, such as finding a new home. The Commanders are in talks with D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for a potential new stadium.

The name remains a big issue for many Washington fans. Sure, there are some who are happy with the current direction and just want a winning product. There are others who will never come back unless the name is changed. One thing we do know is that the old name is not coming back. That doesn’t mean Harris and his group can’t change it.

A new poll from The Washington Post reveals that most D.C.-area sports fans either dislike or even hate the name.

Here’s the poll, courtesy of The Post:

Washington Post-Schar School Poll

Hardly anyone loves the name; others like it, some have no opinion, but many hate or dislike the “Commanders” name.

Here’s what one fan said in the Post’s story:

“I’ve been a fan for a long time, since I was a little kid, and obviously, the old name was a little problematic. I saw that,” D.C. resident Andrew Ravenscroft said. “I was in favor of changing it. But it’s just kind of a strange name.”

This is a fan admitting the old name needed to go. So, this isn’t a case where it’s “Redskins or nothing else.”

There are many interesting nuggets in the story. One thing remains clear: The name remains an issue. Sure, another portion of the fan base wants to move on from it, but if the name remains in its current form, some fans will continue to stay away.

For decades, the Washington, D.C., area was all about the NFL team. The other major sports were secondary. The poll revealed that local sports fans currently prefer the Nationals (MLB) and Capitals (NHL) over the Commanders.

A few winning seasons could change everything, even those who are looking for a name change. But something we all know too well, you can’t make everyone happy.

Marjorie Harris: ‘For now, it’s the Commanders’

Marjorie Harris discusses potential name change. Two words stood out.

Almost four years later, the name debate continues to be a topic of conversation for the Washington Commanders.

On Wednesday, owner Josh Harris’s wife, Marjorie, led a Day of Service in Washington, D.C., which also included president Jason Wright, several team legends, and the entire 2024 rookie class.

At one point during the Commanders’ final stop at a local D.C. school, Mrs. Harris met with the local media where she was asked about the name.

She didn’t back down from the question either.

“As you would imagine, everybody has an opinion about the name,” Harris said. “Some good, some bad, some in the middle. And I think that, we have a lot of work to do, and so that name issue is going to be on the side for now until we can get things going.”

Harris’s answer was in line with everything else we’ve heard from this regime. They didn’t shut it down but said the on-field product, the fans and the community were the top priorities.

But that wasn’t all she said.

“Quite frankly, I had a whole day out in the community, and I kept referring to the team as the Commanders. And you know what? Sounds pretty good to me. So, for now, it’s the Commanders.”

The two key words here: “For now.”

Harris acknowledged that the name remains an issue. While another name change isn’t happening imminently, it remains a possibility down the road.

Harris handled this as well as anyone possibly could.

Montez Sweat strongly preferred Washington’s old name

Montez Sweat liked old name, embarrassed by “Commanders” name.

The Washington Redskins selected Montez Sweat in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft. On Oct. 31, 2023, the Washington Commanders traded Sweat to the Chicago Bears for a 2024 second-round pick.

In Sweat’s five seasons with the team, Washington had three different team names because former owner Dan Snyder was forced to sell in the summer of 2020: Redskins, Football Team and Commanders.

In Tuesday’s episode of the “Green Light” podcast with Chris Long, Sweat was asked about Washington’s various names.

He clearly preferred the “Redskins” moniker.

While Sweat is no longer on the team, having signed a lucrative four-year extension with the Bears, he will endear himself to many Washington fans due to his preference for the old name.

As for the new name, Sweat said he was “embarrassed” when he first heard it.

“Oh my god, when I heard that, bro, I was embarrassed,” Sweat said. “I was so embarrassed that when people asked who I played for, I said Washington.”

Several Washington fans would agree with him.

Sweat appeared in 67 games for Washington, recording 222 tackles, including 47 for loss, 35.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles.

Former NFL player and current analyst hates the Commanders’ name

You can add another to the list who doesn’t like the team name.

When Josh Harris and his ownership group took control of the Washington Commanders in July, they made it clear their immediate priorities were not another rebranding but instead focusing on the upcoming season and improving FedEx Field.

However, they didn’t rule it out, either, with limited partner Magic Johnson saying on NBC’s TODAY Show, “Everything was on the table.”

The rebranding, of course, centers around the team’s name. While many longtime fans hate the name “Commanders,” others are excited about the franchise again since Dan Snyder sold the team.

Fans aren’t the only ones who don’t like the name. Former players have been outspoken regarding the name. Others around the NFL hate the name, too.

Former NFL player Solomon Wilcots has worked in the media world for years. You can add him to the list of those who hate Washington’s name.

“Everyone knows they should change that name, by the way,” Wilcots said on “Grant and Danny” of 106.7 The Fan this week in Las Vegas via Lou DiPietro of Audacy. When co-host Grant Paulsen asked Wilcots if that name worked for him, he quickly replied, “No.”

“Is it good for you?” Wilcots said. “We are all almost unanimous about that. That’s a crowded bus.”

Paulsen then told Wilcots that Harris sometimes chooses to use Washington Football instead of saying “Commanders,” something Wilcots appreciated.

“Smart man! I love Washington Football Team as a name,” Wilcots said. “That was better than this thing.”

The Commanders used the name “Football Team” for two seasons following their initial name change in July 2020.

Washington just completed GM and head coaching searches and must finish its coaching staff. Next, the Commanders look toward free agency and the NFL draft. A new name isn’t in the cards — for now.

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen mentions team’s old name

This should make Washington fans happy.

Local radio hosts from the two most popular sports talk radio shows in the Washington, D.C., area were together on Friday for an event called “106.7 The Fan vs. Team 980 LIVE.”

The purpose of the event was for the hosts to talk about the local sports landscape, tell stories, and interact with those in attendance. They had a special guest: Washington Commanders defensive tackle and team captain Jonathan Allen.

They discussed numerous topics, such as the Commanders’ recent changes, hiring new GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, what to do with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and the team name.

Allen weighed in on the name — and fans will be happy.

Grant Paulsen, co-host of “Grant and Danny” weekdays from 2-6:30 p.m. on 106.7 The Fan, weighed in:

Another fan in attendance also captured the following image:

That should further endear Allen to Washington’s fans.

Another name change isn’t on new owner Josh Harris’ immediate agenda, but he and his partners understand it remains an issue. This offseason will be about rebuilding the front office, coaching staff and roster. Perhaps next year, another rebranding could be an option. As of now, Harris has more important things to worry about, such as finding a home for a new state-of-the-art stadium.

Josh Harris is busy: Commanders’ name change not a pressing concern

Josh Harris is focused on improving the Commanders on the field right now — not rebranding.

Washington Commanders majority owner Josh Harris was clear in his Monday press conference. The brand “Commanders” is not at all on his front burner.

Harris knows the Commanders will draw an interest from several capable football people. They have the No. 2 overall selection and five choices in the top 100. The new GM and new head coach will have the opportunity to get the second-best quarterback.

“I’m lucky enough to be supported by an amazing ownership group, and obviously, we think we’re an attractive destination for the next generation of leadership. This is probably amongst the most important jobs I have as a managing partner, and it’s important that I do this personally and get this right and that we bring in the right leadership.”

Harris made it clear Monday that his priority is building the leadership structure first as he is replacing Ron Rivera, and most likely, Martin Mayhew will be replaced soon as well.

“So we’re looking for the best people to build an elite franchise that’s going to consistently compete and win championships. So that’s kind of our goal in terms of the structure.

When the Harris group conducted their initial press conference in July, there were more than a few references to the success of the old “Redskins” in a previous generation. The fan base excitement instantly spread, and talk of dumping the “Commanders” brand swelled.”

In defense of the Harris group, they talked of the success of the old “Redskins;” they did not talk of changing the name back to “Redskins.”

Consequently, when asked Monday about the possibility of a new name other than “Commanders,” Harris responded, “As you can see, we’re a little busy…Working on the next improvements to our stadium, in terms of fan experience, in terms of premium areas, and fixing a lot of different things and investing in the stadium. We’re going to be rolling out a big investment program in the next few weeks, and there’s an enormous amount of detail that the business staff and some of the ownership group are working on. Then, we’ve got obviously our new home and thinking about that. Right now, our focus today is on sports first and foremost, and then these other things and so, those are our focuses right now.”

Leaders must prioritize, determining what must be done and what must not be done. Sounds like Harris has a firm foundation and discerns where his attention should be presently.

Commanders owner Josh Harris ‘disappointed’ with season, but remains confident in the future

Harris is disappointed but wants to finish the season on a strong note. He also knows the name is still an important topic.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris and one of his limited partners, Mark Ein, spoke publicly on Thursday at the Sports Business Journal’s Dealmakers conference Thursday in Washington, D.C.

It was the first time Harris had spoken publicly since some of Washington’s massive changes over the past month. Over the past month, the Commanders traded starting defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat for a pair of second-day draft choices in the 2024 NFL draft, and last week, fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and secondary coach Brent Vieselmeyer.

Harris acknowledged the disappointing start to the 2023 season, in which Washington sits at 4-8 and last place in the NFC East.

“Clearly, all of us are disappointed by the performance on the field,” Harris said via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. However, Harris remains optimistic about what’s ahead.

“All of us. So we’re focusing on that, and we want to finish the season strong. You got to win, and everyone wants to win. And sometimes it takes a while.”

Washington fans have been waiting long enough. However, for once, there is real change where the fans can see hope in the future. There will be a new regime in the offseason. It finally appears the Commanders will be managed like a real NFL organization, beginning with hiring a general manager, who will, in turn, hire the head coach.

Harris didn’t discuss the coaching staff but did talk about the future beyond this season.

“I have a public track record with Philly (76ers) and New Jersey (Devils), and generally, when you change a system, sometimes you have to do it,” Harris said. “But you probably take a step back before you take a step forward. That’s not always the case, but I think generally, that’s what the statistics would show. So I think it’s important to be patient.”

Fans have been upset this season that Harris hasn’t already fired Rivera. However, everyone knows changes are coming. Changes were coming regardless of what happened this season, short of a Super Bowl run.

Patience is warranted in this case. The NFL is built for teams to turn around quickly. One thing that helps teams turn around is the quarterback. Sam Howell has given Washington some exciting moments this season and there’s hope he could be the guy moving forward. Howell’s future, though, will likely be determined by the next regime.

Still, there’s hope. Fans had given up on Daniel Snyder many, many years ago. Harris and his group remain in a honeymoon period. His success, along with his group’s success, not only in sports but also in business, shows they are committed to making Washington a winner again.

Another topic for Harris on Thursday was the team’s name. While ownership ruled out a return to the former name, Harris understands it’s still an important topic for the team’s fans. And if it’s important to the fans, he will listen.

“We’re focused on winning football games for the rest of the season, fixing the stadium, and engaging with the city,” Harris said. “I know (the name) is a topic that people in Washington want to talk about. But right now, we’re focused on the things that we think are really important right now.”

Harris has maintained the same stance since purchasing the team in July. Now, with the season nearing its close, there will be more talk about another possible name change. Harris and his partners will consider another rebranding. But first, it will be about getting the right football people in place for 2024 and beyond.