The descendants of John Two Guns White Calf, the renowned Blackfeet chief who served as the inspiration for the Washington Redskins logo for nearly five decades, are advocating for the restoration of his image to the NFL. Amidst a push for greater representation and multiculturalism, the family believes White Calf's legacy should be celebrated on the field once more.
The family of John Two Guns White Calf, the Blackfeet chief whose image adorned the Washington Redskins NFL franchise for 48 years, is calling for the restoration of his likeness to the league's fields. Supported by Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana) and the apparent receptiveness of the Washington Commanders franchise, the descendants of White Calf seek to reclaim his prominent place in American history and football folklore.
Thomas White Calf, a great nephew of the legendary chief, expressed the family's unwavering belief in the importance of honoring White Calf's legacy. "Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history," he stated. "I'm proud of him. The Blackfeet are proud of him."
Blackfeet Chief's Family Seeks Return of Image to NFL Fields
White Calf's portrait and the Redskins name were abruptly erased from the NFL in 2020, following years of mounting public pressure fueled by the George Soros-funded National Congress of American Indians. Despite polls indicating that 90% of Native Americans supported the team name and White Calf's image, both were removed without consultation with the chief's family.
Thomas White Calf adamantly rejects the assertion that removing White Calf's image was a just act. "This is about righting a wrong," he emphasized. Senator Daines echoed this sentiment, stating that the restoration of White Calf's legacy "represents the rich Native American history that helped make our nation great."
Blackfeet Chief's Family Seeks Return of Image to NFL Fields
The Washington Commanders, purchased in 2023 by a group of investors led by Josh Harris, appear open to the possibility of embracing White Calf's image once more. "We are collaborating with Sen. Daines to honor the legacy of our team's heritage and the Native American community," a Commanders spokesperson stated.
White Calf, born in Montana in 1872, dedicated his life to preserving Native American culture and championing their issues in Washington, D.C., where he rubbed elbows with President Calvin Coolidge. He became a symbol of unity and understanding between different cultures.
Blackfeet Chief's Family Seeks Return of Image to NFL Fields
White Calf's death in 1934 garnered a New York Times obituary, underscoring his national prominence. He was the inspiration for the face that appeared on the U.S. Mint's Indian head nickel from 1913.
Despite White Calf's remarkable legacy, he was steamrolled by the National Congress of American Indians in 2013, when it published a report alleging racism in the Redskins franchise. The report notably omitted any mention of White Calf, a glaring oversight that historians have criticized.
Blackfeet Chief's Family Seeks Return of Image to NFL Fields
Andre Billeaudeaux, author of "How the Redskins Got Their Name," lamented the erasure of Chief Two Guns White Calf's image. "He was a real person, not a mascot," Billeaudeaux stated.
While the Commanders seem receptive to restoring White Calf's image, the team remains hesitant to revive the Redskins name, a topic considered too politically toxic.
Blackfeet Chief's Family Seeks Return of Image to NFL Fields
Thomas White Calf, however, insists that his family deserves a voice in these discussions. "We want a seat at the table," he declared.
As the NFL grapples with its past and present, the story of John Two Guns White Calf serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of preserving Native American history and celebrating the contributions of all individuals. The return of White Calf's image to the NFL fields would be a small but significant step towards reconciliation and a more inclusive society.
