Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn's recent appearance in a shirt featuring the old Redskins team name has reignited the debate over the franchise's controversial history.
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has found himself in the midst of a heated debate over the franchise's past and present. Quinn recently wore a shirt that incorporated the old Redskins team name into the current logo, sparking widespread reaction online.
The shirt, which featured a feather on the end of the "W" representing the team's current name, stirred up memories of a team that has been embroiled in controversy for years. The Redskins moniker was ditched in the summer of 2020 amid heightened racial tensions across the United States. The team landed on Commanders before the 2023 season.
Quinn's decision to wear the shirt sparked mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated the nod to the franchise's history, while others criticized the move as insensitive and counterproductive. The Commanders had "no organizational comment" on the apparel, according to Pro Football Talk.
ESPN's Jason Reid questioned why Quinn would wear the shirt, adding that it could take away from some of the positive buzz around the team. "My man, I'm not focusing on racism. My overarching point is this: Everything associated with the former name gets people going, one way or another," Reid wrote. "They just drafted a QB with the second overall pick. New GM just had his first draft. New head coach is leading the rookies."
Local D.C. journalist Scott Abraham, however, praised the shirt as a way to honor the team's past while embracing the future. "Can we stop for one second and appreciate this shirt Dan Quinn showcased during today's press conference?!" Abraham wrote on X. "Embracing the future while also honoring the past. Chefs kiss."
The Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) also supported Quinn's shirt, stating that it reminded fans of the team's loyal following. "Quinn wearing the ‘shirt’ has everything to do with the sleeping giant known as #Redskins Fandom," NAGA wrote. "Let this be a stark reminder that the excitement over the past 24 hours dwarfs anything this team can produce. And we won’t spend a dime on the team without a return."
Quinn's shirt has brought the issue of the Redskins' name back into the spotlight. The franchise has been under fire for years for using a name that many Native Americans find offensive. The team's decision to change the name was a significant step forward, but it appears that the debate is far from over.
Quinn's tenure as head coach of the Commanders has been marked by both promise and controversy. He led the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl during the 2016 season, but was ultimately fired after the team's performance declined. He joined the Cowboys as their defensive coordinator in 2021 and helped lead the team to the playoffs. His decision to wear a shirt with the Redskins logo is likely to be a source of debate for the foreseeable future.
As the Commanders prepare for the upcoming season, they will need to find a way to move forward from the controversy surrounding Quinn's shirt. The team has a lot of potential, but it will need to focus on building a winning culture and bridging the divide between those who support the old Redskins name and those who believe it is time for a fresh start.
