Despite his wife's previous suggestion, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris has definitively stated that the team's current nickname will remain and the old "Redskins" moniker will not be making a comeback.
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris has unequivocally dismissed the possibility of the team reverting to its former nickname, the Redskins. In an interview with reporters on Sunday, Harris emphasized the unifying nature of the Commanders name and the organization's focus on winning games and building a strong connection with the city of Washington, D.C.
"For obvious reasons, the old name can’t come back," Harris asserted. "But right now, we’re focused on things to unify the team around our football team and unify the city around our football team. The first objective is we gotta start winning football games, and we need everyone supporting the team and not things that will drive people apart."
Washington Commanders Owner Josh Harris Rules Out Return of 'Redskins' Nickname
Harris acknowledged the historical significance of the Redskins name but maintained that the team's priorities lie elsewhere. "We are doing research, and we’re thinking about it," he said. "But right now, we’re prioritizing the things that we’ve talked about and that’s kind of the rationale for it."
The decision not to bring back the Redskins moniker stems from several factors, including a lawsuit filed by the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) in September 2023 over the team's nickname change. Additionally, new head coach Dan Quinn's decision to wear a T-shirt featuring elements of both the original Redskins logo and the Commanders' new "W" logo has ignited debate among fans.
Washington Commanders Owner Josh Harris Rules Out Return of 'Redskins' Nickname
The Washington Football Team name was adopted in 2020 as a temporary solution following the retirement of the Redskins nickname. However, Harris's latest comments suggest that the Commanders name is intended to be permanent.
"The first objective is we gotta start winning football games, and we need everyone supporting the team and not things that will drive people apart," Harris reiterated. "Secondly, obviously, we’re trying to find a new home. Again, unifying (the) city around that is important and so, the name is one of those things that have a lot of opinions … but I certainly haven’t forgotten about it. Like I said, I grew up here. So, I understand it."
Washington Commanders Owner Josh Harris Rules Out Return of 'Redskins' Nickname
Harris's wife, Marjorie, had previously hinted at a possible name change in May, but Josh's comments effectively put an end to any speculation regarding the return of the Redskins. The team's focus now shifts to building a winning franchise and fostering unity within the Washington community.
