A former NFL coach has voiced his support for the Washington Commanders‘ former name.
The team was known as the Redskins from 1937-2019 but dropped its name ahead of the 2020 season (initially going by the Washington Football Team for two seasons) following years of social pressure – with many Native Americans finding the word to be racially insensitive.
However, during a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, former Colts coach Chuck Pagano referred to Washington as the ‘Redskins’ and doubled down when his former punter reminded him that that franchise ‘is not in the league.’
‘They should go back,’ Pagano said. ‘That’s why I said it.’
The former logo of the team, based on a portrait of late Blackfeet Nation chief John Two Guns White Calf, has also been part of the debate.
Former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano expressed his support for the Redskins nickanme
— Washington Redskins (@WASHREDSKlNS) September 26, 2024
Many fans fought to keep the name, but the team ultimately relented in 2020
The Native American Journalists Association slammed the team’s ‘harmful, racist mascots’ in 2016.
In March of 2020, UC Berkeley also revealed a study that found that more than half of its 1,000 Native American respondents were offended by the team name.
However, earlier this month a great nephew of John Two Guns White Calf urged the Commanders to re-adopt their old branding.
‘The fans want him back and we want him back,’ Thomas White Calf told Fox News after meeting with Senator Steve Daines (Republican, Montana ).
‘Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history,’ Thomas continued. ‘Two Guns was also the face on the Indian head nickel. I’m proud of him. The Blackfeet are proud of him.’
Despite Thomas’ wishes, it doesn’t appear that the Commanders will be reverting to their former name.
Native America Blackfeet Chief John Two Guns White Calf (1872-1934) shaking hands with A Aaron of Madras, India, as they met at the Twin Cities for the Rotary Convention, circa 1925
A Washington Redskins fan looks on prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins in 2019
While minority owner Magic Johnson said that ‘everything’s on the table’ last year, controlling owner Josh Harris told The Athletic in August that ‘the old name can’t come back.’
However, it’s clear that the old name and history of the franchise still has some supporters.
Head coach Dan Quinn caused a stir in May when he wore a graphic tee featuring two feathers from a Native American headdress next to the Commanders name.
The team told NBC Sports they have ‘no organizational comment’ on the matter.
The outlet also claimed ‘Quinn wore the T-shirt on his own, without the team knowing he’d be doing it.’
