Readers respond to last week’s Feedback Friday topic, which was:
Washington Commanders!
This past Wednesday, the big news coming from northern Virginia was not about covid, or CRT debate, or, even, whether Cavaliers basketball will make a season-defining run or not. Rather, it was confirmation of the Washington Football Team’s (nee Redskins) new name: Washington Commanders.
As a lifelong ’Skins fan—having been to many, many games in the Hogs era of the ’80s, the lackluster ’90s, and ever hopeful but stagnant ’00s and beyond—I have mixed feelings about the moniker. Overall, yeah, I think it was due time to abandon Redskins as much as it pains the fan in me to write that. The debate about the moniker’s intent versus affect seemed never-ending—always a cloud over the organization. Eventually, the catalyst for change was money, when big sponsors including Nike and FedEx demanded change, else they pull support. So it was, so it became. The Washington Football Team, a placeholder moniker for two seasons, is one I wish they kept. Simple not silly. Has a sense and feel of a tradition that dates to 1932, the team’s first year, when teams and clubs in almost any sport were often named as honestly.
But a central mascot that could be developed into a brand is what Football Team lacked. Other names in contention included Admirals, Armada, Defenders, Red Tails, Red Wolves, Wolves, Football Team, and several others.
I liked Football Team, but second choice, for me, was Armada. As for the chosen Commanders moniker, I think it’s safe, not terribly exciting right now. But it could be. The only cure-all for upset fans is winning. Take command of the field and Commanders will become something fans will be proud of.
What do you about think about Commanders and why?
Here’s what you said:
I don't care for the name... it's hard to say quickly, the acronym is WC, which is silly and refers to a toilet and the name has no easy mascot reference. It's hard to believe after 18 months an expert selected this name when any of the other would have been a better choice. Were fans allowed to vote on the name? Could ticket holders vote on the name? This would have created some buzz excitement about the team.
Karin Dorsey, Millersville
Well, I was ok with it and like you, my first thought was now let's take command of the NFC East! Then I saw folks talking about well, isn't this interesting "the Commanders slaughtered the Native Americans!" How ironic...
Denise Messineo, Annapolis
As a lifelong Skins fan, I completely agreed that it was time for a name change and rebrand. As a Wizards fan, the discussion made me fondly recall rooting for that new name as a kid as well. However, I think the Washington Football Team fumbled it on this one. Yes, WFT couldn't last forever because every other NFL team ends with an "s," but when seeking a lower-syllable moniker for headlines, "here we go" chants, etc., our options are "commies" (clear no-go) or "manders" (not much better). Plus "WC" stands for Water Closet in much of the world. SO, while I don't have a perfect answer, I definitely would have liked a name that began with "red" - Red Tails or Red Waves would've been fine with me.
Steve Adams, Annapolis
I personally would have rather seen the name Red Wolves but I guess I can get used to the name Commanders lol
Ariel Michael, Annapolis
They should have left the name Washington Football Club as it is a lot more adult sounding then Commanders.
Carl Lazar, Arnold
After a couple days thought, I dislike the new name Commanders. First, with three syllables, the name doesn't lend itself to crowd chants. Second, the new name coops the Presidential title of Commander In Chief. Third, in the military pecking order, Commander isn't nearly high enough on the rank schedule to be authoritative. Fourth, Commanders can not be shoehorned into "Hail To The Redskins" leaving our fight song on the trash heap of history. I could go on with many more reasons.
With all the time ownership had to make this happen, I expected a mascot. W isn't a mascot!
Like Musical Chairs, we were left standing to take what no one else wanted for a team name when the music stopped playing.
The bottom line is that we as lifelong fans are now stuck with a team name that is deeply flawed by an owner that has ruined our team. What did we expect from a guy (Snyder) that made his fortune sending out junk mail?
For lack of anything else, the "W" (which is derivative based on its use for the Washington Nationals) is OK -- not great, but OK.
Oh, and one more thing, the new white uniform is missing enough GOLD to make it noticeable (as in BURGUNDY & GOLD.) Nike tried too hard...
Michael Lohsl, Annapolis
There are more critical issues in our daily lives than strong opinions about the football team's name. I am sure all the fans will learn to adapt to this 'masculine' name! We adapted from the Bullets to the Wizards--just fine! Let's focus on our health and longevity of life!
Deborah Stoeckle, Annapolis
Guess it is better than some of the other top names. Too political though
Comandos maybe
Still don't understand losing the Redskins name which is over now but sit well. Chiefs are still there n fans use tomahawks! HTTR!
Denise White, Gambrills
It's a good name for the team. It has punch, shows authority and know-how, reflects confidence, and cannot possibly insult any group of people, even those who are easily offended.
Carol Moyer, Riva
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