Welcome to our weekly column in which a topic of interest, piece of news, relevant opinion, or general request for feedback is presented. We’ll offer the topic du jour and accompanying question, and you have the opportunity to respond with your thoughts.
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This week’s Feedback Friday topic is:
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?
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