A former NFL coach has voiced his support for the former Washington Commanders name.
The team was known as the Redskins from 1937 to 2019, but dropped its name before the 2020 season (initially renamed the Washington Football Team for two seasons) after years of social pressure, and many Native Americans found the word 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 come back,” Pagano said. “That’s why I said it.”
The team’s old logo, 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 nickname.
Many fans fought to keep the name, but the team finally relented in 2020.
The Native American Journalists Association criticized the team’s “racist and harmful mascots” in 2016.
In March 2020, UC Berkeley also revealed a study that found that more than half of its 1,000 Native Americans surveyed were offended by the team name.
However, earlier this month, a great-nephew of John Two Guns White Calf urged commanders to re-adopt his former brand.
“The fans want him back and we want him back,” Thomas White Calf said. fox news after meeting with Senator Steve Daines (R, Montana).
“Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed Native person in history,” Thomas continued. ‘Two Guns was also the face of India’s nickel. I’m proud of him. The Blackfeet are proud of him.
Despite Thomas’ wishes, it does not appear that the Commanders will return to their former name.
Blackfeet Native American Chief John Two Guns White Calf (1872-1934) shaking hands with A Aaron of Madras, India, as they gathered in the Twin Cities for the Rotary Convention, circa 1925.
A Washington Redskins fan watches before the game against the Miami Dolphins in 2019.
While minority owner Magic Johnson he said that “Everything is 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 have some fans.
Head coach Dan Quinn caused a stir in May when he wore a T-shirt with a graphic showing two feathers from a Native American headdress next to the Commander’s name.
the team told NBC Sports They have “no organizational comment” on the matter.
The outlet also claimed that “Quinn wore the jersey alone, without the team knowing he would.”