Washington Name Series: Redskins Irreplaceable

June 18, 2021

by David Earl

Iconic Name Will Never Die

For the next several weeks I will be discussing the potential new names for the Washington franchise, any relevant information which can be shared to include fan reactions, and breaking down what each name could offer in meaning and/or representation of the team’s iconic past. I’ll cover everything from the polarizing “Redwolves” to what many feel are obvious options like Warriors, plus of course the ridiculously awful options as well.

While we are looking at still a lengthy process ahead and the team faces continued criticism for not yet picking a name, the organization is tasked with a near-impossible scenario that cannot be rushed. The selection and rebranding process must meet the right criteria for both older and newer generations as the iconic history of the Redskins name became part of the very fabric of this fan base’s existence. Plus, Chief Stephen Dodson, who represents more than 700 Native Americans of the Aleutian Tribes of Alaska, not only shares the great pride in an NFL franchise representing his people but has talked about how the word “Redskin” is a term of endearment which originated from his own people. Getting past the racist narrative driven by the national media and corrupt corporate lobbyists, the organization had never depicted the Redskins name in an ignorant and racist way like the Chief Wahoo caricature branded by the Cleveland Indians. In fact, the Redskins logo was designed in 1971 by Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, who was a former president of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of Blackfeet Nation.  Walter’s son Don defended the logo in 2014, stating, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it’s something to be proud of.” Furthermore, the fans never mocked Native American rituals/culture with the tomahawk chop that Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Braves fans have done for decades.  While I could continue this for a few pages, the point here is that the Redskins name will forever be regarded differently by us fans, particularly given the attachment of many generations of Redskins fans.

Now that I’ve gone completely off topic, let’s dive right in with probably one of the more obvious choices, “Warriors”. This is a name that coincides with the Redskins name and Native American heritage without the insinuation of some racist overtones while simultaneously incorporating a military representation.

Warrior Pride

While the name Warriors would certainly be perceived by some as just another Native American reference, giving critics the opportunity to claim the team is blind to the original issue, let’s just open the mind here a bit. Using “Warriors” will certainly maintain a call back to the Redskins name, as it should, while never utilizing Native American imagery. While polls over the years continued to contradict each other on whether Native Americans were or were not offended by the name, the fact remains the Redskins name was never used in an inflammatory way. When you heard Redskins on the street, especially in the ’80s and early ’90s, it was synonymous with the Washington Redskins and a logo created by Native American leaders. “Warriors” would allow those reluctant to change to be more accepting.

Under the Native American Warrior Code, two particular codes stand out: Heroic Courage and Honor. As applied to this team, Heroic Courage encourages each player to rise above challenges and adversity while digging deep mustering all your heart and strength. Honor simply mirrors Ron’s message, especially to his team leaders, to represent this team with integrity in the decisions they make. So it’s not necessarily using “Warriors” as a mascot but operating under an ethos by which Native Americans live through in the Warriors Code.

Army Warrior Ethos

From day one Ron Rivera wanted a name that would honor the military and present a strong foundation for this team which Warriors certainly exemplify. The Army Warrior Ethos does a fantastic job in achieving what Ron wants to mold this team into.

• I will always place the mission first: Set team goals should override any and all individual goals throughout the season
• I will never accept defeat: Continue to play and fight for 60 minutes not allowing the scoreboard to dictate your effort
• I will never quit: When all seems lost and nothing is going as it should, find that drive and desire to fight your way back.
• I will never leave a fallen comrade: Be there in support of a teammate when his deficiencies that week or season had begun to hurt the team’s mission.

It is in this way the team rebranding can center around a logo and overall uniform design. Although some think “Warriors” as a generic name more synonymous with the Golden State Warriors, in my opinion the name “Washington Warriors” is a strong NFL name. This direction also allows Ron Rivera’s vision to represent the military not only in honoring the men and women who have served through the aforementioned Warriors Ethos but also as a way to paying homage towards Native Americans. The Navajo Code Talkers are a prime example of Native American impact in the military and the vital role they played in winning WWII.

Keeping Native American Ties

The idea of separating completely from Native American ties never made much sense to me, as there is a large number of Native Americans who took immense pride in this team. While retiring the Redskins name will remain controversial in the eyes of many diehard fans, voices like Chief Dodson reaffirms why completely abandoning Native American references is equally as offensive to those who found honor and pride in an NFL franchise representing their people. The name Warriors accomplishes just that by maintaining a respectful tie to Native Americans.  This nickname is not just “Warriors” of Native American history but those who served in the United States Military. There needs to be a compromise between the parties who found offense and those who took pride in the Redskins name, Warriors can be a bridge to just that.