The clock is ticking for the Redskins with the hopeful start of the regular season only two months away. Although the team has not officially stated that a change in names is coming, it seems that their sponsors will give them no choice.
Social media has exploded with potential names over the past week, many of them jokes, but there are a good few that suggestions that Washington ownership should consider:
The Washington Warriors – The most frequent critique of this name is that it is generic, and mostly used as a high school mascot. That aside, the alliteration creates a great ring. The name also gives them a lot of opportunities for different logos. In a sense, they have been warriors, this change would simply take race out of the mascot.
Hail to the Redskins sing-ability rating: Switching “Redskins” to “Warriors” could be done with some slight change in emphasis. “Braves” to “Soldiers” would be a bit more difficult. Overall score: 8.5
The Washington Redtails – This is one of the few suggestions that goes beyond the usual brand themed mascots. The Redtails were planes flown by the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. Amidst the racism of early 20th century America, a fleet of African-American pilots became true American heroes. The Redskins have an opportunity to take a name that society has decided to be offensive, in exchange for one that society wishes to promote.
Hail to the Redskins sing-ability rating: The biggest flaw here, is that the Tuskegee base was not in Washington D.C. but in Tuskegee, Alabama. The lyrics otherwise would be very simple to switch, but for that reason, the rating suffered. Overall score: 5.0
The Washington Redskin (potatoes) – Fifteen minutes after the news broke, I sent the news to my in-laws who are fans of the Redskins. This was the immediate suggestion from my father-in-law. The uniforms already have the yellow, and by dropping the maroon a few shades down into a brown color, the likeness would be complete. This could pave the way for a French fry deal in the stadium with Five Guys, a restaurant founded just thirty minutes from Fedex Field.
Hail to the Redskins sing-ability rating: Barring some type of qualifier, such as “the fighting potatoes,” the song becomes very confusing to sing. Overall score: 4.0
The Washington RedWolves – The Red Wolf is an endangered species native to the East and Southern coast of the United States. Today, their numbers in the wild are critically low, at an estimated forty wolves. The Redskins could partner with conservation efforts, and get to dawn a wolf helmet. The mascot would be easy and fun for the fans. The uniforms wouldn’t need too much adjustment, however it is a more significant change in theme than the Redtails or Warriors.
Hail to the Redskins sing-ability rating: At this point, the team would have to consider changing fight songs. Overall score: 3.0
So far, most of the country supports either RedTails or Warriors. For the Washington Redskins administration, this is an opportunity to build a new legacy and bring in a new generation of fans. Hopefully, dropping the “Redskins” name can be done without alienating long-time fans, but in the words of NFL Networks’ Patrick Claybon “It is literally a slur.”
Back Sports Page’s favorite name: The Washington Redtails
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