by Ray Keating
The Keating Files – July 26, 2020
Whether one agreed with the decision or not, the name “Washington Redskins” is now defunct, along with other NFL team names that are no more, such as the New York Titans (now the New York Jets), the Decatur Staleys (now the Chicago Bears), Portsmouth Spartans (now the Detroit Lions), and the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans).
When announcing that the temporary name would be the “Washington Football Team,” it was said in a team statement, “The decision to use ‘Washington Football Team’ for this season allows the franchise the ability to undertake an in-depth branding process to properly include player, alumni, fan, community, and sponsor input.”
Well, allow me to save owner Dan Snyder both time and money.
The right name is obvious: The Washington Americans.
In the four big league sports in the U.S., two teams possessed this name or something close to it. In the NFL, the Buffalo All-Americans (also known as the Bisons and Rangers) played from 1920-29. And in the NHL, the New York/Brooklyn Americans played from 1925-41.
Snyder should resurrect the “Americans” name. It would fit perfectly for the team that plays in (or near) our nation’s capital city.
It also would shift the team name from one that generated controversy to a name that should unite people across the country. Well, it should unite people, but who knows? It’s hard to unite Americans on just about anything these days.
So, yeah, there probably would be people who somehow would find a reason to attack or protest the name, but tough. Who cares?
The “Washington Americans” is the obvious choice. You’re welcome, Mr. Snyder and NFL Commissioner Goodell.
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