The Washington Commanders bring back the iconic Redskins name, resembling a piece of history, in their current merchandise shop. This name reappears on select items, such as Mitchell & Ness throwback T-shirts or jerseys honoring former players. These items are accessible both online and at the team’s Northwest Stadium store.
Among the merchandise is an Art Monk T-shirt. Monk, a Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver, starred in his Redskins uniform. The T-shirt features his likeness along with his career records. The gear is priced at $49.99. Similarly priced, fans can buy a Sean Taylor T-shirt, reflecting his time with the Redskins before his tragic death in 2007. A Taylor jersey, featuring the Redskins name and a 75th-anniversary patch, commands $114.99.
Despite being sold as Commanders gear, these items feature the Redskins script and logos. For instance, a Sean Taylor jersey is marketed as a Commanders item, though the name does not appear on it. This blend of history and present may raise questions among fans and critics alike.
The current owner, Josh Harris, stated in September 2023 that some fans felt disrespected by the old name.
The Commanders, known as the Redskins from 1937 to 2019, moved away from their former nickname under societal pressure. They aim to never revert to it. Yet, the franchise opts to sell Redskins merchandise and will introduce an alternate helmet later this season, reminiscent of past designs with a spear symbol.
The team insists these actions are to maintain trademark utility. As explained to WUSA9 in Washington, a spokesperson said, “We are required to maintain the marks in commercial usage so that marks remain under franchise control.” Under the Lanham Act, the law sees three years of nonuse as evidence of abandonment.
A debate persists, with some Native American groups viewing the Redskins name as racist. Nonetheless, individuals from communities, including a Navajo Code Talkers Association leader and a former Blackfeet tribal chairman, have shown support for the historic imagery and name. Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a past Blackfeet Tribe chairman, advocated for keeping the Native chief logo, stating in 2002, “It made us all so proud to have an Indian on a big-time team.”