Context:

The Washington Commanders plan to return to the RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C., with a new state-of-the-art facility by 2030. A critical aspect of obtaining federal support for this project involves acknowledging the team's history, particularly honoring the legacy of the Redskins and the Native American family associated with its original logo. Joe Theismann, a former quarterback and Super Bowl champion, believes that while the team will maintain its current Commanders name, there are opportunities to honor the past logo and the Native American heritage it represents. Theismann emphasizes the importance of the new team establishing its own legacy while acknowledging the past. The original Redskins logo, inspired by Blackfoot chief John Two Guns White Calf, has significant historical value, and there are calls for its return to the NFL in some form to honor its cultural significance and contribution to the team's identity.

Dive Deeper:

• The Washington Commanders have plans to return to the RFK Stadium site by 2030, with a focus on creating a modern stadium that honors their historical legacy as the Redskins.

• Federal lawmakers' support for the new stadium is contingent on 'good-faith negotiations' that respect the franchise's past, particularly the Native American connections of the original Redskins logo.

• Joe Theismann, a former Redskins quarterback, expressed optimism about the team potentially honoring the Redskins logo and the Native American family who designed it, highlighting its cultural significance.

• Despite the decision to retain the Commanders name, Theismann encourages the team to find ways to connect the old with the new, allowing the Commanders to forge their own legacy.

• The original Redskins logo, used from 1972, was inspired by Blackfoot chief John Two Guns White Calf, and there is interest in recognizing this heritage as part of the team's ongoing narrative.