The NFL franchise in Washington replaced its controversial name before the 2020 NFL season and adopted the “Washington Commanders” name before the 2022 season. However, there’s a possibility that the team might change its name again.
Recent comments from Marjorie Harris, the wife of majority owner Josh Harris, suggest that the team is still considering a name change, although it’s not a priority. She mentioned that the team would remain the Commanders “for now.”
It appears that the team’s leadership is not close to making a decision on a potential name change, but it remains a possibility.
Marjorie Harris talks about potential name change for Commanders
The name of the franchise currently known as the Washington Commanders has been controversial for decades. Although the name “Commanders” hasn’t been very popular, it isn’t going away anytime soon.
Marjorie Harris, the wife of majority owner Josh Harris, discussed several differences between last year, when new ownership was just beginning, and this year. She mentioned, “Last year was about finding our way and not being able to make the changes we hoped for until we had the opportunity,” specifically referring to quarterback Jayden Daniels, coach Dan Quinn, and general manager Adam Peters, all entering their first season with the team.
When asked about the team name, which has been in place for two seasons, Harris noted that the franchise was called the Washington Football Team during 2020 and 2021 after moving away from its previous name, the Redskins. The lukewarm reception to the name “Commanders” has sparked speculation about another possible change. Harris emphasized that there are more pressing issues to address first.
“Everyone has an opinion about the name,” she said. “Some good, some bad, some indifferent. We have a lot of work to do, so the name issue will be set aside for now until we can get things going.”
She then took a positive tone about the name.
Marjorie Harris on last year vs. this year, plus thoughts on name "Commanders"
"I had a whole day out in the community and I kept referring to the team as the Commanders… it sounds pretty good to me… for now, it's the Commanders"@JPFinlayNBCS @nbcwashington #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/oEPKmqL65k
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) May 29, 2024
“Quite frankly, I had a whole day out in the community. And I kept referring to the team as the Commanders. You know what? It sounds pretty good to me. So for now, it’s the Commanders.”
