Joe Theismann, a former NFL star and Super Bowl champion, has expressed optimism that the Washington Commanders, the new name for the franchise previously known as the Washington Redskins, will find a way to honor the team’s legacy as the Redskins and the Native American family behind the original logo. Theismann, who played for the team during its storied history, highlighted the significance of the Redskin name and the iconic logo, which was designed by a Native American and has become a symbol of the franchise’s storied past.
Theismann spoke to Fox News Digital ahead of his appearance at the American Century Championship golf tournament, where he expressed his belief that the Commanders, like their predecessors, should establish their own legacy. “Let this group of guys called the Command,ers establish their own legacy,” he said. “We had one, now it’s their turn to establish theirs.” He also emphasized the importance of recognizing the Native American community in the team’s history, noting that the logo was created by a Native American and that it would be a great honor to continue to acknowledge their contributions to the franchise’s identity.
The Washington Commanders are set to return to the nation’s capital and play at a state-of-the-art stadium at the old RFK Stadium site. This development was made possible, in part, by the team’s commitment to engage in good-faith negotiations with Native American communities to honor the franchise’s legacy. Senator Steve Daines, R-Mont., stressed the importance of these negotiations in gaining federal lawmakers’ support for the stadium project, highlighting the need to balance historical recognition with contemporary sensitivity.
In addition to the Redskins’ legacy, Theismann also addressed the team’s current identity, saying that the Commanders nickname is here to stay but that the franchise should find a way to honor the past. He cited the example of the original Redskins, who established their own legacy in the NFL, and suggested that the Commanders should do the same. Theismann’s comments come as the team seeks to navigate the complex legacy of its past name while building a new identity for the future.
Blackie Wetzel, the artist behind the iconic Redskin logo, was credited with creating the portrait of John Two Guns White Calf in 1971. This image was used by the team in 1972 and has since become a symbol of the franchise’s history. The descendants of Two Guns White Calf have also called for the image to be returned to the NFL, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the Native American roots of the team’s identity.