D.C.-area football fans react to WFT rebrand as Commanders
A cheer erupted from the crowd watching the announcement on a big screen at National Harbor when team president Jason Wright said: “We are the Commanders,” reports NBC4 Washington. But, overall, reaction ranged from lukewarm to angry to hopeful that the Commanders will rack up more wins than the Washington Football Team did over its two seasons, adds the report.
According to the NBC4 Washington report, a common refrain was that fans are ready “for a tumultuous time in franchise history to end.
“”Glad that we no longer have a name and imagery which is harmful to Native American people. Looking forward to moving onto the future. Glad it’s over,” another fan said.
““Excited to not have to run around calling it Washington Football Team,” said one fan who braved cold weather to watch the announcement at National Harbor, even though he’d correctly theorized that Commanders would be the new name (there were major hints, after all).
“A woman at National Harbor with her husband, a veteran, said the name is “fitting” because people associate D.C. and the military.
“Many fans wished their favorite shortlist option had been chosen.”
One Capitol Communicator reader, when hearing the news, asked us: “Did they name the team after Joe Biden’s dog?”
Beth Johnson, Founder and CEO, RP3 Agency, emailed Capitol Communicator that the name change “is long overdue, and it couldn’t come at a better time. This is a team that needs a new beginning. The recently appointed leadership seems to recognize that, so I’m optimistic for a brighter future. It’s what happens next, both on and off the field, that will make the Washington Commanders deserving of the legacy it represents. As for the name itself, I like it. I recognize that’s an unpopular opinion, but most name changes are met with mixed reviews. Of course it will take some time to adopt the Commanders as our hometown team, and its meaning and our affection for it will grow over time with actions, not just words and logos. Cheers, chants and fight songs co-created with fans will help everyone rally around the new identity. And if this team will do the right thing, contribute meaningfully to this community, perform well on the field and deliver on building a culture of integrity, I have no doubt the fans in this town will fall in love with the Washington Commanders over time.”
Dennis Goris contributed this cartoon titled, “Always Give Them Options”.
If you have comments, concerns or congratulations about the name change to Commanders, let us know. Send them to phil.rabin@capitolcommunicator.com.
