Former NFL coach Chuck Pagano tells Washington to re-adopt ‘racist’ Redskins name
A former NFL coach has expressed support for the former name of the Washington Commanders.
The team was known as the Redskins from 1937 to 2019, but dropped its name prior to the 2020 season (initially for two seasons by the Washington Football Team) after years of social pressure — with many Native Americans finding the word racially insensitive.
However, during a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, former Colts coach Chuck Pagano referred to Washington as the “Redskins” and doubled down when his former punter reminded him that that franchise “isn’t in the league.”
“They have to go back,” Pagano said. “That’s why I said it.”
The team’s former logo, based on a portrait of late Blackfeet Nation chief John Two Guns White Calf, was also part of the debate.
Former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano voiced his support for the Redskins nickanme
Many fans fought to keep the name, but the team finally relented in 2020
The Native American Journalists Association denounced the team’s “harmful, racist mascots” in 2016.
In March 2020, UC Berkeley also unveiled a survey that found more than half of 1,000 Native American respondents were offended by the team name.
However, earlier this month, a second cousin of John Two Guns White Calf urged commanders to re-adopt their old brand name.
“The fans want him back and we want him back,” said Thomas White Calf Fox News after meeting with Senator Steve Daines (Republican, Montana).
“Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history,” Thomas continued. ‘Two Guns’ was also the face on the Indian head of nickel. I’m proud of him. The Blackfeet are proud of him.’
Despite Thomas’ wishes, it does not appear that the commanders will adopt their former names.
Native America Blackfeet Chief John Two Guns White Calf (1872-1934) shook hands with A Aaron of Madras, India, as they met in the Twin Cities for the Rotary Convention, circa 1925
A Washington Redskins fan looks on prior to the 2019 game against the Miami Dolphins
While minority owner Magic Johnson said that “everything is on the table” last year, controlling owner Josh Harris told The Athletic in August that “the old name cannot come back.”
However, it’s clear that the franchise’s old name and history still has some adherents.
Head coach Dan Quinn caused a stir in May when he wore a graphic T-shirt with two feathers from a Native American headdress next to the commander’s name.
The team told NBC Sports they have ‘no organizational comment’ on this.
The outlet also claimed that “Quinn wore the T-shirt alone, without the team knowing he would do it.”