Editor’s Note: This post was updated after it was published on July 13, 2020. That’s when Washington’s NFL team first announced that it would change its logo and nickname.
After spending the last two seasons as the “The” NFL, Washington’s NFL team will unveil its new logo and name Wednesday. Washington Football Team.
Although there is much speculation surrounding the name change, especially the Commanders, there has not been an official confirmation. Jason Wright, the team president, stated it would not have any Native American connection and that it won’t be RedWolves. RedWolves was a popular name on social media.
Washington declared on July 13, 2020, that it would end its 87-year-old name and begin a search for a replacement. The process ended Wednesday.
Here’s a look through the logos with Native American imagery that the franchise has used for decades. Also, a sample of the generic look the club has used over the past two years.
1937-51
The team officially left Boston to start its time in Washington. The team was previously known as the Boston Braves, and it played at Fenway Park.
Related: Timeline of scrutiny placed on the nickname
1952-59
Washington’s logo featured a yellow circle around its profile. This was similar to the current look. The ring was lost for seven years during the 1950s.
1960-64
The uniform looked simple in the 1960s, with no embellishments except for a feather-decal that ran along the helmet’s center.
1965-69
The Washington team discarded the profile logo and adopted a white-and–gold spear-and–feather for the first-ever time.
1969
Vince Lombardi (Hall of Fame coach) was Washington’s head coach during 1969. He led the team’s first win in 14 years.
1970-71
Lombardi advocated for a change in the logo from the spear to an A, similar to the Packers’ G. He died in September that year, but his vision was realized for the 1970 season.
1972-81
George Allen Jr. was looking to make a difference when he came from the Rams in 1971. To create a new logo for the profile, the team worked with Native Americans.
1982
Washington’s first Super Bowl victory was in 1982, thanks to Joe Theismann, Hall of Fame coach and quarterback. The logo that was used on the Super Bowl helmets featured double feathers in a C-patterned pattern. This logo was modified for 1983. In 1983, the team reached the Super Bowl again but was defeated by the Raiders.
1983-2019
Washington won two more Super Bowls, in 1987 and 1991. However, Washington has not won a conference title since.
2013
Since the 1970s, Native American activists had been asking Washington for a change in its name. USA Today was told by Dan Snyder, current owner of the team, that he would never change the name. This stance was changed when investors threatened to terminate their relationship with the team if they didn’t change it in summer 2020.
Related: Investors call on sponsors to press for new nickname
2019
Washington’s 2019 season saw the end of Native American imagery as its logo.
2020-21
The franchise has maintained its burgundy/gold color scheme for the past two season and will keep it going with the new name/logo announced Wednesday.