
“It’s a slur,” say Native American groups as they push back against the former name of the Washington Commanders, calling it a painful reminder of racism and disrespect. Despite the team’s rebranding, many Indigenous leaders argue that simply changing the name isn’t enough—they want accountability, education, and a genuine commitment to honoring Native voices. For them, the name wasn’t just outdated — it was offensive, and the damage it caused still lingers.