Introducing… the Washington Commanders. Two years after ditching its racist crew title, the NFL squad rebranded itself, and followers weren’t instantly on board.
“Washington Commanders? Nicely that’s a reputation,” tweeted one fan on Feb. 2, proper after the squad previously often called the Washington Soccer Workforce formally confirmed the title change. The crew additionally unveiled its new emblem and uniforms, and the gang…went delicate. Can’t determine how I really feel about it, however both means, it’s my crew, and I’ll help them,” tweeted one ambivalent fan, and that was as constructive as issues obtained at first.
“The Commanders feels like a crew title from Any Given Sunday,” added one other. “Is that this an early April fools joke? Commanders???? Bro elementary youngsters may provide you with a greater title. That is coming from a HONEST Diehard Washington Fan,” remarked one other. There have been some constructive remarks (“I like commanders. it’s a powerful title” “Love the brand new title and the uniforms are superior!!”) however there was loads of flack from individuals who had been hoping for one thing extra thrilling.
The way forward for Washington soccer is right here #TakeCommandpic.twitter.com/MwkCLTkVAA
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022
Washington Commanders?
Okay pic.twitter.com/bVDLYT5lLW
— Anthony DiMoro (@AnthonyDiMoro) February 2, 2022
It’s onerous to call issues. We’ll all get used to it will definitely. “Commanders” is ok.
— Josh Graham (@JoshGrahamRadio) February 2, 2022
The brand new title was going to include the navy because of the crew’s reference to America’s capital, in keeping with ESPN. Some followers had hoped it could be Purple Tails, a nod to the Tuskegee Airmen, the primarily African American navy pilots who fought throughout World Struggle II. As an alternative, Washington went with Commanders, which Good Morning Socceridentified, could possibly be thought of a nod to “Commander-In-Chief,” and that the title matches in, thematically, with D.C.’s different groups: the Washington Capitals and the Washington Nationals.
“In all seriousness, Commanders is ok,” tweeted one fan. “It has a tie in to the historical past of D.C., they saved the burgundy and gold colours. The one factor I’m not a fan if is the bizarre black/gold/purple jersey and the brand is a bit bland however I’m completely satisfied to simply have a freaking title.
The commanders huh … idk … perhaps it would develop on me as soon as they begin commanding W’s.. nonetheless my crew tho 😅
— Vivrant Factor✨ (@ClaszieVerMaj) February 2, 2022
Washington Commanders ideas:
— although the title is a bit primary I do suppose it would develop on me over time
— I really feel just like the crew ought to have stayed with the normal uniform design from the WFT days. I did like these uniforms.— Hunter Davis (@Bal_BirdDog) February 2, 2022
Described as “not the most effective saved secret in DC” by crew proprietor Dan Snyder throughout a press convention in regards to the rebranding, followers have been conscious that a title change was coming and that it could be the Commanders. For The Winidentified all of the occasions that the Washington group “by accident” leaked the title and emblem, together with displaying it unblurred on NBC Sports activities footage, how the commanders.com area title was transferred to the internet hosting web site the NFL makes use of, and the way a information helicopter captured the “Commanders” title insider the FedEx Subject stadium. Additionally, the uniforms leaked a day forward of the crew reveal.
“As a company, we're excited to rally and rise collectively as one underneath our new id whereas paying homage to our native roots and what it means to signify the nation’s capital,” crew proprietor Dan Snyder mentioned in an announcement, per ESPN. “As we kick-off our ninetieth season, it will be significant for our group and followers to pay tribute to our previous traditions, historical past, legacy, and the greats that got here earlier than us. We proceed to honor and signify the Burgundy & Gold whereas forging a pathway to a brand new period in Washington. Right now could mark the primary day for the Washington Commanders, however we're and all the time will likely be Washington.”