The Washington Soccer Workforce has revealed its new title: the Washington Commanders.
On "CBS Mornings" on Wednesday, head coach Ron Rivera stated he considered leaders when he initially heard the brand new title.
"In at present's world, we appear to have an absence of true management, and we'd like folks to step ahead and lead this nation and actually assist to take us in the fitting path," Rivera stated. "I feel it is larger than simply the title of a soccer group as a lot because it's actually simply one thing that now we have to look and say, you already know, it is a chance for us to take cost, take command and go ahead."
The group formally made the announcement on the "At present" present, and tweeted it out:
The brand new title comes 18 months after the once-storied franchise dropped its outdated moniker following many years of criticism that it was offensive to Native Individuals and beneath contemporary stress from sponsors. The group dedicated to avoiding Native American imagery in its rebrand after being known as the Washington Soccer Workforce the previous two seasons.
"As a corporation, we're excited to rally and rise collectively as one beneath our new id whereas paying homage to our native roots and what it means to signify the nation's capital," proprietor Dan Snyder stated in a press release. "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 and Gold whereas forging a pathway to a brand new period in Washington."
On "CBS Mornings," Rivera stated the group was "attempting to develop a sustainable profitable tradition."
"You must do this by doing what's proper and doing issues that, you already know, must be carried out, altering the issues that must be modified, and, you already know, on this world, that is essential," the coach stated. "I imply, we have got to adapt and hold going ahead and not likely be judged on what occurred previously however actually about what we're doing now and what we will do sooner or later."
There's been guessing in regards to the new title ever for the reason that group determined to make the change.
Earlier than the announcement, CBS Washington, D.C., affiliate WUSA-TV despatched a helicopter over the group's house stadium, FedEx Discipline, and indicators saying "Commanders" have been noticed. However some speculated that it was simply an try and mislead media.
The Related Press reported that along with the Commanders, these nicknames have been among the many closing choices: the Admirals, Armada, Brigade, Defenders, Presidents, Redhawks, Purple Hogs and Sentinels.
In line with WUSA, legendary quarterback Joe Theismann on Monday shared his ideas about how he thinks Commanders will work out as the brand new moniker.
"Commander - mainly it is Washington, D.C," Theismann stated. "Lots of commanders in Washington, D.C. and the Pentagon, and a number of completely different branches of the service. In order that's the way in which I am it, as positions of management with regards to the brand new title."
WUSA has an in depth historical past of the trail to the group's title change.