Fans were outraged after NBC broadcast a graphic of former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III’s 2012 jersey with the Redskins logo removed. The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Redskins, defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, securing their first playoff spot since 2020. The omission of the Redskins logo sparked debate surrounding the team’s decision to retire the name and logo in 2020, amid discussions on racial and cultural representation. Fans took to social media to criticize the decision and demand the return of the Redskins name and logo.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels surpassed Robert Griffin III’s rookie rushing record during the game, accumulating 820 yards this season compared to Griffin’s 815 in 2012. The NBC graphic comparing Daniels’ record-breaking season to Griffin’s season in 2012 removed the Redskins text from Griffin’s jersey. The edit sparked controversy among fans who noticed the alteration and expressed their outrage on social media. The incident comes as talks reportedly continue about reintroducing the old Redskins logo in limited capacities, with proceeds benefiting Native American causes.
The Washington Commanders transitioned from the Redskins name and logo to the Washington Football Team in 2020, before rebranding as the Commanders in 2022. Reports have indicated ongoing discussions about honoring the original Redskins logo through specific initiatives, but team owner Josh Harris has stated there are no plans to restore the name. The Commanders’ victory over the Falcons and Jayden Daniels’ stellar performance in the game have reignited dialogue about the team’s controversial branding history.
Many Commanders fans took to social media to criticize the edited logo, with Redskins trending as the tenth most trending term on Twitter. Fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision to remove the logo from the graphic comparing Daniels and Griffin. Montana Senator Steve Daines described the censorship of the old logo as a result of “woke gone wrong.” The Commanders’ last playoff appearance was in 2020 as the NFC East champions, finishing with a 7-9 record. They last won the Super Bowl in 1992.
The Commanders will continue their playoff push as ongoing debates about the future of the Redskins logo and its place in the team’s history are expected to persist. The controversy surrounding the removal of the logo from the graphic comparing Daniels and Griffin has sparked discussions about the team’s rebranding and the decision to retire the Redskins name and logo in 2020. Fans have been vocal about their desire to see the return of the Redskins name and logo, while the Commanders’ success on the field has reignited interest in the team’s playoff prospects and their branding history. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding racial and cultural representation in sports.
