This decision is huge. The Anti-Indian Mascot movement has been seeking this outcome since the 1970s. Dan Snyder had previously vowed to never change the name as long as he's owner. It has been a one-sided debate against an opposition that was tone-deaf and unwilling to listen. So... what happened to suddenly change minds?
1: There has been a trend in the last ten years to end the use of culturally insensitive mascots in public schools, and public and private universities. California and Maine recently passed legislation. The Cleveland Indians retired Chief Wahoo, The Braves retired the Laughing Brave.
2: George Floyd's viral death which strengthened Black Lives Matter to a point where the movement can not be ignored anymore. Suddenly, it became very bad for business to be seen on the wrong side of racial civil rights issues. And at the heart of the Indian Mascot issue is colonialism and racism.
3: Business partners, and advertisers, and then finally minority share holders began to jump ship. This is what ultimately forced the franchise's hand.
How long will this take? Unclear. It's actually unclear at the moment if there will even be an NFL season starting in 2020 (unlikely). If there is, it is doubtful that the Washington football team would even be able to compete with new branding and a new nickname. There aren't even any official ideas yet for a name change.
However, this idea of changing the name isn't new. Previously, Snyder was granted trademarks to the Washington Warriors. But that trademark had been voided. Other nicknames that had been suggested in the past include the Griffins, Generals, Sentinels, Senators, Renegades, Red Wolves, Redhawks, and Red Tails.
Hopefully we wont have to wait long until the new name is revealed. At the moment, I'm sure there are plenty of terrible human beings making it clear how angry they are at even the prospect of a new team identity. And I'm also sure there will be plenty of throwback merchandise proudly displayed at NFL games for the foreseeable future.
