Redskins: 5 New Washington NFL team names if change happens

Washington might need a new team name as the Redskins moniker could change.

Over many years, NFL fans en masse have asked for the Washington Redskins to change their nickname due to its offensive nature. Now change may actually be happening. The organization released a statement on Friday that they will undergo a “thorough review” of the Redskins name. With NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell supporting working towards a change, reports indicate that a name change is actually “likely”.

Changing the name is obviously a monumental step for the franchise and the league. But if that necessary change does occur, that means that the Washington NFL team will need a name. That’s what we’re here to discuss.

Before we get into possible new Washington NFL team names, we need to address a handful of ideas. First, it would be wonderful to have the team be called the Washington Sentinels, the name of the professional team in The Replacements but that seems far-fetched. So too does adopting the XFL’s team nickname of the Defenders.

More than any of that, it would be best for Snyder and the organization to avoid any more Native American motifs as names such as Warriors or Braves have been suggested. With that in mind, these are the five best ideas for new Washington NFL team names if Redskins is indeed changed.

Change Redskins name to: Washington Redtails

Speaking to how long the controversy over the Redskins name has been going on, there have been strong calls for a change dating back over a decade. And in the early 2010s, there was actually a design contest for a new nickname and logo. The second-place entry of that contest was the Washington Redtails.

Not only is the logo absolutely sweet but the history of the name is absolutely perfect for Washington D.C. and keeping to American ties. It was the nickname for the African-American Tuskegee Airmen who fought in World War II as fighter pilots, which is just downright awesome.

Furthermore, the Redtails nickname would allow Washington fans to keep their famed “HTTR” motto while also not changing “Hail to the Redskins” much at all in terms of syllables and so on. Though it’s the first one mentioned, this might be the best option for a name change.