FedEx Has Officially Asked the Washington Redskins to Change Their Team Name
Jul. 2 2020, Updated 9:00 p.m. ET
In 2020, it’s honestly shocking we’re still collectively going with the Washington Redskins as a viable mascot name. While many can agree that it’s extremely racist — and have agreed for years — the name remains. Until, maybe now. The powers of FedEx is currently calling on the Redskins’ owner, Dan Synder, to finally rename the football team. And since FedEx CEO president Frederick Smith owns a minority stake in the Redskins (as well as naming rights to the team’s stadium), we might finally see change.
Per ESPN, FedEx stated that “We have communicated to the team in Washington our request that they change the team name.”
FedEx, Nike, and PepsiCo got letters signed by 87 investment firms and shareholders that asked the company to cut ties with the Redskins unless it changes its racist name, Adweek reports. And, well, money talks. This isn’t the first time FedEx has been pressured to make the football team change its name. Back in 2014, The Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin asked FedEx shareholders to rename the team, apparently it was decided that the team should hold onto the name. Things seem to be different now, however.
What are the Washington Redskins name change options?
While we don’t know what the team’s new name will be, plenty of people have made suggestions. Football fans have seriously suggested the Washington “Sentinels,” as well as the “Redhawks” and “Redtails" for starters.
One user suggested the “Warriors.”
Another user suggested the “Washington Americans,” adding, “Keep the logo. Makes it even more powerful.” Considering the team is DC-based, this is not a bad idea.
Someone pointed out that “DC Bisons” could work, since that’s DC’s national animal. And bison are pretty badass.
Others on Twitter have joked about the name, suggesting “The Lobbyists,” “Squirrels,” the very timely “Murder Hornets,” and “Swamp Monsters.”
Either way, the important thing is that it really seems like serious steps have been taken to finally change the Redskins’ name. Sure, it could have been done a long time ago, but it’s better late than never.
