The Washington Commanders may have to change their name again after their trademark application was denied by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The team, which had previously changed its name from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team in 2020 due to the racist connotations of the former name, had unveiled its new identity as the Commanders in February 2022. However, the team does not own a trademark on the term “Washington Commanders” and may face legal challenges from other applicants who have filed for similar names.
According to a report by CBS Sports, some of the alternate options for the team name include:
8. Defenders
It’s fine. But anyone could use this. It’s like the default output of a random team-name generator in “Madden.” Ron Rivera might like it, considering the way his team is built, but that’d be an awfully short-sighted re-brand.
7. Redhawks
It’s not bad and carries a respectful resemblance to the franchise’s name of old, but Miami University (Ohio) made this switch first. Plus, Washington has already indicated it wants to move away from its original Native American imagery.
6. Brigade
The singular name is unique, and “Washington Brigade” flows pretty nicely. An altogether solid choice, if they’re leaning in the nation’s capital/American patriotism route.
5. Sentinels
This isn’t nearly as threatening/formidable a term as “Brigade” or even “Commanders,” but it’s got a respectability to it — a more unique version of something like “Warriors.” It’s also similar to the 19th and early 20th-century Washington Senators baseball team.
4. Admirals
This would fit in nicely with the team’s new uniforms, which now include stars. And it obviously fits the military theme. It’s not necessarily creative, but it works, essentially deeming its players a bunch of high-ranking soldiers.
3. Presidents
This one comes with inevitable baggage, considering they’d constantly be associated with the sitting U.S. president. But “Washington Presidents” just sounds right, too. If they want to embrace their D.C. location, you can’t do much better.
2. Armada
Armada means a fleet of warships or vehicles. And it sounds even cooler than “Brigade.” This one’s all about the aesthetic. “Introducing, in 2022, the Washington Armada!”
1. Red Hogs
“Hogs” has long been a nickname in and around the franchise, so it’d only be fitting to see a promotion here. Cutting “Red” from the name would actually make it better, but still, this is clearly the best way to pay tribute to team history while embarking with a new identity.
The team has not announced any plans to change its name again, but it may have to do so if it cannot secure a trademark for the Commanders. The team has said that it chose the name Commanders because it aligns with its values, carries forth its rich history, represents the region and is inspired by its fans.
How bout calling them the Washington REDSKINS
THAT SOUNDS AWESOME !!!!