But I hope such individuals also try to respect what the name means, not only for all of us in the extended Washington Redskins family, but among Native Americans too.Ĭonsider the following facts concerning the “Washington Redskins” name:ġ) The highly respected Annenberg Public Policy Center polled nearly 1,000 self-identified Native Americans from across the continental U.S. I’ve listened carefully to the commentary and perspectives on all sides, and I respect the feelings of those who are offended by the team name. Results from an unscientific survey of Washington Post readers It is a symbol of everything we stand for: strength, courage, pride, and respect - the same values we know guide Native Americans and which are embedded throughout their rich history as the original Americans.
“Washington Redskins is more than a name we have called our football team for over eight decades. On the wall at our Ashburn, Virginia, offices is the plaque given to Coach Allen - a source of pride for all of us.
Several years later, Coach Allen was honored by the Red Cloud Athletic Fund. In 1971, our legendary coach, the late George Allen, consulted with the Red Cloud Athletic Fund located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and designed our emblem on the Redskins helmets. It was, and continues to be, a badge of honor. Our past isn’t just where we came from - it’s who we are.Īs some of you may know, our team began 81 years ago - in 1932 - with the name “Boston Braves.” The following year, the franchise name was changed to the “Boston Redskins.” On that inaugural Redskins team, four players and our Head Coach were Native Americans. That tradition - the song, the cheer - it mattered so much to me as a child, and I know it matters to every other Redskins fan in the D.C. he’s been gone for 10 years now, but that smile, and his pride, are still with me every day. The smile on his face as he sang that song. The ground beneath me seemed to move and shake, and I reached up to grab my father’s hand. I remember how quiet it got when the Redskins had the ball, and then how deafening it was when we scored. I was only six, but I remember coming through the tunnel into the stands at RFK with my father, and immediately being struck by the enormity of the stadium and the passion of the fans all around me.
Like so many of you, I was born a fan of the Washington Redskins. Post sports columnist Mike Wise and Oneida Indian Nation leader Ray Halbritter talk to PostTV’s On Background about whether the debate over the “Redskins” mascot name has reached a tipping point.
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