Joe Theismann on Commanders’ Plan to Honor Redskins Legacy at New RFK Stadium

The Washington Commanders are set to return to the nation’s capital, with plans for a cutting-edge stadium at the historic RFK Stadium site. A key factor in gaining federal support for this move is engaging in good-faith discussions to honor the franchise’s past as the Redskins, particularly the Native American family behind the team’s iconic logo, used for decades before the name change.

Super Bowl champion Joe Theismann, a Redskins legend, shared his optimism with WTFNewsRoom about the team’s future. “Josh Harris and his ownership group know the Redskins’ legacy,” Theismann said. “Growing up a fan in this area, it’s probably a dream come true for them. I’m hopeful they’ll find a way to honor that history.”

Theismann emphasized the significance of the original logo, designed by Native American artist Blackie Wetzel in 1971, depicting John Two Guns White Calf. “Wearing that uniform was an honor, representing Native Americans across the country,” he reflected. “When we won the Super Bowl, I was gifted a chief’s headdress. Connecting the old with the new would be special.”

While the Commanders’ name is here to stay, Theismann encouraged the current team to carve their own path. “We had our legacy as the Redskins. Now it’s their turn to build one as the Commanders,” he said. Descendants of Two Guns White Calf have also voiced support for reintegrating the logo into the NFL, a sentiment echoed by Theismann ahead of his appearance at the American Century Championship golf tournament, set for July 9-13 at Edgewood Tahoe.