Von Miller Slips Up on Commanders’ Name as Trump Threatens D.C. Stadium Deal

In a twist that could only happen in the wild world of sports and politics, NFL veteran Von Miller accidentally referred to his new team, the Washington Commanders, by their former name, the Redskins, during a recent media interaction. This slip of the tongue comes at a particularly charged moment, as President Donald Trump has publicly pushed for the team to revert to its old moniker while threatening to derail federal support for their ambitious new stadium project in Washington, D.C.

Miller, speaking after a training camp session, shared his excitement about returning to the field in his 15th year in the league. His enthusiasm was palpable as he described the shift in perspective that comes with time—missing the grind of OTAs after months on the couch. But it was his casual mention of the 'Washington Redskins' that raised eyebrows, especially given the current political storm surrounding the team’s identity.

President Trump has been vocal on social media, suggesting that without a return to the original name, he might block a deal for the Commanders’ new stadium at the historic RFK site. The proposed $3.7 billion redevelopment plan includes not just a stadium but also housing, retail, and parkland, with a potential move back to D.C. from Maryland slated for 2030—if the legislation passes a crucial vote on August 1. Trump argues the old name would boost the team’s value and make the deal more appealing, a stance echoed seriously by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Meanwhile, Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters and local officials seem unfazed, keeping their focus on the upcoming season rather than the naming controversy or stadium politics. But Miller’s gaffe, intentional or not, has tossed a match into an already smoldering debate about legacy, identity, and the intersection of sports with political power plays.

As this saga unfolds, one thing is clear: in Washington, the game isn’t just on the field—it’s in the headlines, the boardrooms, and maybe even the Oval Office.