Social media was quick to react after Washington, D.C.’s NFL team announced its new name Wednesday.
The team formerly known as the Washington Redskins is now the Washington Commanders, according to the organization.
The NFL franchise had been without a real name since July 13, 2020, when it dropped the name “Redskins” after critics alleged it was racist and insensitive to Native Americans.
AMERICAN GOLD MEDAL HOPEFUL TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 DAYS BEFORE OLYMPICS
“New name, new marks,” the organization tweeted with its new logo.
New name, new marks pic.twitter.com/KxN5pWg4X1
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022
New name, new marks pic.twitter.com/KxN5pWg4X1
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022
“The future of Washington football is here,” according to the Washington Commanders.
The future of Washington football is here #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/MwkCLTkVAA
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022
Following the announcement, people and publications took to social media to share their opinions on the new name.
The Washington Commanders have their new rallying cry @Barstooldmv pic.twitter.com/P0payL37i7
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 2, 2022
A picture of Larry David was all one sports journalist had to contribute.
Washington Commanders pic.twitter.com/HWwo8cr4Am
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) February 2, 2022
“The next chapter for the Washington Commanders should be a return to winning, right here in DC,” Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, tweeted along with an endorsing statement.
The next chapter for the Washington Commanders should be a return to winning, right here in DC. pic.twitter.com/FIk1F0QqRG
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) February 2, 2022
Opposite of Bowser’s enthusiasm, the Iron Sheik, the sole Iranian champion in WWE history, expressed his displeasure with the new name after it was leaked.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS pic.twitter.com/sFlFg9O2b7
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) February 2, 2022
“WASHINGTON COMMANDER YOU NO GOOD SON OF A B**** IT TAKE 3 YEARS AND THIS IS THE BULLS*** GIMMICK YOU COME UP WITH? WASHINGTON COMMANDERS YOU CAN GO F*** YOURSELF,” the former professional wrestler tweeted.
WASHINGTON COMMANDER YOU NO GOOD SON OF A BITCH IT TAKE 3 YEARS AND THIS IS THE BULLSHIT GIMMICK YOU COME UP WITH? WASHINGTON COMMANDERS YOU CAN GO FUCK YOURSELF
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) February 2, 2022
“‘Washington Commanders’ proves that an NFL franchise can go from a racist slur to being named after Joe Biden’s dog,” according to one comedian.
“Washington Commanders” proves
that an NFL franchise
can go from a racist slur
to being named
after Joe Biden’s dog.— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) February 2, 2022
“The Washington #Commanders literally sounds like a team from a league that has failed not once, but twice now… (I won’t name names),” another sports reporter noted.
The Washington #Commanders literally sounds like a team from a league that has failed not once, but twice now…(I won’t name names)
— Charly Arnolt (@CharlyOnTV) February 2, 2022
“Let’s not focus on whether the Washington Commanders is a good name but instead focus on the fact a red and yellow team located in Washington DC named itself something that can be shortened to Commies,” another commenter chimed in. “Focus on the hilarious aspect of NO ONE realizing this over 2 years.”
let’s not focus on whether the Washington Commanders is a good name but instead focus on the fact a red and yellow team located in Washington DC named itself something that can be shortened to Commies
focus on the hilarious aspect of NO ONE realizing this over 2 years pic.twitter.com/b1b5pCcYiC
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) February 2, 2022
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“I mean, it does fit the location, considering our federal government’s penchant for authoritarianism,” Ben Shapiro wrote.
I mean, it does fit the location, considering our federal government’s penchant for authoritarianism https://t.co/W0qQQQl8lg
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) February 2, 2022