The Buzz: The Washington Football Team: Making Big Changes for Justice

After 87 years, the Washington NFL team has changed their name. This news comes after years of backlash about the team’s name and logo, both of which have been said to be both racist and insensitive. Over the years, activists have placed pressure on the team to make the much-needed change. There have also been decades of disapproval and frustration from Native Americans, many of whom have repeatedly brought it to the team’s attention that its former name is a racial slur. Despite all the efforts, it seems as if recent pressure from sponsors is what ultimately lead to the decision. Sponsors such as FedEx, Nike, and Bank of America demanded a change. In July 2020, those demands were met, and the team announced their name change to The Washington Football Team for the 2020 season. This is a temporary name that will allow them to decide on a new brand. In the meantime, the team will keep their colors and player numbers will replace the logo on their helmets. 

In addition to the name and logo change of the organization, The Washington Football team also made staffing changes. They made history by hiring the first Black team president in NFL history, Jason Wright. Jason Wright is also a former NFL player and is only the fourth former player in history to land a team president position. Wright is tasked with helping to change the culture within the organization — a role that he is familiar with. Prior to coming to Washington, Wright was a partner at a global strategy and management consulting firm. While in that role, he co-piloted their anti-racism and inclusion strategy and helped create the Black Economic Forum. The Washington Football Team also hired Julie Donaldson to lead its communications department. This makes her the team’s highest-ranking female executive and the first woman to be a part of an NFL team’s radio broadcast. Wright states that all these changes reveal that it’s a “new day” in Washington. 

There have been major changes taking place in the sports world. Ranging from COVID-19 changing the very way we view and play sports, to teams making social justice strides. Just last night, I viewed my first NBA playoff game and watched as the words Black Lives Matter lined the court. I saw how players were free to express themselves with the jerseys they wore and how Lebron James wore a red hat asking for the arrest of Breonna Taylor’s murderers. The sport industry is evolving for the better, becoming more socially conscious and taking stances against the injustices many people experience in this country. Overall, what do you think about the changes in sports? What do you think of the Washington name change and do you have any suggestions for the new team name? 

The sport industry is evolving for the better, becoming more socially conscious and taking stances against the injustices many people experience in this country. Click To Tweet