Watch: Former NFL Coach Stuns ESPN Host Live on Air, Pushes Commanders to Change Back to the Redskins
Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano recently sparked controversy by using the term “Redskins” during an appearance on ”The Pat McAfee Show” while discussing the New York Giants’ performance against the Washington NFL team. He suggested that the team should have beaten the Redskins and referred to the name in a way that indicated he believed it still held significance. Pagano acknowledged that he would sign a petition aimed at reverting the team name back to “Redskins,” which was changed to “Commanders” in 2020 under former owner Daniel Snyder after facing backlash.
The Native American Guardians Association has launched a petition to restore the name, claiming that “Redskins” honors Native American culture rather than being derogatory. This petition has garnered substantial support, with nearly 150,000 signatures. Current team owner Josh Harris, however, has stated that the old name will not return for various reasons, emphasizing the need to unify the team and the city around its football goals. Meanwhile, the family of John Two Guns White Calf, a Blackfeet chief who was the face of the Redskins logo for many years, is advocating for the return of their ancestor’s image as part of the team’s heritage.
Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said the R-word Thursday in referring to the NFL team representing Washington, D.C.
Pagano was commenting about the New York Giants during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” as shown in a video clip posted to X.
“They should’ve beat the Redskins like you mentioned,” Pagano said. “They lost to seven field goals.”
“Who?” McAfee said.
— Washington Redskins (@WASHREDSKlNS) September 26, 2024
“That team’s not in the league,” he said amid general laughter. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“They should go back,” Pagano said. “That’s why I said it.”
Pagano later said he would sign a petition to change the name back to Redskins.
The Native American Guardians Association launched a petition drive in 2023 to have the name changed from Commanders back to Redskins, according to WBMA-TV.
The petition has garnered almost 150,000 signatures.
“The name ‘Redskins’ carries deep cultural, historical, and emotional significance, honoring the bravery, resilience, and warrior spirit associated with Native American culture. It was never intended as a derogatory or offensive term but as a symbol of respect and admiration,” the petition said.
Former Commanders owner Daniel Snyder removed the name Redskins in 2020, eventually changing its name to Commanders, according to Fox News.
Current owner Josh Harris has said the former name will not return.
“For obvious reasons, the old name can’t come back,” Harris said in August.
“But, right now, we’re focused on things to unify the team around our football team and unify the city around our football team. The first objective is we gotta start winning football games, and we need everyone supporting the team and not things that will drive people apart.
“Secondly, obviously, we’re trying to find a new home. Again, unifying [the] city around that is important and, so, the name is one of those things that have a lot of opinions … but I certainly haven’t forgotten about it. Like I said, I grew up here. So, I understand it,” he said.
However, the family of John Two Guns White Calf, a Blackfeet chief whose face was stylized as the team logo for 48 years, is hoping their ancestor’s image will return.
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