[History] The Visual Identity of the Washington Commanders

Title: The Evolution of the Visual Identity of the Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, is a professional American football team based in the Washington metropolitan area. The team’s visual identity has undergone significant changes throughout its history, reflecting societal shifts and the evolution of the National Football League (NFL). This article will delve into the history and transformation of the team’s visual identity.

The Early Years: Boston Braves to Washington Redskins

The franchise was founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, named after the local baseball team. The team’s original logo featured a Native American warrior, which was consistent with the prevalent practice of using Native American imagery in sports during this era.

In 1933, the team was renamed the Boston Redskins. When they moved to Washington D.C. in 1937, they became the Washington Redskins. The logo evolved over time but consistently featured Native American imagery, often depicting a Native American chief.

Controversy and Change

The use of Native American imagery by sports teams has been a subject of controversy for decades. Critics argue that it perpetuates stereotypes and disrespects Native American cultures. Despite these criticisms, the Washington Redskins maintained their name and logo for many years.

However, in 2020, amidst a nationwide reckoning on racial justice, the team announced that it would retire its name and logo. The decision was influenced by pressure from sponsors and a broader societal shift towards recognizing and addressing systemic racism.

For the 2020 season, the team temporarily rebranded as the Washington Football Team while they worked on a new name and logo. The temporary logo was a simple, stylized “W” in the team’s traditional colors of burgundy and gold.

The Birth of the Washington Commanders

In February 2022, the team unveiled its new name: the Washington Commanders. The new logo features three stars above a stylized “W”, which represents the three branches of the U.S. government located in Washington D.C. The stars are also a nod to the D.C. flag. The logo is designed to evoke a sense of strength, unity, and resilience.

The team’s new visual identity also includes a refreshed color scheme. While the team has retained its traditional burgundy and gold colors, it has introduced a new darker shade of burgundy called “Commanders Crimson” and a brighter gold called “Resolute Gold”.

The team’s new uniforms feature a modern design with clean lines and bold colors. The home uniform is Commanders Crimson with white numerals, while the away uniform is white with Commanders Crimson numerals. Both uniforms feature the three-star logo on the sleeves and the word “Commanders” above the numerals on the front.

Conclusion

The visual identity of the Washington Commanders has evolved significantly since the team’s founding in 1932. From the Native American imagery of the Boston Braves and Washington Redskins to the modern, powerful imagery of the Washington Commanders, the team’s visual identity reflects not only its own history but also broader societal changes. The new logo and uniforms aim to honor the team’s past while looking forward to a future of unity, resilience, and strength.