The Washington Commanders are officially the NFL‘s newest team.
Well, they have the newest name now that “Commanders” has replaced “Football Team” in Washington.
The change was leaked and rumored for days, taking a bit of the luster away from the reveal.
One legacy. One unified future.
We are the Washington Commanders #TakeCommand pic.twitter.com/Eav9NOV5Mm
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 2, 2022
This is yet another new name in Washington and one that is conjuring up a ton of reaction among the NFL world.
Y’all flopped @Commanders. Change it back!
— Burner (@FanWashed1) February 2, 2022
NFL World Reacts To The New Name In Washington
Is anyone ever happy when a new name is announced?
Time is usually what cures all, as it did with the Football Team name.
While it started as an easy joke, the name felt normal after just a few games.
People upset about the Commanders name are weird and would have been upset about any name they picked. #wft #Commanders
— TrikPik (@TrikPik) February 2, 2022
the Football Team is a better name than the Commanders.
Tell me i’m wrong. https://t.co/FUnAe8QQuR
— James Barrickman (@JamesBarrickman) February 2, 2022
A name change always comes with plenty of hype.
Why?
Well, so the organization can sell a ton of merchandise and ensure the new name and logo is being seen all over the area.
That will be true with the Commanders, even if fans on social media are panning the move.
Changing the name to the commanders is so odd bc 1. Sounds like an XFL team and 2. People are gonna call them the commies
— Spencer (@year2IQ) February 2, 2022
Roger Goodell authorizing the name of Washington Commanders. pic.twitter.com/Arjt5kN3SK
— 🗽Statue of Whitterty 🗽 (@StatueOfWhitt) February 2, 2022
The best way for the name to stick is for the Commanders to do well in 2022 and well beyond.
The team has not won a playoff game since 2005 and has had three names since then.
Making a deep run in 2022 would help fans rally behind the group, no matter what they have to call them.
I can’t even bring myself to say “ I’m a Commanders fan” 🥴
— Kevin II (@TooCoolFull) February 2, 2022
A simple, generic name like Commanders should mean Washington is done changing its name for good.
Now the narrative surrounding the franchise can get back to focusing on actual football.
Fans can also buy jerseys, shirts, and hats that feature a name that isn’t a placeholder.
The initial reaction and response is not great, but that was to be expected for a change like this.
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