Some fans may not want to hear this, but support for the Washington Commanders’ name has increased since last year’s successful season.
Nicki Jhabvala, Emily Guskin and Scott Clement of The Washington Post report that a new poll from the Washington Post-Schar Schoolindicates that popularity is rising for the team name, which was introduced to much criticism in 2022.
According to a Washington Post-Schar School poll, 61 percent of D.C.-area sports fans are fans of the Commanders, up from 45 percent of area sports fans a year ago. Among all D.C.-area residents, 53 percent say they are Commanders fans, while 45 percent do not root for the team. In 2023, 31 percent of D.C.-area residents said they were Commanders fans or that the Commanders were their favorite local team.
What’s more: Half of all D.C.-area adults now “like” or “love” the team’s name, which was changed in 2022 and became a hot-button issue for many fans who either clamored for a return to the franchise’s previous name, Redskins, or sought an alternative. In 2024, only 34 percent liked or loved the new name.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Fans of Washington’s NFL franchise have wanted stability and a winner for years. While it’s only been one year, it looks like new owner Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels may have helped the long-suffering franchise turn a corner.
So, while a portion of the fan base still hates the name, it’s not as significant as it once was. There have been reports that Harris and his partners did not like the Commanders ‘name. However, another rebranding would be costly, and the ownership group focused on more important matters, such as improving Northwest Stadium, the team’s headquarters in Ashburn and community outreach.
There were times when Washington’s fan base argued about anything and everything. Some still debate Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III, but those topics decreased due to last season’s success and the presence of Daniels.
The name debate still remains an issue for some. It’s unfair to say some fans shouldn’t care about the name. If it’s the name that you grew up on, there will always be that attachment. Additionally, the old uniforms and helmets were arguably the NFL’s best. Those things matter to fans.
However, it’s also unfair to criticize those fans who are ready to embrace a winner, regardless of the team name.
They’ve told you — directly and indirectly — the name is not changing. Last season’s success further strengthens the team’s stance that another name change is unnecessary. While the goal for ownership is to bring back fans and retain fans, they also want to create new fans. Having a quarterback like Daniels helps, regardless of the team’s nickname.
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