Washington Redskins Merchandise Resurfaces Amid Franchise’s Historical Controversy

The Washington Redskins name and logo, abandoned by the NFL team in 2020, have resurfaced in their merchandise shop. Although limited, the Mitchell & Ness throwback line offers T-shirts and jerseys featuring former players under the Redskins name.

In-person visitors to the Northwest Stadium store or online shoppers can purchase items like an Art Monk T-shirt. This shirt displays the Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver’s likeness in his Redskins uniform, priced at $49.99. Art Monk, a pivotal figure, left a lasting legacy during the 2008 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio.

Art Monk of the Washington Redskins addresses fans during the Class of 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on August 2, 2008, in Canton, Ohio. – Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Fans can also find a Sean Taylor T-shirt, depicting the late safety in his Redskins gear, for the same price. Taylor’s No. 21 jersey with the Redskins name and a 75th-anniversary patch costs $114.99. Notably, these items are marketed as Commanders gear, yet the Commanders nickname does not appear on the merchandise.

Sean Taylor #21 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 11, 2007, at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. – Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

The NFL franchise, renowned as the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 2019, faced pressure from fans, Native American groups, and sponsors to change the name. Current owner Josh Harris acknowledged the nostalgic appeal, stating in September 2023 that a portion of their fan base felt disrespected by the former name.

Despite this, the team plans to sell Redskins merchandise and introduce a new helmet design evoking past logos. These sales maintain franchise control over trademarks. A team spokesman clarifies the necessity to uphold the marks in commercial use to avoid abandonment under the Lanham Act.

The law considers trademarks abandoned with three years of nonuse, emphasizing genuine trade use beyond token sales. This legal landscape poses challenges for the Commanders with limited-availability Redskins items.

Native American opinions on the Redskins name are divided. Some view it as racist, while others, like Blackfeet former chairman Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, embraced the logo as a source of pride. In 1972, Wetzel influenced the team to adopt the Native chief helmet design. Reflecting on this in 2002, Wetzel expressed pride in the representation on a major team.

It made us all so proud to have an Indian on a big-time team. It’s only a small group of radicals who oppose those names. Indians are proud of Indians.

This controversial issue remains a significant dialogue within the fan base and beyond.