Jason Kelce’s Slip and the Ongoing Debate Over Washington’s Team Name

Jason Kelce, a former NFL player, experienced an uncomfortable moment while working as a booth analyst for NFL Network. During the Washington Commanders’ game against the Indianapolis Colts, Kelce used the old name of the team, the Washington Redskins. This incident took place on October 27, 2025, at a game in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Washington team’s name change from Redskins to Commanders remains a controversial topic. The original name was altered due to widespread criticism describing it as a racist term. Opinions among Native Americans vary, with some considering it offensive and others disagreeing.

Kelce, who retired from his NFL career three years ago, is transitioning into broadcasting. He previously played as a notable center for the Philadelphia Eagles for 13 years. Kelce is known for his ability to analyze offensive line strategies.

During his commentary on the game, Kelce praised Washington’s defensive secondary for their performance on third down plays. While discussing the strategies, Kelce used the term ‘Redskins’ mistakenly instead of ‘Commanders’. His colleague, play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch, quickly corrected him. “Commanders,” Pasch interjected, bringing attention to the error.

The slip led to an exchange in the booth involving Pasch and fellow analyst Kurt Warner, where they revealed they had anticipated such a mistake might happen. Pasch shared that they had joked about who would be the first to use the old team name.

Despite the lighthearted nature of the incident in the booth, the topic of the team’s name remains divisive. Washington’s owner, Josh Harris, favors the Commanders name, but many fans and former players still hold the Redskins name in high regard. Kelce himself played against the Redskins numerous times during his career.

The situation reflects broader sentiments around the name change. While some wish to see the traditional nickname reinstated, others prefer its removal due to its association with racial insensitivity. This complex issue underscores the challenges of preserving sports history amid ongoing cultural shifts.