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​Washington Redskins Confirms Name Change To Washington Football Team

​Washington Redskins Confirms Name Change To Washington Football Team

Thankfully, it's only temporary

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

The football team formerly known as the Washington Redskins has announced its brand new name after retiring the controversial moniker earlier this month, having revealed they're now known as... the Washington Football Team.

I mean, I guess you can't knock it for its effectiveness.

"We're retiring our old name," the team announced in a statement.

"And building a new kind of team. For the upcoming season, we're calling ourselves The Washington Football Team."

The old logo has been replaced by the phrase 'Washington Football Team, Est. 1932', which is in gold with a burgundy background.

Thankfully, the new name is only a placeholder while they try and think up an official permanent name - which will be discussed between players, alumni, fans, sponsors and the community, the franchise's new Executive Vice President Terry Bateman said.

But while the 'Washington Football Team' is only temporary, many people are still a bit baffled - sarcastically envisaging a really 'thorough' board meaning to come up with the idea.

Even basketball icon LeBron James took to Twitter to express his confusion, writing: "Just waking back up from my pregame nap to see about The Washington Football team??? Is that real??

"No way! Oh man they had a thorough intense long board meeting about that one huh."

Former Oklahoma State player Dez Bryant also said: "Who you play for? The Washington football team.. naw that ain't it.

"For some reason that alone makes me feel it won't be a football season.. I'm sad seriously. No disrespect to Washington football team but that's a soul crusher not to have a football name."

Another Twitter user joked: "I was inspired by the bravery of the Redskins changing their name to Washington Football Team that I have decided to change my name to Firstname Lastname."

However, others praised the team for changing their name in the first place, with actor and former wrestler Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson even suggesting another alternative.

He wrote: "Even though this name is clearly temporary, I appreciate the organization moving at an accelerated pace towards some progress prior to this @NFL season. For the love of the game - I vote, 'WASHINGTON BALLERS' You're welcoooome! *sang Maui style."

The NFL team had announced earlier this month that it would be retiring the name and logo following a review into the controversy surrounding its branding, which some have considered to be racist towards Native Americans.

PA

In a statement posted to the team's official Twitter account, a spokesperson wrote: "On July 3rd, we announced the commencement of a thorough review of the team's name. That review has begun in earnest.

"As part of this process, we want to keep our sponsors, fans and community apprised of our thinking as we go forward.

"Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review.

"Dan Snyder and Coach [Ron] Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years."

Featured Image Credit: Washington Football Team/Twitter

Topics: SPORT, News, NFL