The Washington Commanders: Formerly Known As...
Ah, the Washington Commanders. A team steeped in history, with a fanbase as passionate as they are...well, passionate. But what about their journey to gridiron glory? Let's take a dip into the vault of slightly dusty team names, shall we?
From Beantown to Burgundy and Gold: The Early Days
Our story begins in 1932, not in the nation's capital, but in Boston! Yes, the Commanders, originally known as the Boston Braves (cue confused baseball fans), were the brainchild of George Preston Marshall. Let's just say the name didn't exactly stick. They became the Redskins a year later, most likely inspired by a local Native American lacrosse team.
D.C. Bound: The Redskins Take Flight (or Do They?)
Fast forward to 1937, and the Redskins soared (or maybe limped?) into Washington D.C. This marked the beginning of a long and storied run, with two NFL championships under their belt by the 1940s. But hey, even champions gotta change things up sometimes, right? Fun Fact: Back in the day, the burgundy and gold wasn't always their signature look. They donned a variety of colors, including blue and yellow!
The Winds of Change: From Redskins to...What Now?
By the 2020s, the "Redskins" name became a lightning rod for controversy. It was deemed offensive by many, and after years of pressure, the team bowed to the inevitable. In 2020, they entered a period of existential rebranding angst. Fear not, fans! They persevered for two seasons as the somewhat generic Washington Football Team.
The Commanders Are Born: A New Era Dawns
Finally, in 2022, the fog cleared, and the Washington Commanders emerged from the ashes! A bold new name, fit for a bold new era (hopefully) of winning football.
So, what did we learn?
- Team names are hard.
- Washington fans are patient...ish.
- Burgundy and gold is a timeless classic.
Bonus Fun Fact: The burgundy color in their team scheme is actually called "Federal Burgundy." Fancy!
Frequently Asked Questions: Washington Commanders Edition
How to spell "Commanders"?
There's only one "m" and two "d"s, folks. No need to go all military code on us.
How do I pronounce "Commanders"?
Just like it sounds! Though, some fans might add a hint of a growl for emphasis.
How many Super Bowls do the Commanders have?
Three! 1983, 1988, and 1992. Hail yeah!
How do I become a Washington Commanders fan?
Thick skin and a love of burgundy are a good start. But mostly, just enjoy the game!
How much is a hot dog at a Commanders game?
Let's just say, bring your wallet.