Washington Commanders Sell Limited Edition Redskins Merchandise

The Washington Commanders have reintroduced merchandise featuring the old team name of the Washington Redskins. This gear, including T-shirts and jerseys, is available both online and at their stadium store. The merchandise includes symbols and player names from the team’s past.

A notable example is the Art Monk T-shirt that displays his likeness in the Redskins uniform. It costs $49.99 and bears the Washington Redskins branding alongside Monk’s career stats. Additionally, a Sean Taylor T-shirt is available for the same price, honoring the former player who was tragically killed in 2007.

Fans can also purchase a replica of Taylor’s jersey, featuring the Redskins name and a 75th-anniversary patch, priced at $114.99. Despite no Commander branding, these items are promoted under the Commanders’ merchandise line.

The decision to sell these items connects to the franchise’s history as the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 2019. The name was replaced following criticism from fans, some Native American groups, and sponsors. Josh Harris, the current team owner, acknowledges the nostalgia surrounding the name but emphasizes its previous offensive connotations.

Despite this, the team aims to keep the Redskins trademark in commercial use, to retain control over it. Legal standards could consider a trademark abandoned if unused for three consecutive years unless demonstrated as part of commercial practice, not merely to maintain rights.

Opinions on the use of the Redskins name vary. Some Native American groups criticize the name, but others, including influential Native American leaders, have supported it. Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a former Blackfeet Tribe leader, advocated for the Redskins’ Native chief logo, expressing pride in seeing a Native representation on a major team.

The Redskins logo and legacy continue to be a subject of debate within and outside the sports community.