The Washington Commanders franchise has undergone some major changes over the last few years, including the end of the Dan Snyder era and altering the name from the Redskins, to the Football Team, to what it is now.
And apparently, the decision to change the name to the Commanders embarrassed former first-round pick, Montez Sweat.
"I got drafted as a Redskin. Then I was a Football Team. And then I was a commander I don't know - I think I'm missing one," Sweat said on the latest episode of the Green Light Podcast with Chris Long. "So I went through on all three phases [and] every time I'm like, 'Bro, why won't this be the Redskins? It's part of the culture - what's the problem?' If it was up to me, we would have just been the Redskins...
"... I was so embarrassed. I was so embarrassed. So when people asked who I played for, I [just said] Washington."
It's easy to argue against Sweat's desire to keep the initial Redskins nickname since it was rooted in racist history as a racial slur against Native Americans. The nickname had to be changed and it's easily for the best that it's no longer in use.
It's not as simple, however, to argue against the embarrassment that comes with the Commanders nickname. It was one of the worst options available and honestly, the Football Team was better.
The good news is the Commanders are entering a fresh new era that includes a new coaching staff, nearly-brand new ownership, and it's almost guaranteed they'll draft what they hope is the franchise quarterback for the next decade at No. 2.
Meaning, if the team can get back to its winning ways, then you can bet the players and fans won't give a damn what the nickname is.
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