Josh Harris Greg Fiume/GettyImages

Commanders’ new alternates just nailed what fans have been begging for

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Ryan McCafferty | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The Washington Commanders are a franchise at an identity crossroads.

Many fans were displeased when the team's former name and branding were removed before the 2020 season. They were still unsatisfied in 2022 when the Commanders were chosen to replace the short-lived "Washington Football Team."

But it can also be said that after decades of turmoil on and off the field, everything about this organization needed a fresh start.

It got one with the 2023 removal of Dan Snyder. Only two years into Josh Harris's ownership tenure, Washington has seen heights it had not reached in the previous 30 years.

The Commanders have a bright future with franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. As long as they keep building on the momentum they established last season, the new name will continue to grow in significance.

Commanders fans got what they wanted with their new alternate uniforms

Of course, Washington's rich history before Snyder's reign of terror shouldn't be forgotten. That's why the Commanders will be honoring it with their alternate uniforms in 2025.

Weaving past and present

We’re adding back the Super Bowl Era threads to our uniform rotation pic.twitter.com/9nKrTYVABk
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 9, 2025

It's as fair a compromise as one can realistically ask for.

The old name isn't coming back, and for the reason outlined above, D.C. should embrace the opportunity to build a new identity for an exciting era of Washington football. But bringing back the iconic color scheme, even if on a limited basis, hurts no one.

While still burgundy and gold, the Commanders' jersey designs have underwhelmed compared to the traditional branding. In the interest of balancing the past with the present, this was an obvious first step to take, and perhaps it could lead to something more in the future.

The Commanders will wear their "Super Bowl era" threads for three home games this season, against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and most notably, the arch-rival Dallas Cowboys. The first two of those will be on prime time, while the third is part of the NFL's Christmas Day showcase. The entire American football world will be getting an extended look at the new fits.

History doesn’t fade…it fuels the future. pic.twitter.com/MFJbsyMymH
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 9, 2025

Considering that the uniforms will be worn in nearly half of Washington's home games, it has to be wondered if this is a test run to gauge whether or not they should become the default in 2026. Surely they'll sell well, and that may be the difference-maker.

Regardless, it's a massive win for the Commanders and their fans.

It shows that while there remains a staunch commitment to building a new legacy under the new name, enough time has passed since the controversial rebrand that the look that defined Washington's glory years still has a place on the field in D.C.