Commanders’ Throwback Gear Revives a Controversial Identity

The Washington Commanders are selling merchandise carrying their retired Redskins name and logo, six years after the franchise scrapped both amid accusations of racism. A new T-shirt collection honoring former stars Art Monk, Darrell Green, and Sean Taylor features the old name printed on the back and the retired logo on the front. It’s for sale right now at Northwest Stadium, according to WUSA9 reporter Eric Flack.

That’s an odd look for a franchise that spent years distancing itself from that exact branding. The team dropped the name and logo in 2020 following widespread pressure, and ownership has repeatedly insisted the old identity is dead. So finding it prominently displayed on racks near the front door of the team store caught some off guard.

What the Merchandise Actually Shows

The shirts are part of a Mitchell & Ness throwback line, each showing career statistics for Monk, Green, and Taylor printed underneath the words “Washington Redskins” on the back. The front carries the team’s retired helmet logo. The video posted by Flack showing the gear has reportedly drawn more than a million views.

A team spokesperson pointed to a black Taylor shirt sold last season that included the old name in small print, but WUSA9’s reporting notes the name has never appeared this prominently on official merchandise since the rebrand.

Why the Old Identity Still Matters

Washington played as the Redskins for decades before dropping the name in July 2020 amid complaints it was racist toward Native Americans. The franchise rebranded as the Commanders, and ownership under Josh Harris has said there’s no going back. That’s exactly why this merchandise stands out.