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Josh Harris Announces Final Decision On Washington Commanders Name

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Feb 3, 2025 2:33 PM ET

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris provided a definitive answer on a long-speculated name change.

After Daniel Snyder finally caved to backlash against the former name, the NFL franchise spent two seasons as the Washington Football Team before shifting to Commanders in 2022. The following year, a bidding group led by Harris purchased the organization from its highly controversial owner.

Onlookers wondered if Harris would seek another name change to reset the brand after years of futility under Snyder. However, he confirmed Monday that the Commanders are here to stay.

He may not feel as inclined to overhaul his team following a trip to the NFC Championship Game.

"In this building, the name Commanders means something," Harris said, via NBC4 Sports. "It's about players who love football, are great at football, hit hard. That name is growing in meaning."

Later in the conference, Associated Press reporter Stephen Whyno directly asked if Harris will keep the Commanders name. He affirmed without any hesitation.

“Yes," Harris responded. "I think it's now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff. So we're going with that."

Perhaps some fans didn't feel much of a connection to the Washington Commanders after they went 4-13 in 2023. However, the franchise's fortunes have drastically changed.

The Commanders found a star quarterback in Jayden Daniels, who posted a 100.1 passer rating in his rookie campaign before orchestrating two road playoff wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.

Washington won its first playoff game in 19 years and made its first NFC Championship Game since punching a ticket to Super Bowl 26 in 1992. The team's magical run ended with a 55-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Just like that, the Commanders have transformed from a frequent cellar-dweller to a team capable of contending for the next decade. They'll have plenty of cap room to bolster their roster this offseason and make the most of Daniels' rookie contract.

Fans may have fonder feelings about the Commanders name after their best season in decades. They can stop wondering about another future change.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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