Washington Football Team Has a Name: Commanders

New York Giants fans get used to calling the team from Washington, the Commanders.

That is the new designation for the franchise that for 87 years was once called the Washington Redskins, a moniker that was changed two years ago after it was decried for decades as  derogatory to Native Americans and Native American culture.

"As an organization, we are excited to rally and rise together as one under our new identity while paying homage to our local roots and what it means to represent the nation's capital," team owner Dan Snyder said in a statement. "As we kick-off our 90th season, it is important for our organization and fans to pay tribute to our past traditions, history, legacy and the greats that came before us. We continue to honor and represent the Burgundy & Gold while forging a pathway to a new era in Washington. Today may mark the first day for the Washington Commanders, but we are and always will be Washington."

After playing the past two years as the nameless Washington Football Team, the name was formally changed to Commanders this winter. The name is not totally surprising since online leaks of the name and logo had surfaced on social media for the past several weeks.

In fact the name was officially leaked late Tuesday night by a news team helicopter.

The new threads were officially revealed on Wednesday, February 2. The color scheme remains burgundy, gold and white. Black has now been added to the color scheme with an all new alternate black uniform and helmet. The primary helmet is burgundy with a bright yellow 'W' on each side.

The new name for the Washington Football Team, of course, divided social media.