Washington Football Team
A two-season bridge between the Redskins legacy and the Commanders era.
The 'Washington Football Team' was a temporary identity adopted by the franchise for two seasons following the retirement of their former name in 2020. This period marked a significant shift after decades of operating as the Washington Redskins, a name that had drawn criticism until its removal during a time of national racial unrest. The team played under this neutral banner before officially rebranding as the Commanders in 2022. While the branding changed, the franchise's location and competitive structure remained constant within the NFL's NFC East division.
- Role
- Temporary Franchise Identity
- Affiliation
- National Football League (NFC East)
- Predecessor Name
- Washington Redskins
- Successor Name
- Washington Commanders
- Status
- Historical / Retired
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The decision to retire the name came in 2020 amidst a wave of societal changes. For the next two seasons, the team competed without a permanent nickname or logo, relying on their traditional burgundy and gold colors. This interim period followed a history defined by two distinct championship eras: the NFL titles won between 1937 and 1945 under Jack Espey and Ray Flaherty, and the three Super Bowl victories (XVII, XXII, XXVI) secured between 1982 and 1991 under Joe Gibbs. The 'Football Team' identity served as a pause button, allowing the organization to move forward while maintaining their connection to over 1,300 games played and 600 wins since their founding in 1932.
In Their Own Story
The transition began after the team lost Super Bowl VII in 1972 and XVIII in 1983, eventually leading to a long drought following their last title in 1991. The name change in 2020 ended a decades-long controversy surrounding the 'Redskins' moniker. During these two interim seasons, the franchise focused on its future at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, while preparing for a permanent home at the New Stadium at RFK Campus scheduled for 2030. The period was characterized by a lack of division titles compared to their 14 NFC East crowns historically achieved, as the team won only four division titles and five playoff games since their final Super Bowl win in 1991.
Reader's Guide
Fans navigating this era looked back at the franchise's difficult periods, such as the 1–12–1 record in 1961 and the streak of no winning seasons from 1956 to 1968. The temporary name highlighted the resilience of a team that once faced federal pressure to integrate in 1961, finally signing Ron Hatcher after trading Ernie Davis rights. This brief chapter connected the past, where head coach Vince Lombardi took over in 1969, with the future under the Commanders identity. The era emphasized the team's rich history of original fight songs like 'Hail to the Commanders,' played since 1937, and its headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia.
Did You Know?
- The franchise was originally founded as the Boston Braves in 1932 before moving to Washington, D.C., in 1937.
- The team holds the record for the worst one-sided loss in NFL history, a 73–0 defeat by the Chicago Bears in the 1940 championship game.
- A rule change known as the 'Baugh/Marshall Rule' was enacted after a 1945 play in which quarterback Sammy Baugh's pass hit the goalpost and was ruled incomplete or intercepted, not a safety.
- The team played two seasons as the Washington Football Team before rebranding as the Commanders in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Washington Football Team?
It served as a temporary placeholder name for the NFL franchise between 2022 and 2022, replacing the previous moniker during a rebranding process. This identity acted as a neutral bridge while the organization distanced itself from its former title.
Why did the team adopt this specific name?
The league chose 'Washington Football Team' to maintain operations without using a name deemed offensive by many fans and critics. It allowed the franchise to function during a comprehensive review of its brand identity before selecting a permanent successor.
Did the team change their colors or logo during this era?
No, the organization retained its traditional burgundy and gold color scheme throughout this transitional period. Instead of new graphics, they utilized a simplified design featuring the team's initials on a neutral background.
Where did the Washington Football Team play their home games?
During this short chapter, the franchise continued to host matches at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. This stadium, now known as Commanders Field, remained the home venue despite the temporary name change.
How long did the 'Washington Football Team' era last?
This identity existed for only a single season, covering the 2022 NFL campaign before being retired in early 2023. It was succeeded by the Washington Commanders following the completion of their rebranding efforts.
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