One realtor in Alexandria might have screwed Washington out of a new team name.
The Washington Redskins, as of this morning, are no more, as the long-expected retiring of the 87-year-old moniker with racist undertones has finally been made official. Puzzlingly, in a press release that still used the Redskins’ logos and letterhead, Dan Snyder, who famously said he would never change the name, did not confirm what the team formerly known as the Redskins will be called in 2020. The reason behind this might be down to trademark issues thanks to one genius realtor in Virginia.
Philip Martin McAuley, a realtor in Alexandria, trademarked over a dozen potential names that the Redskins could potentially use in their rebrand. This included popular choices like “Redtails” and “Red Wolves” in addition to lesser-known candidates like “War Hogs”, “Tribe”, and “Radskins.”
Rebranding could be a challenge for the former Washington Redskins.
Hail to the Radskins? Maybe in 1994, not 2020,
“Redtails”, which would honor a squadron of all-black fighter pilots who served in World War II, already has been endorsed by quarterback Dwayne Haskins, and it seems like social media’s top selection in the great name debate. “Red Wolves”, named after a species of wolf that calls the southern United States home, seems like a quality backup option.
One of the more surprising names not on McAuley’s list is “Warriors” which has been rumored to be one of Snyder’s favorite potential new names, possibly due to the fact he can keep the spear motif in their logos and marketing. McAuley has trademarked names like “Tribe” and “Braves” just in case Snyder wants to rebrand to another Native American mascot.
If Washington wants to use some of the names that many online and elsewhere have suggested as a more pleasing alternative to their old, offensive moniker, they will have to go through McAuley, who deserves a tip of the cap because of his foresight.