Josh Harris Speaks... Commanders is permanent name.

[Boone]

Yusuf06 - let me know if you do want to change your username. It takes 30 seconds.

 

[JoeyG]

I used the one on the website.

I can't find the email on the website-does anyone have it?

 

[Halcyon Times]

I'll just add, I never said an owner can do whatever they want.

Agreed but that was my original point of contention with a previous post stating as such. Didn’t sound correct and I asked for some sort of reference other than the old “why I pulled it right out of my ass thank you very much”, lol.

Hail 🍻

 

[CommDownMan]

Count me on the disappointed list. However, if I'm being honest I'm not much of a market. I sit here in my TM, Scary Terry hoodie that I bought to support the players and not Synder. I have nothing commanders and nothing washington football. Don't see that changing anytime soon. My lack of buying gear won't make much difference in the grand scheme of things.

I will enjoy the football and continue to ignore the name. So disappointing, but dulled by better football.

 

[ArtMonkWasMyHero]

I can't find the email on the website-does anyone have it?

Just go to the bottom right of the homepage and look for Contact Us.

 

[formerly4skins]

Understanding it will make zero difference...for anyone looking to share your opinion with the team:

About Us | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Commanders.com: the official source of the latest Washington Commanders news, schedule, tickets, roster, videos, photos, and gameday information

www.commanders.com

There's a drop-down option for "General fan Comment"


This is what I said:

I hope this message finds you well. I am a concerned lifelong Washington football fan who has loved this team for nearly all of my 40yrs on this earth. I am reaching out to let somebody know what an absolutely horrible decision it is to keep the name "Commanders".

While Josh Harris may have grown up a diehard fan, this decision suggests that he is just not totally aware of the pain, shame, and embarrassment fans went through over the nearly 25yrs of the Snyder era. His decision to to keep "Commanders" has foisted the lazy, cheap, pet-name of the loser, sex-pest, former-owner on an entire fan community in perpetuity. And, that is what Commanders stands for...an era of failure, sexual misconduct, and general incompetence. Why the team would want to preserve that is beyond me.

Now, I get that JD5 popping off like he did sent jersey sales skyrocketing....but, guess what...people buy the gear because it's what exists if they want team gear. I literally have yet to meet someone in real life who actually likes the name or branding that we are now stuck with forever. Sticking fans with Snyder's trash, till the end of time, because you had a single good year of jersey sales on the back of JD5 is short sighted. Those jerseys sold because of JD5, not some sudden acceptance of maybe the worst name in pro sports.

Asking fans to use their bodies as billboards for the reviled pet-name of the loser, sex-pest, former owner should not be the way forward. The "Commanders" brand will ALWAYS stink of Doofus Dan...particularly the way fans were lied to about their "input" in the process...and that's a stank I literally just can't put on myself.

I will always watch this team, and as it stands I'll buy bootleg/off-brand gear that doesn't feature the current brand...but, you will not catch me dead in "Commanders" gear.

Also, please don't misconstrue this as a plea for the return of "Redskins"...that name was long past it's time to go. But, what we needed was a NEW WAY FORWARD that unified the fan-base instead of embracing the status quo and asking that we acclimate ourselves to Snyder's parting folly. This amazing season was probably the best opportunity to make that happen, and sadly the team has let that opportunity slip right through their hands.

 

[Chris 44]

This is the primary reason I continued to support then name and to this day oppose its removal. I've yet to see real evidence that it was widely viewed as offensive. I leave open the possibility that different Native American groups have different experiences with the name and some may find it awful, but all the literature reviews and all the polls indicated otherwise.

100% I think ultimately it had more to do with sponsors (Fed Ex) pulling out and Dan hemorrhaging cash.

 

[Riggo44]

This is the primary reason I continued to support then name and to this day oppose its removal. I've yet to see real evidence that it was widely viewed as offensive. I leave open the possibility that different Native American groups have different experiences with the name and some may find it awful, but all the literature reviews and all the polls indicated otherwise.

The problem was it was a one-sided argument. The people who defended the name, including Native Americans, were shouted down by blowhard assholes like Florio and Mike Wise. You had Fatty And Douche on 106.7 proudly proclaiming that we should all be "on the right side of history" every fucking day on the radio (now, the latter won't even say Commanders, the complete hypocrite). It was such a soapbox--aided by the cultural milieu after Freddie Gray, Franklin, MO, BLM, et al. Ultimately, though, it was the hatred of Snyder that did it in. If he wasn't such a massive dick, we would still be the Redskins.

Meanwhile, the Red Mesa Arizona HS is still called the Redskins--on the largest Indian reservation in the country. Any contrary evidence was discarded for the emotional, "won't somebody think of the children" screaming.

 

[SkinsGuru]

The problem was it was a one-sided argument. The people who defended the name, including Native Americans, were shouted down by blowhard assholes like Florio and Mike Wise. You had Fatty And Douche on 106.7 proudly proclaiming that we should all be "on the right side of history" every fucking day on the radio (now, the latter won't even say Commanders, the complete hypocrite). It was such a soapbox--aided by the cultural milieu after Freddie Gray, Franklin, MO, BLM, et al. Ultimately, though, it was the hatred of Snyder that did it in. If he wasn't such a massive dick, we would still be the Redskins.

Meanwhile, the Red Mesa Arizona HS is still called the Redskins--on the largest Indian reservation in the country. Any contrary evidence was discarded for the emotional, "won't somebody think of the children" screaming.

last i hear there were still 107 high schools in the US using that name!

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

Understanding it will make zero difference...for anyone looking to share your opinion with the team:

About Us | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Commanders.com: the official source of the latest Washington Commanders news, schedule, tickets, roster, videos, photos, and gameday information

www.commanders.com

There's a drop-down option for "General fan Comment"


This is what I said:

I hope this message finds you well. I am a concerned lifelong Washington football fan who has loved this team for nearly all of my 40yrs on this earth. I am reaching out to let somebody know what an absolutely horrible decision it is to keep the name "Commanders".

While Josh Harris may have grown up a diehard fan, this decision suggests that he is just not totally aware of the pain, shame, and embarrassment fans went through over the nearly 25yrs of the Snyder era. His decision to to keep "Commanders" has foisted the lazy, cheap, pet-name of the loser, sex-pest, former-owner on an entire fan community in perpetuity. And, that is what Commanders stands for...an era of failure, sexual misconduct, and general incompetence. Why the team would want to preserve that is beyond me.

Now, I get that JD5 popping off like he did sent jersey sales skyrocketing....but, guess what...people buy the gear because it's what exists if they want team gear. I literally have yet to meet someone in real life who actually likes the name or branding that we are now stuck with forever. Sticking fans with Snyder's trash, till the end of time, because you had a single good year of jersey sales on the back of JD5 is short sighted. Those jerseys sold because of JD5, not some sudden acceptance of maybe the worst name in pro sports.

Asking fans to use their bodies as billboards for the reviled pet-name of the loser, sex-pest, former owner should not be the way forward. The "Commanders" brand will ALWAYS stink of Doofus Dan...particularly the way fans were lied to about their "input" in the process...and that's a stank I literally just can't put on myself.

I will always watch this team, and as it stands I'll buy bootleg/off-brand gear that doesn't feature the current brand...but, you will not catch me dead in "Commanders" gear.

Also, please don't misconstrue this as a plea for the return of "Redskins"...that name was long past it's time to go. But, what we needed was a NEW WAY FORWARD that unified the fan-base instead of embracing the status quo and asking that we acclimate ourselves to Snyder's parting folly. This amazing season was probably the best opportunity to make that happen, and sadly the team has let that opportunity slip right through their hands.

I think it would be really good if you want the best shot at this to have a plan.

1) Set up the message
2) Make sure the core message MATCHES UP.

If you don't do #2, this can actually do more damage than good.
If they get some messages saying "Give us Redskins back" AT ALL, and then other messages saying "Just give us any new name that is not connected to Snyder" you may have dramatically different reactions.
If you get a MIX of those types of messages it may kill the whole point. They may say "There's no pleasing everyone so status quo is easiest/cheapest/best. Done, exactly what we thought."
If they get "Gives us Redskins back" they may say "Yes, but no can do. Done."

If they get a LOT of consistent messages saying "Give us a new name not connected to Snyder. He went through an obviously FAKE process and it was the last big insult he threw at us as fans. We are 100% ready to get fully behind you, but this name isn't 'you' - it is Snyder" or some such... it may really make a big difference..

but you/we have to make sure that there isn't anyone saying anything about resurrecting the old name or mixing that message. A consistent message is key. They need to feel they *can* appease a large group of fans; that is the only way this has a chance of working. If they don't think they can appease a large group of fans (mixed messages) this has the opposite effect. <-- my 2 cents

 

[ArtMonkWasMyHero]

I think it would be really good if you want the best shot at this to have a plan.

1) Set up the message
2) Make sure the core message MATCHES UP.

If you don't do #2, this can actually do more damage than good.
If they get some messages saying "Give us Redskins back" AT ALL, and then other messages saying "Just give us any new name that is not connected to Snyder" you may have dramatically different reactions.
If you get a MIX of those types of messages it may kill the whole point. They may say "There's no pleasing everyone so status quo is easiest/cheapest/best. Done, exactly what we thought."
If they get "Gives us Redskins back" they may say "Yes, but no can do. Done."

If they get a LOT of consistent messages saying "Give us a new name not connected to Snyder. He went through an obviously FAKE process and it was the last big insult he threw at us as fans. We are 100% ready to get fully behind you, but this name isn't 'you' - it is Snyder" or some such... it may really make a big difference..

but you/we have to make sure that there isn't anyone saying anything about resurrecting the old name or mixing that message. A consistent message is key. They need to feel they *can* appease a large group of fans; that is the only way this has a chance of working. If they don't think they can appease a large group of fans (mixed messages) this has the opposite effect. <-- my 2 cents

+1

I cited my resume- fan since 1971 - and was very polite. No mention of Snyder or bringing back Redskins.

I suggested what I have said here: Switch to Redhawks, Redwolves, or Warriors and use the R helmet.

 

[Chris]

I don’t believe that efforts like this are going to gain any purchase but I do believe in ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. So, have at it if desired.

If asked I would advise that if the goal is to possibly be given thoughtful consideration that any message sent should be devoid of ‘colorful’ descriptors that are so comfortably thrown around these days on social media.

 

[Boone]

Unfortunately, I think the idea that Harris and company ‘don’t realize’ how much disdain is held for the name is naive. They know. They just don’t care, have been barred from another name change by the league, or have priorities that make them unwilling to change it.

Look at the message from Harris to the fans the team put out yesterday. The comments are absolutely brutal. Harris has been getting gutted since he announced they were sticking with Commanders.

They know. They will simply ride out the furor. I don’t believe there is anything fans can do to change his decision because he made it with full knowledge of how most fans feel about it.

 

[Riggo44]

Unfortunately, I think the idea that Harris and company ‘don’t realize’ how much disdain is held for the name is naive. They know. They just don’t care, have been barred from another name change by the league, or have priorities that make them unwilling to change it.

First and foremost: merchandise is selling--I saw, unverified, that Commanders merchandise was up 200% from last year. They rose to 11th in November. Season ticket renewals are up. Ticket sales are WAY up. Sure, another better brand might sell. Daniels would probably sell in any jersey. But the fact of the matter the Commanders brand is selling. They're not going to risk that momentum for a maybe. The increased sales in merchandise and tickets are far more important to any business than comments on YouTube or X/Twitter. They said "it's up to the fans," and the fans spoke with their wallets for tickets and merch.

 

[formerly4skins]

Looks like this stench was meant to linger forever...such a shame.

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

First and foremost: merchandise is selling--I saw, unverified, that Commanders merchandise was up 200% from last year. They rose to 11th in November. Season ticket renewals are up. Ticket sales are WAY up. Sure, another better brand might sell. Daniels would probably sell in any jersey. But the fact of the matter the Commanders brand is selling. They're not going to risk that momentum for a maybe. The increased sales in merchandise and tickets are far more important to any business than comments on YouTube or X/Twitter. They said "it's up to the fans," and the fans spoke with their wallets for tickets and merch.

This is the #1 reason why it is so unlikely. If this wasn't true, the likelihood would have been higher but even then there are roadblocks.

We all know this, especially after the success the team had. However, decisions like this involve humans, and humans can react in surprising ways at times. I remember a friend of mine looking to buy a house, and had been writing those "letters to sellers" at the time in a highly competitive market. Eventually they did get a house, with a lower offer than some of the competition. The message got through.

This is also why I suggested thinking about the approach:
1) if you pick one approach (ie. "Contact Us" or some kind of email, or twitter) - it could be good if it reached the right person; if it is the wrong person, though, all of it is for nought.
2) I tend to think, unless you are confident you have the right approach, you need to span multiple avenues. Twitter, email, contact-us, anything. Then, you may reach that one person who passes it up the chain.

The small hopes with some small efforts give you the best shot. Long shot still, very long. I would still say nonzero shot, and I would also say a little upfront thinking gives you your best chances.

 

[HTTR]

my wife said something to me this morning, and it’s really helping me cope…

If you told us five years ago that Snyder would be willing to sell the team, but he was going to change the name to something stupid, and you’d be stuck with it forever, we all would’ve taken that deal in a heartbeat. I know I would have anyway.

It sucks that we have a chance to completely eradicate ourselves from the stain of Snyder and we’re not taking it. But our five years ago selves would be laughing at us right now and saying let’s not get greedy now, look how much better off we are. We thought we were going to be stuck being a Snyder laughingstock for life.

 

[ArtMonkWasMyHero]

I get that the merchandise is selling, but that is in spite of the Commanders name (which loads of other teams' fans think lame as well).

It is because of Jayden Daniels.

He could play for any team and the merch would sell.

If we were still the Redskins, it would sell.

If Jayden Daniels played 2nd base for the Os and hit .301 it would sell.

If Jayden Daniels spent the offseaon as lead guitarist for a reunited Electric Prunes, their Spotify sales would go through the roof and their merch would sell.

The man is a superstar.

 

[Primus Porcus]

Something that we're not consdering is exactly what you're talking about. Is it possible Harris and co look around at the investment people have made with their hard earned money to support the team with gear that says Commanders on it. They see the support we all have shown over this run and seen that people will accept that name, even if it's not their favorite, and that maybe they can cleanse the Snyder stench, while also not turning around and asking a fanbase to spend money on a 4th investment of gear and schwag in 5 years.

 

[AngryChuckT]

If Jayden Daniels spent the offseaon as lead guitarist for a reunited Electric Prunes, their Spotify sales would go through the roof and their merch would sell.

In for the reunited Electric Prunes Summer Tour 2025.