What will Washington’s next name be?

Well, things are coming together quickly regarding the re-branding of Washington’s football team. Just this afternoon it came out that there will be no Native American imagery in the new kit, but that it will probably remain true to the classic burgundy and gold color scheme. The likely names seem to be narrowing as well, and we’ll explore three of the top options below.

Warriors

The alliterative benefits of “Washington Warriors” are obvious. It rolls right off the tongue, and - conceptually, at least - it’s a continuation of the Redskins’ fighting spirit, a proud foot soldier leading the defense of “Old DC.” The name also honors the men and women defending the United States in the nation’s military, which we know is a priority for Ron Rivera, who hails from a military family.

The name risks some confusion with the Golden State Warriors of the NBA, but the reality is that the NFL is the country’s most popular sports’ league. If DC’s franchise can achieve on-the-field relevance again, the basketball team from California will quickly assume a secondary position.

Possible Charity Tie-In:

The Wounded Warrior Project - What better way to honor the nation’s warriors than to support them in their time of greatest need, after having sacrificed for the country. With Walter Reed Military Hospital located in Bethesda, MD, the connection is even more poignant. The Washington Capitals already do a great job incorporating military awareness into their games. The Warriors can build on that tradition.

Game Day Gimmick:

“Warriors” not only honors our military community, it also shouts back to a cult classic film from the 1970s, “The Warriors,” an action film, adapted from an ancient Greek tale, about a gang trying to make its way back home through New York City, while rival gangs try to hunt them down. Envision a future at Amazon Field where the pre-game ceremonies begin with a serenade from Luther, of the Rogues:

Each time the Warriors score, cue Cyrus’ “Can You Dig It?”:

Redwolves

A recent up-and-comer is the “Washington Redwolves,” which satisfies the desire for an “R” name that will let the tem continue to play with “R” logos throughout its uniforms and designs, as well as keep alive the ever popular “HTTR” acronym. The Red Wolf (Canis rufus) has a historic range that covers the entire DMV, however the species is in peril, and was added to the endangered species list in 1967. It is one of the world’s most endangered wolves, but there’s the possibility that linking it to Washington’s football team could be just the profile builder the apex predator needs in order to make a comeback.

They’re social animals that hunt in packs of 5 to 8 - like our defensive front - and loyal creatures, pair bonding for life.

Possible Charity Tie-In:

Red Wolf Recovery Coalition Partners - Five different organizations: The Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, the Endangered Species Coalition, and the Wildlands Network are working, primarily in North Carolina, to help protect and restore wild red wolf populations. Estimates are that approximately 25 individuals remain in the wild at this point.

Game Day Gimmick:

The Redwolves’ mascot, “Rufus,” could lead game day chants to Duran Duran’s classic “Hungry Like the Wolf,” timed carefully with critical defensive stands. It’s doubtful, however, that wolfpack members Chase Young and Montez Sweat will be satisfied feasting on rabbits and deer:

Redtails

Another “R” name, with all the benefits listed above, this name is a reference to an appellation for the famed World War II African American aviation corps also known as the “Tuskegee Airmen.” They included the first Black flying squadron, and many of these pilots were involved in flying fighter escorts with bomber missions in the late stages of World War II over Europe, accruing impressive service records during that period.

After the war, many of the Tuskegee airmen played an important role in civilian aviation as well as in the newly created Air Force. Their connection to the DC area is somewhat tenuous - though several of the pilots were from the region - but it’s a feel good story that perhaps allows the franchise to make amends for some of its historical wrongs against the African American community under George Preston Marshall and help keeps alive an important piece of history, which seems to be a growing desire of much of the populous.

Possible Charity Tie-In:

Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) - This organization was created in 1976 to encourage the advancement of minorities in aviation and aerospace careers. OBAP has a scholarship program that would be a great fit for Redtails’ philanthropy, if that’s the direction that the team goes in.

Game Day Gimmick:

Down, in a tough spot, with a need to pick up the energy level, cue up this classic line from the movie “Redtails” and there won’t be anyone sitting left in the entire stadium: “From the last plane, to the last bullet, to the last minute, to the last man, we fight!”