The Washington Commanders, previously known as the Washington Redskins, boast one of the NFL’s most storied histories, not only in terms of gameplay but also through multiple logo redesigns and rebranding. The club's logo has undergone several changes over its more than 85-year history, maintaining the core visual theme of an American Indian image but evolving in response to cultural and societal shifts.

Washington Commanders: A Rich Legacy

Known for their dominant years under coach Joe Gibbs in the 1980s and early 1990s, where the team won three Super Bowls (1982, 1987, and 1991), the Washington Commanders have left a lasting impact on NFL history. Originally founded as the Boston Braves in 1932, the team went through several name and location changes before settling in Washington in 1937 as the Washington Redskins.

Following decades of success, the team faced increasing pressure in the 2010s regarding its controversial name and logo, ultimately changing to the Washington Football Team in 2020. In 2022, the team finally unveiled its new identity as the Washington Commanders.

Washington Commanders Logo History: From Redskins to Commanders

1932: The Birth of the Boston Braves Logo

The first logo of the team, introduced in 1932, depicted a Native American man in profile, wearing a large feathered headpiece. The color scheme was red and white, giving the logo a bold yet simple appearance.

1933–1936: Renamed as Boston Redskins

In 1933, the team was renamed the Boston Redskins, and the logo was updated to feature the Native American man facing right with two white feathers in his hair. This was framed with a black and orange double circle, marking a more refined approach to the visual identity.

1937–1951: The Washington Redskins Begin

When the team relocated to Washington in 1937, the logo was again redesigned. The Native American’s skin tone was adjusted to a more natural color, and the feathers were switched to red. The frame around the logo was changed to dark gold, signifying the team's new home and identity.

1952–1959: A Refined Look

The 1952 redesign removed the framing around the logo and introduced a new yellow feather in the Native American’s hair, adding more vibrancy and energy to the design.

1960–1964: A Shift in Color Scheme

In 1960, the logo switched color schemes, favoring a white base with red outlines and a thicker circular frame around the Native American portrait, echoing the team’s classic visual identity while modernizing the design.

1965–1969: The Arrow Era

In 1965, the Native American figure was removed in favor of a minimalist design featuring an arrow with a single feather. The color palette was updated to yellow and white with a thin red outline, representing the team’s focus on professionalism.

1970–1971: The Bold "R"

In 1970, the Washington Redskins introduced a logo featuring a bold "R" inside a circular white frame, adorned with two enlarged feathers. This minimalist yet impactful design marked a transition towards a simpler emblem that would be refined in future years.

1972–1981: Return of the Native American

In 1982, the Native American figure was reintroduced with a brighter and more energetic color palette that included white, yellow, brown, and black, emphasizing the team’s energetic spirit.

1983–2020: Final Native American Emblem

In 1983, the team’s logo evolved with the Native American figure facing to the right. This version incorporated burgundy into the color palette and featured the team name in a bold sans-serif type beneath the circular badge. It was the last logo to feature the iconic image of the Native American man.

2020–Present: The Washington Football Team

In 2020, amid growing controversy surrounding its former name, the team adopted a temporary name—Washington Football Team—and redesigned the logo to a bold, horizontal burgundy rectangular badge with yellow lettering. The logo kept the historical yellow and burgundy color scheme while embracing a new, more neutral identity.

2022–Present: Washington Commanders

In 2022, the team officially rebranded as the Washington Commanders, introducing a refined version of the "W" emblem. This new logo showcases a yellow "W" outlined in burgundy, with a modern ribbon-like design that highlights the team's new chapter while retaining elements of its history.

Washington Commanders Helmet and Uniform Design

The Washington Commanders' helmet features a matte metallic burgundy background with a bold yellow "W" logo on the sides. This sleek, strong design emphasizes the team’s modern identity. An alternate version includes a matte black helmet with a yellow "W" in the center.

The team's uniform is available in multiple styles, with the primary version featuring burgundy jerseys and pants with yellow details. The most striking alternative uniform is in black, with subtle yellow accents, giving the Commanders a sharp and modern look.

Washington Commanders Home Ground

The Commanders have played at FedEx Field in Summerfield since 1997. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 67,717, has been renovated several times to accommodate the team’s growing fan base.

Washington Commanders Font and Colors

The Washington Commanders logo uses a clean, sans-serif typeface with bold and legible characters. Notably, the “K” and “R” have shorter ends, adding a unique element to the design.

The team's official colors are burgundy (Pantone 195 C) and gold (Pantone 1235 C), with black and white accents used in various logo versions throughout the years.