The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, have undergone numerous logo redesigns and complete rebranding over their storied history. The team, which has a rich legacy dating back to 1932, has evolved in many ways, both in terms of its identity and its name. This transition reflects not only the changing dynamics of sports culture but also the increasing awareness of racial sensitivity and cultural appropriation.

Washington Commanders: From Redskins to Rebranding

The team was originally founded as the Boston Braves in 1932 before changing its name to the Boston Redskins in 1933. After relocating to Washington, D.C., in 1937, it became known as the Washington Redskins, a name it carried for over 80 years. However, by the 2010s, the team's name and logo became increasingly controversial, with many criticizing them as racially insensitive. Amid growing pressure, the team temporarily adopted the name Washington Football Team in 2020, and in 2022, they unveiled their current name and logo: the Washington Commanders.

A History of the Redskins Logo

For much of its history, the Redskins’ logo prominently featured a Native American man, an image that has since been scrutinized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The logo underwent multiple redesigns, with each version reflecting the team's evolving identity.

• 1932: The team’s original logo, introduced as the Boston Braves, was a red and white emblem featuring a Native American man in profile, with a large feathered headdress.
• 1933–1936: After the team’s rebranding to the Boston Redskins, the logo was refined, showcasing a monochrome portrait of a Native American man facing right, with two white feathers in his hair. The image was encircled by a black and orange frame.
• 1937–1951: Following the team's relocation to Washington, the logo evolved further. The Native American man’s complexion was adjusted to a more natural skin tone, and the feathers were changed to a red hue, giving the design a more lifelike appearance.
• 1952–1959: The framing was removed, and one of the feathers in the man’s hair became yellow, adding vibrancy and energy to the design.
• 1960–1964: The logo saw a shift back to a white background with red accents, while the logo was encased in a thick circular frame once again.
• 1965–1969: The portrait of the Native American was replaced by a minimalist arrow design, with a feather attached, signaling a more modern, professional image.
• 1970–1971: A circular logo was introduced featuring a bold, serif letter "R" in the center, with enlarged feathers on either side of the frame. This logo marked the beginning of a more stylized, less literal representation of the team’s identity.
• 1972–1981: The Native American man made a return to the logo in a more dynamic and energetic color palette, with the design becoming brighter and more colorful.
• 1983–2020: The final version of the Redskins logo before the rebranding featured a Native American man facing to the right, with a more refined and modern color scheme that included burgundy, yellow, brown, and black.

Transition to the Washington Football Team

In 2020, the team changed its name to the Washington Football Team after years of debate and pressure regarding the use of the "Redskins" name. The new logo featured a bold burgundy rectangular badge with yellow lettering spelling "Washington" and a tagline "Football Team EST. 1932." This design was an interim solution while the organization considered a more permanent rebranding.

The Washington Commanders

In 2022, the team officially adopted the name Washington Commanders, completing their rebranding process. The new logo features a more streamlined design with a bold "W" in yellow on a burgundy background. This letter "W" was refined to resemble a folded ribbon, with bold outlines that give it a modern and clean aesthetic. The updated logo is used against a transparent background and maintains the color scheme of burgundy and gold, linking the team to its historical roots while marking a new era.

The Washington Commanders Helmet and Uniform

The team’s helmet is one of the most striking elements of its new identity. The matte burgundy finish exudes sophistication, with a geometric "W" in bright yellow set prominently on the sides of the helmet. An alternate version features a matte black background with a smaller yellow "W" in the center.

As for the uniforms, the Commanders sport three different styles. The primary uniform is made of burgundy jerseys and pants with yellow details, accented with white stripes. The alternate uniform is an elegant black design with yellow accents, creating a bold and modern look.

Washington Commanders Font and Color Palette

The font used in the Washington Commanders logo is a solid sans-serif typeface, featuring clean, legible characters with unique design elements such as the sharply angled "K" and "R." This gives the lettering a strong, distinctive feel, making it easily recognizable.

The color palette, which has remained relatively consistent over the years, features burgundy, gold, yellow, and white. The burgundy is a rich, deep red, while the gold is a bright, warm yellow, conveying both energy and sophistication.

• Burgundy: Pantone 195 C, HEX #773141
• Gold: Pantone 1235 C, HEX #FFB612

From the original Boston Braves to the Washington Commanders, the team's identity has undergone significant changes. The logo’s transformation reflects the shifting attitudes towards race and cultural sensitivity, as well as the team’s commitment to building a new, inclusive identity. While the past is still acknowledged through the use of the burgundy and gold color scheme, the Washington Commanders are now poised to build their future, leaving behind the controversy of the Redskins name and embracing a new chapter in their storied history.