Washington Commanders launch limited-edition shirts featuring former Redskins name to safeguard trademark

The Washington Commanders have introduced a limited-edition T-shirt series that features the retired "Redskins" name on the back and the historic logo on the front, honoring three former players: Art Monk, Darrell Green and Sean Taylor. The organization explains that selling the apparel is required to preserve the trademark, which could otherwise become public domain. Although the team changed its name from the Redskins in 2020 amid longstanding criticism and later became the Commanders in 2022, it asserts the old moniker will not be reinstated in regular branding.

A Maryland Native American advocacy group denounced the merchandise as perpetuating a racist image. The Commanders' spokesperson told one outlet media that maintaining commercial use of the mark is a legal necessity to keep franchise control. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between trademark strategy and cultural sensitivity concerns.