2/2/22 - UK Fans Take Command!

It is 2nd February 2022, and we are now officially the Washington Commanders.

With the new name comes the new logo(s) and the new jerseys.

The process was locally driven, with an 18-month collaborative process with fans, alumni, players, community leaders and stakeholders across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. Might this still appeal to a more Worldwide audience?

Here at UKHTTW, we asked U.K fans of the team to give their first takes on this new era for Washington.

First up, UKHTTW founder, Christian Burt:

The new name

One of my favourite all-time rappers is MF DOOM. The tagline to that stage name was always “say his name in ALL CAPS!” which gave an air of authority. Washington has similarly opted for that authoritarian sounding name, and should ensure fixed name longevity for the franchise.

There was some talk pre-announcement of “what will be the shortened version?” – i.e. The Redskins was always abbreviated to the Skins.

The simple answer: don’t ever shorten it, there is no need and, although it may be lengthy in characters, it still rolls off the tongue. Washington Commanders is OK with me and like Tony Wheat mentions further down, the hashtag #TakeCommand is pretty cool too.

The new logo

The team have decided to go with the “W” as the logo and that, whilst again solid, is a less than imaginative decision. Whilst Commanders I feel will be around as long as my lifetime, it’ll be interesting to see the lifespan of the “W” plus the circular crest, which to my eyes looked a little busy.

Overall, could have done better here.

Uniforms

Unlike the English Premier League for example, the NFL have Nike as their exclusive official manufacturer; so ultimately there is only so much you can do with the uniforms. I feel jerseys is where the fans were perhaps listened to more than the name, certainly with regard to the all-black uniforms, which will likely prove popular.

They have a certain freshness, and the burgundy & gold jersey popped out for me as the most obvious to end up in my Shipping Cart.

Final word on the jerseys, I like them, I don’t love them.

Next up, James Lowe:

Name

Solid name, most importantly I don’t hate it and I think it will grow on me (6/10)

Logo

Of the two logo’s I prefer the W logo, to the crest, and think it’s a really solid effort (7/10)

Uniforms

I really love the Burgundy and the Black kits I think they look really good. I will be getting a black one for sure. I’m fine with the white jersey that a lot of people hate (9/10)

Next up, Tony Wheat of Full Press Coverage:

I’m glad the announcement has been made as it finally ends all the speculation and leaks. Of course, we’re now onto the inevitable online criticism, analysis and second guessing. The announcement itself was obviously a bit of an anti-climax as we were 99% certain of the name and the uniforms and some merchandise had already leaked.

Name

I am quite happy with the name.

It’s a lot better than some of the others touted and it definitely has that link to Washington both in terms of the Commander in Chief i.e., the President, and the link to the military that Ron Rivera was so keen on.

One thing that has surprised me in terms of my own reaction is that it’s finally brought home that the Redskins are no more and it’s time to move on. Football Team was obviously a placeholder and it felt like we were in a holding pattern. Now we have moved on and I definitely felt a strong sense of loss today for the Redskins name.

Logo

Logo’s wise I think the W is strong. It looks good on the helmet and the merchandise I’ve seen so far. I liked the W in the Football Team logo so I’m glad they’ve built on that. It’s got that military feel to it as well which is a constant theme throughout the branding.

I’m not sure about the patch logo yet. It’s quite busy, and a few of my soccer supporting friends have said that it looks a bit like a soccer club badge!

Uniforms

Finally, the uniforms. I like the burgundy uniform, although I’d have preferred white numbers. I’m a fan of traditional block numbers, but these ones are ok, and certainly not as bad as some other teams have had like Tennessee and Atlanta.

The shoulder stripes are nice and strong.

I’m not a fan of the white uniform at the moment, particularly the two-tone numbers. I’m probably too old school, and not the target market but I would prefer a solid number. I’m not sure what to make of the sleeves with the small diamonds and the stripes but my first impression isn’t overly positive.

The black alternate is fine as an occasional uniform, but I’ll struggle to overly embrace anything that isn’t in the traditional colours. I understand that some people like these alternatives and that’s fine, it’s just not for me.

One thing I’m a big fan of is the #TakeCommand, which already seems to be gaining some traction. I think that’s something to build on.

Overall, I think it was a decent launch, but the hard work begins now to win the hearts and minds of the fans. The best way to do that is to put a winning product on the field which may bring the disaffected or latent fans back to the team.

The name isn’t that important to me, but having a winning team is, so it’s a positive start and a new dawn to hopefully return the team to its status as a flagship NFL franchise.

Next up, Scott Hartley aka The Enquirer:

Name

It is OK - I hope it grows on me. We just need to win on the field. (6/10)

The new logo

Terrible! It looks like it’s designed by a 12-year-old and the branding of Commanders is very poor. The “W” looks like it’s an extended version of the Football Team W and I don’t see where it’s place is?

The round logo on the back of the uniforms is woeful. (3/10)

Uniform

Jerseys look good so far, but we need to see them in more detail and are the fans versions going to be different?

The Burgundy and Gold looks nice but a more of a yellow than gold. The black jersey is great, and I like it but I do think the yellow numbers spoil the overall look. The white with red seems a strange addition and again I’m not sure where this comes from? (7/10)

Next up, That Guy from the UK:

Name

It will take a while for myself to get comfortable and familiar with it, no doubt as a diehard who for 30 years has followed this team.

The use of the word 'Commanders' can be used in lots of positives and has a military connection that I am sure some will love what it stands for. Of course, the brand can only expand across multi media outlets, and who knows maybe entice a younger, newer generation of fandom.

Uniform

Fresh and different and dare I say bold in the design. Like the old saying feel good, play good. Burgundy and gold remains, and the identity of this team was important.

Logo

Not as eye catching as others maybe but a logo that is instantly recognisable and, after all, is that not the point of a logo. Simple branding is sometimes the best, and although I loved the old Redskins logo as a child growing up, this is a modernised feel.

Overall, I'm excited to start a new era and keep repping the Burgundy and Gold of DC and would have been regardless of today. Now, has anyone asked Russell Wilson what he thinks of the jerseys?

Simon Thurston gives his opinion:

Name

For me, whatever the name, it wasn't going to relate to Redskins, so I'd already laid that ghost to rest 2 years ago. I'm sure Commanders will grow on me. Name could have been worse, for sure, so I'm OK with it. Winning will aid it acceptance, for sure.

Logo

I like the bold W and the other features- odes to the area -such as stars and the shield, are interesting additions. It's obviously quite new right now but am sure as with the Name, that it'll grow on me.

Uniforms

As the Redskins, we saw very few changes/enhancements to the uniforms, whilst other teams seemed to opt for a more modern feel. The new jerseys embrace that new era. I'm not sure about the white, although would need to see it in the flesh to make an accurate judgement, but the burgundy and black ones are pretty slick.

And finally, just for to get an opinion from a rival, we asked New York Giants UK fan James Masini for an immediate take:

Firstly, speaking as a long-time fan of the NFL. I’m always concerned about new logos and uniforms, let alone names.

It reminds me of the pre-NFL licensing days in the 80s and 90s when all the names and jerseys were hot trash (See Any Given Sunday, an otherwise excellent film, ruined by nonsense franchises). We’ve seen Cleveland and the Jags both fall into the trap with uniforms recently.

Luckily the Commanders have avoided this trap. The uniforms look pretty slick and I’m a big fan of the logo. They’ve modernised without looking too Madison Avenue ad agency.

From a Giants perspective, I don’t really care what we call the team in Landover, as long as we beat them twice a year.

It’s going to be a challenge to look Commanding when you’re chasing down double-digit leads but then again, the only thing Giant in the Meadowlands are the gaps on the interior of our Offensive Line. What’s in a name?!