Full Breakdown
Washington Commanders Sell Retro “Redskins” Gear to Preserve Trademarks
8/26/2026, 8:12:33 PM
Core Event
The Washington Commanders are offering a limited selection of Mitchell & Ness throwback apparel that bears the former “Washington Redskins” name and logo. Items—including an Art Monk T-shirt ($49.99) and a Sean Taylor jersey ($114.99) with the historic script and a 75th-anniversary patch—are listed on the team’s official online store and sold at the Northwest Stadium shop. The franchise states the sales are intended solely to keep the abandoned trademarks in commercial use, thereby preventing loss of ownership under U.S. trademark law.
Background & Context
The franchise retired the “Redskins” nickname in 2020 after pressure from Native American groups, sponsors, and public officials who deemed the name racist. Owner Josh Harris, speaking in September 2023, acknowledged fan nostalgia but reiterated that a portion of the fan base felt disrespected by the former name. Despite the public commitment to never revert to the old moniker, the team now markets the retro items under the current “Commanders” branding, even though the “Redskins” script appears on the merchandise.
Data & Statistics
- Art Monk T-shirt: $49.99, features the player’s likeness in a classic Redskins uniform and helmet.
- Sean Taylor T-shirt: $49.99, displays the safety’s image in the former uniform.
- Sean Taylor jersey (black, Mitchell & Ness): $114.99, includes the “Washington Redskins” name on the front and a 75th-anniversary patch on the back.
- The items are described on the Commanders website as “Commanders” products, though the “Commanders” name does not appear on the specific apparel.
Criticism & Opposition
- The Association on American Indian Affairs issued a statement to WUSA9 condemning the sale, concluding with, “We are not your mascot.”
- Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, former chairman of the Blackfeet Tribe and former president of the National Congress of American Indians, previously defended the historic helmet design. His 2002 comment is quoted below.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It made us all so proud to have an Indian on a big-time team. It’s only a small group of radicals who oppose those names. Indians are proud of Indians.” — Wetzel
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Legal analysts note that limited, token sales may not satisfy the Lanham Act’s “bona-fide use” requirement, which calls for ordinary commercial activity rather than isolated transactions. The Commanders argue the throwback items constitute sufficient use, but no definitive legal ruling on this specific practice has been reported. Additionally, while the franchise emphasizes that the merchandise is not a major product push, the extent to which sales will continue or expand remains unclear.
