Full Breakdown
Jason Kelce’s “Redskins” Slip-Up Highlights Ongoing Sensitivities Around Washington’s Team Name
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Slip-Up During London Broadcast
During the NFL International Series game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, serving as an NFL Network analyst, referred to the Commanders by their former moniker, the “Redskins.” Play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch immediately corrected him, prompting Kelce to ask, “What’d I do?” and then remark, “I almost made it out.” The Commanders were defeated 30-13, with Colts running back Jonathan Taylor posting 95 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Background & Context
Washington’s franchise retired the “Redskins” name and logo in July 2020 after longstanding criticism that the term was offensive to Native Americans and pressure from major corporate sponsors. The team operated as the “Washington Football Team” for the 2020 and 2021 seasons before unveiling the “Washington Commanders” brand in February 2022. Former owner Dan Snyder had previously insisted the name would never change, but the rebranding proceeded amid the broader cultural debate over Indigenous mascots.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Colts 30, Commanders 13.
- Jonathan Taylor: 95 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
- Kelce’s broadcasting debut: first of four NFL Network games he will call this season, alongside Dave Pasch and Hall-of-Fame quarterback Kurt Warner.
Official Statements & Responses
Pasch’s on-air correction emphasized the current team name, stating “Commanders. You did it.” Kelce later acknowledged the mistake, saying he “almost made it out” after realizing the slip. NFL Network’s booth maintained a light-hearted tone, with Pasch noting the trio’s “gentlemen’s bet” over who would be first to use the old nickname. No formal disciplinary action was reported.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the heightened awareness broadcasters must maintain regarding team names that have been the subject of cultural controversy. Kelce’s error, occurring shortly after his recent apology for mistakenly referring to the Philadelphia Eagles as “we” on a separate broadcast, illustrates the challenges former players face in adapting to neutral, on-air commentary. The episode also reflects the lingering public sensitivity to the Washington franchise’s name change, a topic that continues to generate debate among fans and owners alike.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Another great tackle here. When you're in man-to-man coverage, it just takes one missed tackle, and that can turn into a huge play. The Redskins right now doing a great job of not only staying tight but making the play when the ball is in the receiver's hand and keeping it short of the sticks,” — Jason Kelce, sideline reporter
- “Washington's secondary has been great on third down,” — Jason Kelce, sideline reporter
- “Yeah, the three of us had a little gentleman's bet who would be first," Pasch said.” — Dave Pasch
What’s Next
A tweet posted on October 4, 2026 indicated that the broadcast crew will remain in London for another test the following week, suggesting continued NFL Network coverage of upcoming international games.