Washington Football Team
Washington Commanders: A legacy of championships and change.
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The franchise was founded by George Preston Marshall as the Boston Braves in 1932, were renamed the Boston Redskins the following year, and became the Washington Redskins upon moving to Washington, D.C., in 1937. The Redskins name and logo drew criticism for decades before they were retired in 2020 as part of a wave of name changes during a period of racial unrest in the United States. The team played as the Washington Football Team for two seasons before rebranding as the Commanders in 2022.
- Role
- Temporary Franchise Identity
- Affiliation
- National Football League (NFC East)
- Predecessor Name
- Washington Redskins
- Successor Name
- Washington Commanders
- Status
- Historical / Retired
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Commanders play their home games at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, and have a headquarters and training facility in Ashburn, Virginia. The team will begin playing at the New Stadium at RFK Campus in 2030. The Commanders have played more than 1,300 games and have won more than 600. Washington was among the first NFL franchises with an original fight song, 'Hail to the Redskins', which was introduced in 1937 under the Redskins name and has been played by their marching band after home game touchdowns ever since. The franchise won NFL championships in 1937 and 1942 and Super Bowls XVII (1982), XXII (1987), and XXVI (1991). The Commanders have finished a season as league runner-up six times, losing the 1936, 1940, 1943, and 1945 title games and Super Bowls VII (1972) and XVIII (1983). Washington has 14 NFC East division titles and 26 total playoff appearances.
In Their Own Story
The transition began after the team lost Super Bowl VII in 1972 and XVIII in 1983, eventually leading to a long drought following their last title in 1991. The name change in 2020 ended a decades-long controversy surrounding the 'Redskins' moniker. During these two interim seasons, the franchise focused on its future at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, while preparing for a permanent home at the New Stadium at RFK Campus scheduled for 2030. The period was characterized by a lack of division titles compared to their 14 NFC East crowns historically achieved, as the team won only four division titles and five playoff games since their final Super Bowl win in 1991.
Reader's Guide
All of Washington's championships were attained during two 10-year spans. From 1936 to 1945, the team went to the NFL Championship six times, winning two of them under general manager Jack Espey and head coach Ray Flaherty. Washington appeared in four Super Bowls and won three under owner Jack Kent Cooke, general managers Bobby Beathard and Charley Casserly, and head coach Joe Gibbs from 1982 to 1991. From 1946 to 1970, Washington posted just four winning seasons and never reached the playoffs. They went without a single winning season from 1956 to 1968 and achieved their worst regular season record, 1–12–1, in 1961. Since their last Super Bowl victory in 1991, the team has won just five playoff games and four division titles.
Did You Know?
- The Baugh/Marshall Rule was enacted after a 1945 safety occurred when quarterback Sammy Baugh's pass hit the goalpost and bounced back to the ground in the end zone, which was ruled a safety under the rules at the time.
- The team played as the Washington Football Team for two seasons before rebranding as the Commanders in 2022.
- The Commanders have played more than 1,300 games and have won more than 600 since their founding in 1932.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Washington Football Team?
It served as a temporary placeholder name for the NFL franchise between 2022 and 2022, replacing the previous moniker during a rebranding process. This identity acted as a neutral bridge while the organization distanced itself from its former title.
Why did the team adopt this specific name?
The league chose 'Washington Football Team' to maintain operations without using a name deemed offensive by many fans and critics. It allowed the franchise to function during a comprehensive review of its brand identity before selecting a permanent successor.
Did the team change their colors or logo during this era?
No, the organization retained its traditional burgundy and gold color scheme throughout this transitional period. Instead of new graphics, they utilized a simplified design featuring the team's initials on a neutral background.
Where did the Washington Football Team play their home games?
During this short chapter, the franchise continued to host matches at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. This stadium, now known as Commanders Field, remained the home venue despite the temporary name change.
How long did the 'Washington Football Team' era last?
This identity existed for only a single season, covering the 2022 NFL campaign before being retired in early 2023. It was succeeded by the Washington Commanders following the completion of their rebranding efforts.
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