A debate that many thought was settled in 2020 is back in the news. The descendants of the Blackfeet chief who inspired the Washington Commanders’ former NFL team logo are fighting to restore the former name and image, which were removed in 2020 because they were deemed a slur. Here are the positions of each side. lex18
Who was the chief?
Chief Two Guns White Calf was born on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and inspired the team’s mascot, which was created in 1971 by Walter “Blackie” Wetzel to honor the chief. Wetzel was a Blackfeet tribal leader. lex18Yahoo Sports
What the family wants
The family seeks the name and logo back, with its direct participation and blessing, and a new stadium named John Two Guns White Calf Memorial Stadium. Morningstar Gopher, who handles media relations for the estate, said it would be the first NFL stadium named for a Native American. Attorney Denise Rosado, who is assisting the estate, called the plan a “win-win” for the family and fans. Native Chief’s Family Seeks Redskins Name Return – Yahoo Sports +2
Why they say they’re speaking up
The core complaint is that they were left out. The descendants say the family wasn’t even considered when the movement to change the team’s logo and name began. Estate lead Kenneth Conway said, “They tried to erase us, like we didn’t exist anymore.” The family says the logo brings a lot of pride and that they want the chief remembered, not erased. Gopher said the image “was never meant to cause harm.” Descendants of chief who inspired ‘Washington Redskins’ logo seek return of former name +3
The other side of the debate
The name was removed in 2020 after Native American activist groups fought for the change, deeming it a slur. The franchise adopted the name Commanders in 2022. The family acknowledges the controversy surrounding the name. The family’s request doesn’t resolve the objections that led to the original change. Descendants of chief who inspired ‘Washington Redskins’ logo seek return of former name +2
The team’s position
Commanders owner Josh Harris said in 2024, “For obvious reasons, the old name can’t come back,” and reaffirmed the Commanders name in February 2025. No reports I found show a new response from the team to the family’s request. Whether the Commanders will meet with the descendants or consider their proposals remains uncertain. Yahoo SportsSubstack
The political angle
Gopher said the family hopes the president can help move the request forward. In July 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social that the team should “IMMEDIATELY change their name back” and threatened to withhold a new stadium deal in Washington if it didn’t. audacyYahoo Sports
What happens next?
The family hopes to have a seat with the team soon to discuss restoring the former branding. There is no official change or meeting confirmed so far. ktvq
Bottom line
A family says its ancestor’s legacy was erased, others say the name was harmful, and the team says the name is gone for good. The family’s request adds a new voice to a long-running disagreement.
