Ideas for Renaming the Washington Redskins That Acutally Work

With the U.S Patent and Trademark office revoking the Washington professional football team's trademark on the name 'Redskins,' there has never been a better time for owner Daniel Snyder to reconsider his choice of nickname.

Right now nothing is imminent. For one thing, a public browbeating from politicians, writers, and celebrities crying crocodile tears on behalf of the Native Americans is a bad way to convince a proud billionaire who holds all the leverage. Furthermore, it ignores the ramifications or renaming. If not, Redskins; then what? 

The last thing Snyder wants is to undermine the brand equity of his eighty-year old franchise. He knows that the Redskins are more than a name. The Redskins are Sammy Baugh, George Allen, the Hogs, and three Super Bowl victories.

More than that, the Redskins are a passionate, loyal fan base. Much like the Bears and Packers, Washington and its fans value their identity as one of the league's most historic teams.

A new name has to evoke gravitas and local pride. Keeping the burgundy and gold is a must.

In the worst case, a name change brings in an aesthetic fitting an expansion team in a tertiary market. The team's name and on-field look would have no connection to the area. The team would seem like a fly-by-night arena outfit. Washington would be stuck with the second coming of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It can't be some cheap, trendy, focus-grouped nonsense. It can't be a collective singular. As good as they are on the court, the Miami Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder sound like girls' soccer teams.

Here are a few ideas.

The Senators: It invokes the memory of Washington's former Major League Baseball team. The connection to the federal government makes good local sense. It's a good, though unoriginal fit.

The Gravers: This is a nod to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which operated one of the few major manufacturing facilities in the City of Washington at the time of the team's founding. The name is historic and locally appropriate. It fits in with other old-guard franchises such as the Packers and Steelers, who drew their original teams from the local workforce.

Check out this picture of the plant, circa 1918. A rare example of industrial elegance. 

The Potomacs: What better way to represent all of Washington than to name the team after the river? Like 'Gravers,' it sounds like it could have been the team's name from the beginning. This is my favorite because it represents the city in the past, present, and future.