The story of how the Washington NFL team came to be known by a name now viewed as deeply offensive begins long before the controversy of the 21st century. The term "Redskins" carries a heavy historical and cultural weight that has sparked intense debate regarding race, identity, and the representation of Indigenous peoples. Understanding the origin of this name requires looking at the evolution of sports nomenclature and the specific history of the franchise.
The Context of Early NFL Team Names
To grasp why "Redskins" was chosen, one must first examine the naming landscape of early professional football. Teams often sought monikers that evoked toughness, ferocity, or a connection to a perceived rugged American identity. Many franchises adopted animal names like Bears, Giants, and Bulldogs, while others looked to Native American imagery, which was prevalent in popular culture at the time. The Boston Braves, for example, were a direct predecessor to the Washington franchise, and their name was tied to the prominent Native American chief Red Cloud. This existing association with Indigenous iconography provided a template that the new owners in Washington would follow and modify.
The Transition from Braves to Redskins
The franchise that would become the Washington team originated in Boston in 1932. Initially called the Boston Braves, the team was named after the city's baseball team and the famous Lakota leader Chief Red Cloud. After a couple of difficult seasons, the ownership changed, and the team moved to Fenway Park to partner with the baseball Red Sox. Facing the reality that the "Braves" name was too closely linked to baseball, the front office sought a new identity. The change to "Redskins" was reportedly an attempt to create a distinct brand while retaining the connection to Native American imagery that was still considered marketable and exciting.
Linguistic Theories and the "Redskin" Etymology
Translation and Native Language Claims
One of the most enduring theories regarding the origin of the name suggests it was a respectful translation of a Native American word. Specifically, some sources have pointed to the Dakota/Lakota phrase *wanáǧhe*, which translates to "friend" or "ally." According to this narrative, the team owner George Preston Marshall, or someone in his organization, sought a term that honored Native Americans. The story claims that a Native interpreter provided "Redskins" as the accurate, dignified equivalent of "red man," framing the name as a term of honor rather than mockery.
The Blood and Mercenary Narrative
Conversely, a more cynical and widely criticized etymology points to the bounty system of the 19th-century United States military. In this context, "redskin" is not a term of endearment but a literal description of a corpse. Historical records indicate that during the period of westward expansion, the U.S. government placed bounties on Native American scalps, with specific price lists that distinguished payment for "red" (Indigenous) scalps versus "white" scalps. Critics argue that the name directly references this violent history, reducing a traumatic chapter of American history to a sports mascot. While the translation theory attempts to sanitize the origin, the bounty theory highlights a legacy of dehumanization.
The Role of George Preston Marshall
George Preston Marshall, the owner who moved the team to Washington in 1937, was instrumental in cementing the "Redskins" identity. He was a complex figure who modernized the league but was also a staunch segregationist who refused to hire Black players for decades. Marshall chose the name and established the team's visual branding, including the now-infamous logo of a Native American profile. For him, the name likely served a dual purpose: it provided a unique and marketable hook, and it allowed the team to adopt a "noble savage" archetype that was common in early 20th-century entertainment. The name became synonymous with the franchise under his ownership, embedding itself into the sports lexicon.
