Jason Buck Reflects on Redskins Name Change

Jason Buck, a former defensive lineman for the Washington Redskins, remembers the team’s triumphant Super Bowl XXVI win against the Buffalo Bills during the 1991 season. The Redskins, as they were known then, have since evolved, rebranding themselves to the Washington Football Team in 2020.

Now, as the franchise forges a new identity as the Commanders, team owner Josh Harris has stated there are no intentions to revert back to the old name.

Recently, President Donald Trump suggested that the name change was a misstep. Buck, who identifies as Native American, shared his perspective with TMZ Sports, advocating for a return to “common sense” regarding the team name. He expressed a personal sentiment, comparing the situation to losing a beloved family member, stating, “It looks like my grandma has passed away, and my grandpa has married a new woman and she’s coming in and taking all the photos out of the house…” He emphasized the emotional impact on fans, saying, “It’s like you just lost your family. It was devastating to everyone.”

In an interview with Brett Baier for “Special Report,” Harris emphasized that the Redskins name would not be resurrected, despite plans to eventually return the team to Washington, D.C. He remarked, “The commander’s name actually carries an incredible kind of element in our building,” highlighting the association with the military presence in the area and the resilience of the team.

Interestingly, while the name has changed, Trump believes that devoted fans remain loyal to winning teams. Last season, Washington reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time in nearly three decades, led by new quarterback Jaden Daniels.

“But you know, winning can make everything better,” Trump noted earlier this month, suggesting that success could change the narrative surrounding the Commanders. “So if they’re winning, everything about the sudden commander sounds good. But I wouldn’t have changed my name.”