On Feb. 2, the Washington Football Team will release their new name, ending an 18-month gap in between names. The reveal will take place on NBC’s “Today” show. The final options are down to the Admirals, Armada, Brigade, Commanders, Defenders, Presidents, Sentinels and Red Hogs.

After decades of refusal, in 2020, the organization finally responded to the name’s racist background by retiring the name and logo. The original name “The Redskins,” had been used since 1933. It was originally supposed to honor Native Americans, the coach and four players on the team at the time who were Native American. But as time went on it was clear the name was offensive. While waiting for the new name the team used a placeholder name, The Washington Football Team. Despite the placeholder name being met with some, fans of the team embraced the temporary name. “Since we’ve become the Washington Football Team, we made the playoffs and been better than before. It’s also better then any of the new names that are options,” Junior Parker Leibowitz said.

Washington players have opinions on the new name coming soon, including star wide receiver Terry Mclaurin, who lead the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in 2021. He wants the name to bring the team together. “At the end of the day, I just hope it’s something we can rally around,” Mclaurin said during his morning media session.

Tress Way, the punter on the team, who was a pro-bowler this year and Washington’s longest returning player, was asked during his Monday morning meeting with media about what his top three choices were for the new name. His first choice is the Red Hogs, jokingly referring to some of the players as hogs. His second choice is the Commanders, saying that it would feel like they leveled up if they had that name. His final choice is Admirals, saying that it would tie in with the team with the country’s military roots, which would make sense because they are the country’s capital team.

Head Coach Ron Rivera, who led the team to the playoffs last year, is excited to finally get a new name, but is sad to see the Washington Football Team name go. “I kind of grew fond of being known as the Washington Football Team or ‘the team,’ that was kind of cool. I’ll remember it fondly,” Rivera said.

On Jan. 4, in the morning announcement, Washington Football Team president Jason Wright explained that the franchise would not select the name Red Wolves or The Wolves because it is against trademark policy. This upset a lot of fans because that name was the major fan favorite.

Whatever the new name turns out to be, the fans will accept it if the team wins because at the end of the day the fans care more about winning then they do the actual name.