On Tuesday, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn addressed his decision to wear a controversial t-shirt during the team’s rookie minicamp.
The t-shirt prominently featured the contemporary “W” logo combined with headdress feathers from the team’s abandoned branding—elements that have fueled ongoing discussions among fans and media alike.
During a recent media appearance, Quinn donned a t-shirt that sparked widespread attention. In 2020, the franchise made the significant decision to abandon its former logo and moniker, which had long been criticized as racially insensitive toward Native Americans.
The retired logo featured the profile of a Native American man, encircled with headdress feathers, and the nickname itself has been recognized as a slur.
Since then, the team has undergone two rebranding phases, finally settling on “Commanders” in 2022.
Quinn spoke with the media on Tuesday to clarify his choice, emphasizing that the intention behind wearing the shirt was not to reignite past controversies or disrespect any community.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn addresses his decision to wear the T-shirt with the team's former logo. https://t.co/cRTixx4kpz
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 14, 2024
“I wanted to acknowledge the team’s history while moving forward with our new identity,” said Quinn. “It was a personal decision, not an official statement from the franchise.”
“So, it was a great lesson for me. What I really hate is that any attention that would have taken away from these rookies and this awesome crew. Nobody wants to do that. But, great lesson.”
Another point of contention is the t-shirt’s unlicensed status. Both the team and the NFL have strict guidelines regarding official merchandise, and Quinn’s shirt does not conform to these standards.
The unlicensed nature of the item adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue surrounding Quinn’s apparel choice.
