Over the years, football teams have changed significantly. While some have just changed their logo, others have changed their names entirely. Teams change their names for reasons like public pressure, sponsors, or because of stereotypes that are no longer socially acceptable. Because of this, teams like the Cleveland Indians, who are now known as the Cleveland Guardians, have changed their names and logos.
Cleveland Indians – Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Indians, now known as the Cleveland Guardians, changed their name back in 2021. Team owner, Paul Dolan confirmed the announcement of the team’s name change due to decades of criticism from Native American groups. Other reformers who have viewed the team’s former name and mascot say that it was ‘culturally insensitive’. Chief Wahoo, their past mascot, was a red-faced, big-toothed, and grinning caricature. It was deemed to be a ‘racist’ symbol that reduced Native people to a single, offensive image.
Washington Redskins – Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders, formerly the Washington Redskins, changed their name back in 2022. Back when their name was first changed, Daniel Snyder, who was the team leader, announced the change back on February 2, 2025. They changed due to overwhelming pressure, and the Redskins name itself was viewed as derogatory or disrespectful. The name “Redskin” was used during periods of violence and war against Native Americans. It was also deemed disrespectful because war paint and tomahawks were used in war, but seeing them used for entertainment and displayed on caricatures was offensive to Native Americans.
Eastern Michigan Hurons – Eastern Michigan Eagles
The Eastern Michigan Eagles, previously known as the Eastern Michigan Hurons, changed their name to the Eagles back in 1991. The change was sparked by a 1988 report by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, proposing that schools should not have Native American mascots to avoid racial stereotypes. The name “Huron” was given to native people by outside people, but it was a term used that meant a “slob” or “fathead”. The Eastern Michigan Hurons were pressured into changing their name and were criticized by multiple groups, including Native American groups at EMU and the ALC, which had called the imagery “racist” and “insulting”.
