Is the honeymoon over for Commanders' Josh Harris?

USA Today

06-02-2025

There is often a honeymoon period until it too concludes.
Rick Snider's Washington says Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris' honeymoon with fans is over. Gimme one minute. pic.twitter.com/B68MuMbspC
— Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) February 5, 2025
Perhaps no one in the DMV has been more loved than Josh Harris was in July 2023. Harris had just been granted by the NFL approval for his new ownership of the Commanders.
Training camp was beginning, and the fans not only came out in great numbers, but the atmosphere was actually celebratory.
Though the team played horribly, Ron Rivera, Jack Del Rio, and Eric Bieniemy proved to be a major disappointment, and the team finished 4-13, Harris went unscathed.
Harris had arrived and taken the helm at his initial press conference, using the word 'Redskins' and the fan base was electric. Not only was Daniel Snyder gone, but Harris was bringing back the name 'Redskins' because, after all, he had used the word 'Redskins.'
That's how 'logic' works for many people these days. Simply listen to some of the political pundits on television. They can reach conclusions that are simply not via logical reasoning. They hear what they want to hear.
I have loved the 'Redskins' franchise since my childhood. My first 'Redskins' memories go back to the 1969 season, and I've been following them closely (too closely) ever since.
I was upset when the name was changed. I knew the actual history of how the name 'Redskins' was adopted for the 1933 season, and it was not to demean Native Americans.
By 2020, the opposition had reached the point where NFL owners were not being supportive publicly of the name 'Redskins.' They were caving under public pressure. Without that support, 'Redskins' would soon die.
Harris probably still prefers 'Redskins.' However, he is not stupid. He is fully aware NFL owners would not back such a proposal. He is also fully aware there would be an instant national outcry, slandering him as a 'racist.'
Harris also knows the Commanders just enjoyed a hugely successful season. The first winning season following four losing seasons since 'Redskins' was dropped.
He is altogether certain he will sell more Commanders merchandise and season tickets this offseason. He is also confident in winning as they did, helping many more accept 'Commanders.'
Yes, he will lose some who refuse to accept anything other than 'Redskins' be the name of their team. Yet, as the team continues to win, making the fan base proud of their team, 'Commanders' will become easier to accept.
Though I still wish the name was 'Redskins,' there will be more and more of us putting winning on the field as the core value, and the name will become more of a peripheral value.
Yes, for some, the honeymoon is over for Josh Harris. But he actually never said he was going to bring back 'Redskins.'
Harris continues to pour money into improving Northwest Stadium and the Ashburn facility. He also made huge scores hiring Adam Peters and Dan Quinn.
And now Harris has Jayden Daniels as well.