Descendants of Native American Leader Seek Return of His Image to NFL
Native American activists are advocating for the reintroduction of the previous Redskins logo that showcases their revered ancestor. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The logo featuring John Two Guns White Calf has sparked discussions around tribal and family pride, according to those close to him, who spoke to Fox News.
Descendants of John Two Guns White Calf, a Native American chief whose likeness inspired the now-retired logo of the Washington Commanders football team, are advocating for its return at NFL events.
“The fans want him back and we want him back,” said Thomas White Calf, a great nephew of the renowned early-20th-century leader from the Blackfeet tribe, during a recent phone interview with Fox News, alongside his mother, Delphine White Calf. “Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history. I’m proud of him. The Blackfeet are proud of him.”
The family spoke to the conservative news network after meeting with Montana Senator Steve Daines, who has been a prominent critic of the 2020 decision to rebrand the franchise. Daines has frequently addressed what he views as a historic injustice in Congress and in the media.
“Make no mistake, this logo was inspired and envisioned … as a tribute to Native Americans. It is not a caricature. It is a depiction of pride and strength. Of courage and honor,” Daines stated at a Senate subcommittee hearing in May.
Blackie Wetzel, another leader within the Blackfeet tribe, is acknowledged for creating the logo in 1971, which was adopted by the Washington Redskins NFL franchise the following year.
Both the name and mascot were retired in 2020 in response to widespread racial protests following George Floyd's death. Major investors and shareholders pressured the team’s sponsors, arguing that the branding perpetuated negative stereotypes of Native Americans.
Though management eventually relented, the Redskins were rebranded as the Commanders just two years later.
A representative for the team told Fox News that they are working with Senator Daines “to honor the legacy of our team’s heritage and the Native American community,” but they do not plan to bring back the old logo.
Furthermore, the news outlet reported that the naming controversy was largely attributed to the National Congress of American Indians, a non-profit organization that advocates against what it views as inappropriate mascots in sports. In a 2013 29-page report, the organization expressed concern over the Redskins.
“Today’s harmful ‘Indian’ mascots are very much an extension of the commercialization of race such as black face and African-American stereotypes,” the document asserted.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Descendants of John Two Guns White Calf, a Native American chief whose likeness inspired the now-retired logo of the Washington Commanders football team, are advocating for its return at NFL events.
“The fans want him back and we want him back,” said Thomas White Calf, a great nephew of the renowned early-20th-century leader from the Blackfeet tribe, during a recent phone interview with Fox News, alongside his mother, Delphine White Calf. “Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history. I’m proud of him. The Blackfeet are proud of him.”
The family spoke to the conservative news network after meeting with Montana Senator Steve Daines, who has been a prominent critic of the 2020 decision to rebrand the franchise. Daines has frequently addressed what he views as a historic injustice in Congress and in the media.
“Make no mistake, this logo was inspired and envisioned … as a tribute to Native Americans. It is not a caricature. It is a depiction of pride and strength. Of courage and honor,” Daines stated at a Senate subcommittee hearing in May.
Blackie Wetzel, another leader within the Blackfeet tribe, is acknowledged for creating the logo in 1971, which was adopted by the Washington Redskins NFL franchise the following year.
Both the name and mascot were retired in 2020 in response to widespread racial protests following George Floyd's death. Major investors and shareholders pressured the team’s sponsors, arguing that the branding perpetuated negative stereotypes of Native Americans.
Though management eventually relented, the Redskins were rebranded as the Commanders just two years later.
A representative for the team told Fox News that they are working with Senator Daines “to honor the legacy of our team’s heritage and the Native American community,” but they do not plan to bring back the old logo.
Furthermore, the news outlet reported that the naming controversy was largely attributed to the National Congress of American Indians, a non-profit organization that advocates against what it views as inappropriate mascots in sports. In a 2013 29-page report, the organization expressed concern over the Redskins.
“Today’s harmful ‘Indian’ mascots are very much an extension of the commercialization of race such as black face and African-American stereotypes,” the document asserted.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
