# What will the Washington Football Team's new name be on 2 February 2022? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [January 4, 2022, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231 "2022-01-04T23:54:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 12
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/221 "2022-02-02T19:03:06Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Ravens is an amazing name for a team from Baltimore Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. I was comparing the hullabaloo that accompanied the creation of the Ravens, which nobody outside of Cleveland city limits gives a shit about anymore. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/222 "2022-02-02T19:04:17Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > I do know of the connection. The problem is that it SOUNDS generic. Perhaps, but if no other professional team has that name (while on the other hand, we have multiple Cardinals, Giants, etc) is it as generic as you think it sounds? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/223 "2022-02-02T19:22:54Z")
It’ll be great when they play in Kansas City: “The Commanders in Chiefs territory…” Will the head coach be referred to as the “Commanders Commander”? ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/224 "2022-02-02T19:28:03Z")
This is a wonderful set of tiers, thanks for doing the math! I think the issue is that while a “commander” is certainly a powerful, in charge person, it’s faceless. Nearly all of the “people” mascots are something I can identify in my mind. I know what a Viking is, and why I don’t want one on my doorstep. Same for a pirate, buccaneer, or raider (the last probably less so, but the fan base has made it pretty clear what a raider is, and why I should likely get a hepatitis test if I’ve been within 6 feet of one). I know what a padre is, thanks to that ridiculous 70s logo. I’m not afraid of it, but I can picture it. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/225 "2022-02-02T19:31:16Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I’ve done thought experiments based on how fierce a team’s mascot is. Here are my thoughts, and I’m ranking them in tiers because I consider some to be about the same. This is an excellent analysis and I can’t really argue with any of the rankings. Where would you fit in the natural disaster teams (Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Avalanche)? I’m thinking Tier 1.5 at worst, and even a battle of disaster vs Titan is a stalemate. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/226 "2022-02-02T19:34:57Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > Where would you fit in the natural disaster teams (Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Avalanche)? GREAT question! You can’t fight a hurricane, you can only try to survive. Unless you’re a basketball player from our nation’s capital… ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/227 "2022-02-02T19:45:15Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > … Bills (though they have a buffalo logo, the team is named after Buffalo Bill, an armed cowboy) … I have to quibble with this one. The origin you cite is accurate, but to 99% of people a “Bill” is an assistant HR director or, worse, what they get from ComEd. I’d rank Bill down with the small birds. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/228 "2022-02-02T19:51:49Z")
Frankly, I picture an actual charging buffalo when I think of the Bills. I know it’s not, but that’s what I see. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/229 "2022-02-02T19:53:22Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > … I picture an actual charging buffalo when I think of the Bills. Well, that is their logo. They should really be the Buffalo Buffaloes. (Or Buffalo Bison, which I think is more accurate.) ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/230 "2022-02-02T19:53:49Z")
Or the Stampede. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/231 "2022-02-02T19:54:07Z")
Yes!! ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/232 "2022-02-02T19:58:58Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > They should really be the Buffalo Buffaloes. (Or Buffalo Bison, which I think is more accurate.) They **were** the Buffalo Bisons and changed to Buffalo Bills. > **[Franchise nicknames | Pro Football Hall of Fame](https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2005/01/news-franchise-nicknames/)** > Buffalo’s team in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946 was the Bisons. In 1947 a contest was held to rename the team, which was owned by James Breuil of the Frontier Oil Company. The winning entry suggested Bills, reflecting on the famous western frontiersman, Buffalo Bill Cody. Carrying the “frontier” theme further, the winning contestant further offered that the team was being supported by Frontier Oil and was “opening a new frontier in sports in Western New York.” When Buffalo joined the new American Football League in 1960, the name of the city’s earlier pro football entry was adopted. I mean… 🤦‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/233 "2022-02-02T20:00:14Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > They **were** the Buffalo Bisons and changed to Buffalo Bills. Ignorance fought! And … WTF were they thinking? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/234 "2022-02-02T20:03:14Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > Where would you fit in the natural disaster teams (Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Avalanche)? I’m thinking Tier 1.5 at worst, and even a battle of disaster vs Titan is a stalemate. I don’t know if I can even deal with that. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![duality72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duality72/32/3910_2.png) [@duality72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duality72)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/235 "2022-02-02T20:05:25Z")
They wanted to move from Tier 7 to Tier 4? ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/236 "2022-02-02T20:07:06Z")
But that would require equating “Bill” with the famous cowboy, an idea I contested a few posts ago. ---
**Author:** ![duality72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duality72/32/3910_2.png) [@duality72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duality72)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/237 "2022-02-02T20:08:56Z")
Sure, but, as documented, that was obviously their intention. They just weren’t very good at it. And it’s mostly just a throwaway joke on the tiers anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/238 "2022-02-02T20:15:17Z")
> [@duality72](#): > > And it’s mostly just a throwaway joke on the tiers anyway. Yes it is. 👍 ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/239 "2022-02-02T20:23:05Z")
I think I’d like to see a fully integrated tier list of the 4 major sports leagues. The Kraken clearly outrank the Marlins and Pirates/Buccaneers, but what about the Mariners? Do they possess some extra abilities, or are they just guys who are really good at reading maps and sailing? ---
**Author:** ![abcdefghij](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/43a26b/32.png) [@abcdefghij](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abcdefghij)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2022, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231/240 "2022-02-02T20:24:30Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > They should really be the Buffalo Buffaloes. > **[Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo_buffalo_Buffalo_buffalo_buffalo_buffalo_Buffalo_buffalo)** > > "Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo" is a grammatically correct sentence in English that is often presented as an example of how homonyms and homophones can be used to create complicated linguistic constructs through lexical ambiguity. It has been discussed in literature in various forms since 1967, when it appeared in Dmitri Borgmann's Beyond Language: Adventures in Word and Thought. > The sentence employs three distinct meanings of the word buffalo: > A semanticall... [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-washington-football-teams-new-name-be-on-2-february-2022/957231.md?page=13)