In a gigantic and long-awaited move, Washington's NFL franchise announced Monday it will retire its polarizing team name and logo. The franchise did not immediately announce a new name for its team, or when it will finalize its new name and branding.
"Dan Snyder and Coach (Ron) Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years," the team said in a statement.
Washington will be the first NFL franchise to change its team name without moving to a new city in the same year since the Tennessee Oilers became the Tennessee Titans in 1998, less than two years removed from the franchise's relocation from Houston. And it's the first major professional sports team to make such a change since 2013, when the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats became the Hornets.