Four years ago, the Washington Redskins dropped their name amid pressure that it was offensive. Now, the family of the Native American chief behind the Redskins logo is asking the league to bring his image back.
The Blackfeet chief, John Two Guns White Calf, was the face of the Redskins for nearly 50 years. His family claims he was the “most famous and most photographed” Native American in history.
His descendants, now living on a reservation in Montana, are working with Republican lawmakers to reinstate their ancestor’s image on the NFL team.
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., told Fox News Digital, “This is about righting a wrong. It’s a point of pride and represents the rich Native American history that helped make our nation great, and it should be enthusiastically celebrated across our culture.”
In response to the family’s request to reinstate their grandfather’s legacy, the Washington Commanders say they have no plans to bring back the chief’s portrait. However, the team said it is in talks with the chief’s descendants.
“We are collaborating with Sen. Daines to honor the legacy of our team’s heritage and the Native American community,” a Commanders spokesperson said. “At the senator’s suggestion, we have developed a positive relationship with Ryan Wetzel, the grandson of Walter ‘Blackie’ Wetzel, who designed the logo. We look forward to honoring that legacy.“
Blackie Wetzel, a tribal leader, created the portrait of Two Guns White Calf in 1971, which the team adopted in 1972. White Calf, born in 1872, is known for representing tribes in Washington and fighting to preserve Native American culture. Now, his descendants are seeking to continue that legacy.
