Mark Rypien: "I'm a Redskin, Not a Commander

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien expresses his displeasure with the team's rebranding as the Washington Commanders, stating that he "never played for them" and that he "loves" the "Redskins" name.

## **Article:**

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien has made his feelings known about the team's rebranding as the Washington Commanders.

Mark Rypien: "I'm a Redskin, Not a Commander

Rypien, who led the Redskins to their last Super Bowl victory in 1992, said during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan in Washington that he is not a fan of the new brand.

"No, it never will," Rypien said when asked whether the brand was growing on him. "I never played for the Commanders. I absolutely support the Commanders and what they're doing now. But I never played for them."

Mark Rypien: "I'm a Redskin, Not a Commander

Rypien played six years for the Redskins and was a Pro Bowler twice. He had 15,928 passing yards and 101 touchdown passes. He helped the team defeat the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVI, 37-24. He was named Super Bowl MVP.

"We are going to support these guys because that's the era we are in," Rypien said. "I am not a Commanders' legend. I am a Redskin. I love my guys."

Mark Rypien: "I'm a Redskin, Not a Commander

Rypien's comments come as the team continues to move forward with its rebranding efforts. The team changed its name from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team before the start of the 2020 season amid a summer of racial tension across the United States. The team then rebranded as the Commanders in 2022.

Current team owner Josh Harris has made clear that going back to the old name is not going to happen.

"For obvious reasons, the old name can't come back," Harris told reporters in August. "But right now, we're focused on things to unify the team around our football team and unify the city around our football team."

Rypien's comments also come as the team faces a lawsuit from the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA). NAGA alleges that the team suppressed Native American references by removing the "Redskins" name.

The lawsuit is seeking to have the team restore the "Redskins" name and to pay damages to Native Americans who have been harmed by the team's actions.

The team has denied the allegations and has said that it will vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit.

The rebranding of the Washington Commanders has been a controversial issue. Some fans have embraced the new name, while others have resisted it. Rypien's comments are likely to add to the debate over the team's new identity.