There are a lot of strong opinions about the Washington Football Team officially changing its team name, but one former player felt a particularly close attachment to the name.
Vernon Davis, a D.C. native who played college ball at Maryland and spent the last four seasons in Washington, was among those upset with the decision to drop “Redskins” from the franchise.
“I feel like a part of me has been taken away,” he told TMZ Sports. “I grew up a Washington Redskins fan, right? I’ve always wanted to play for the team as a kid. I always had dreams and aspirations to play for that team. So, for them to change the name, it really hurt. It hurt deep down inside.”
While the team name is considered a slur for Native Americans, Davis’ feelings are not dissimilar from what some of the fan base feels.
Yet, the former tight end – who announced his retirement in February – acknowledged that despite his feelings it is probably for the best.
“I understand it’s a business. It’s all business,” Davis said. “If there’s a lot of complaints and everyone’s asking and if it’s going to shine a better light on the organization, and just everything in general, I think it’s best.”
Washington is moving forward this season as the Washington Football Team as it goes through the process of determining a new nickname for the franchise.
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