Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, who is also the ranking member of the Senate National Parks subcommittee, has urged the Washington Commanders football team and the National Football League (NFL) to collaborate with the Wetzel family in order to honor their legacy and Native American communities. The senator highlighted the story of Blackie Wetzel and how he influenced the original Redskins logo.

Daines' prepared remarks for delivery began with a discussion about H.R.4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act. This bill aims to transfer administration over RFK Memorial Stadium Campus from the Park Service to the District of Columbia for 99 years, facilitating development of a new stadium along with commercial and residential projects.

Daines then explained his specific interest in this bill as a Montana Senator, emphasizing that his goal was for the Washington Commanders to recognize and respect the pride, history, and heritage of Montana's Blackfeet Tribe for their contributions to the team’s legacy.

He shared an account of Blackie Wetzel's meeting with George Herbert Allen, then Head Coach and General Manager of the Washington Redskins in 1971. Wetzel encouraged Allen to replace the team’s ‘R’ logo with something that represented Indian Country, bringing designs based on prominent Native American figures including Blackfeet Chief Two Guns White Calf.

Daines stated that "On behalf of the team, Coach Allen adopted the now iconic logo that’s placed prominently on this beautiful helmet that I received from former players."

The senator clarified that he was not advocating for a return of the former controversial team name but wanted proper recognition for Native Americans' contributions and specifically honoring Wetzel family's legacy.

Daines suggested several ways this could be achieved: restoring the logo with a new team name supported by tribal leaders; telling the history of logo’s connection to Wetzel family; resuming merchandise sales featuring old logo with proceeds going towards tribal causes.

He concluded by stating, "The team can be a beacon of light for these communities, but until I see meaningful actions that satisfy the Wetzel family and other tribal stakeholders, I cannot support this legislation.”