The image of John Two Guns White Calf, a name unfamiliar to many, has been a staple in the world of football for decades. Until 2020, his likeness was emblazoned on the helmets, jerseys, and merchandise of the Washington Redskins, a symbol of the team’s identity. However, in the wake of widespread protests and pressure from activists, the franchise succumbed to demands to retire the name “Redskins” and, in doing so, relegated Two Guns White Calf’s image to obscurity.
The decision to abandon the name and logo was a misguided attempt to appease critics, and in the process, the franchise, now rebranded as the Washington Commanders, erased a significant representation of Native American culture from the national sports landscape. The image of Two Guns White Calf was not just any Native American’s; he was the last chief of the Blackfoot Tribe and one of the most photographed Native Americans of his time. The logo, created in 1971, nearly 40 years after his death, was a testament to his enduring legacy.
Ironically, it is the descendants of Two Guns White Calf who are now advocating for the restoration of the original logo. They see it as a source of pride, a celebration of Native American history and its contribution to the nation’s greatness. The family’s sentiments are a powerful counterpoint to the claims that the name and logo were inherently racist.
The NFL and the Washington franchise would do well to listen to the family’s pleas and honor the legacy of Two Guns White Calf, as well as the legendary players who wore his likeness with pride, including Darrell Green, John Riggins, and Joe Gibbs. By restoring the original logo, the team can reclaim a part of its history and once again pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage that Two Guns White Calf represents.
