It is no secret ...the 3-time Super Bowl champion Washington Redskins have fallen on hard times with distracting off-field controversy and deflating on-field mediocrity amidst a strong delusion that the next year will be different. Things are worse than they have ever been. This was not always so for the storied franchise, as so many faithful who bleed burgundy and gold can attest. Though the halcyon days long gone by reflect brightly against the Vince Lombardi trophies in Ashburn, victory seems like distant and fading memories. We believe the organization can return to the glory days.

We get it; a new logo and franchise name will not turn this NFL dysfunctional organization into contenders – and the Redskins are certainly well within their right to stand with their convictions. But perhaps it starts with those convictions. Perhaps it begins not just with adjusting positions and personnel, but with setting a course towards a new organizational mission that transcends just "winning"; looking back with pride but not turning a blind eye to the current unrest and detritus that is Redskins football these days. It is hard to watch and many of us won’t much longer. There are existential questions to be addressed for the organization as well as defensive scheme coverages. Washington fans deserve more than just cyclically underachieving superficial fixes, overinflated FA signings, and a coaching turnstile.

What better thematic visualization could represent this dynamic organizational change than that of the death-conquering, ash-rising phoenix? It's not about responding to the naysayers, succumbing to political pressures, or flippantly jettisoning tradition – it’s about looking to the future. Not holding on to the past, but working to repeat it.

The Redskins don’t just need to rebuild ...they need a rebirth.

Name:
It starts with a new name and mascot. The phoenix elicits all the qualities an organization such as Washington would want to represent going forward without looking like a scape-goat or jury-rigged solution to outside pressures. Yes it joins a long list of fellow avian mascots…but can any of them match the mythical majesty of the phoenix?

Logo:
Our logo is merely a draft mock up. It’s meant to give an idea to fans. Because of certain avian similarities to existing Redskins designs, much of the current livery and color schemes can be easily maintained – making the transition all the more tolerable.

Communication:
"Phoenix" [fee-niks] has the same pronunciation structure as "Redskins" [red-skins]. Again, transitional compatibilities are critical.

Mini-FAQ:

• No, just because the Cardinals once represented the city of Phoenix does not create any meaningful conflicts whatsoever.
• Yes, we fully support the Redskins’ right to do whatever they want as a private organization
• No, as life-long DC area residents, we are keenly aware of the Redskins’ past glories. Most likely more than most current fans. Mosley ’82, Riggo’s run, flash-pan Timmy Smith, the “Seat Cushion Game”, Lohmiller!, the Hogs, the Fun bunch, #83,84, & 81 ...to quote the honorable Principal Skinner, "They’re all here!" Shoot, I even stayed up for the Santana Moss/Mark Brunell Monday Night Miracle against the Cowboys!
• No, it’s not an insane proposition. Many companies and organizations change their names – even one’s with longstanding traditions (i.e. Washington Bullets, U.S.S.R, Apple Computer, Inc., Church of Christ, Sci-Fi Channel)

Share: Obviously to get the word out and the all-important ear of ownership, we’ll have to get this campaign movin’. Share to all your social network spheres if you’re on board. Tweet

Ponder: Don’t just pawn this off as another crackpot name-change idea. We believe it’s as a legitimate idea as any other. Weigh its merits and potential repercussions. Is it as bad an idea as you may have originally thought?

Thoughts?: Think it’s a great idea? Write us. Think you just wasted 5 minutes of your life? Email us at: riseagain@washingtonphoenix.com

Reminisce: