There is often a honeymoon period until it too concludes. Perhaps no one in the DMV has been more loved than Josh Harris was in July 2023. Harris had just been granted by the NFL approval for his new ownership of the Commanders.

Following a nearly two-year rebranding process, Washington landed on Commanders ahead of the 2022 season. The name wasn’t a hit. It’s still not a fan favorite, but more inside and outside team headquarters began embracing the nickname over the 12-5 regular season and two road playoff wins before losing at Philadelphia in the NFC championship.

Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris says the team name is not changing. Harris said the name is here to stay after inheriting it when he and his group bought the team from longtime owner Dan Snyder in 2023.