Football fans react to Redskins 'retiring' name

Football fans have mixed views on "retiring" the Redskins name and the Indian head logo from the NFL team based in Washington D.C.

The team launched a 'thorough review' of the name on July 3 that the NFL supported.

The decision came after decades of criticism that the images were offensive to Native Americans, and recent pressure from prominent sponsors FedEx, Nike, PepsiCo, and Bank of America asking the team to change the name.

The move is upsetting to some longtime "Skins" fans who feel like changing the name changes the identity of one of the league's oldest franchises.

Brian Scheeley has been a Washington Redskins fan since the 1980s, and he supports changing the name of the team.

"It's a good thing that they get rid of the Washington Redskins saying because I think it's outdated, it's a stereotype and it's not necessary," Scheeley said.

Many people have weighed in on replacement names for Washington, and "Warriors", "War Hogs" and the "Redtails" all have a higher percentage of the public's vote.

Joshua Patulski, a former football player who now teaches and coaches at a school in Arlington, thinks the rebrand could jumpstart a new era for the football franchise.

"I believe in that team and I think they can do well and will do well. But sometimes these small things help bolster the fire and excitement that you need to succeed," Patulski said. "It will always be that team. I mean there is no getting rid of that team and what they've done over the years. They've played their hearts out. They've excelled as much as they can. But there is no taking that back. That is not going to be gone."

Over a dozen Native American leaders and organizations wrote to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week demanding an immediate end to Washington's use of the name.