Houston Cougars: Determining Keenum’s future and a Redskins proposal

The Washington Americans?

You might be thinking, maybe the Americans could work as a name—but the problem with the Washington Americans is that the term does not sit right. Think about it—the Americans were soundly defeated by the Giants, 24-3. That sounds depressing, even if you are a Texans fan over a thousand miles away.

Texas used to be its own country, and the term, Texans, invokes a sense of patriotic identity for many. But Texans fans are used to hearing the dreaded words, Texans lose. Of course, as a Houston native, I can speak to the pathetic and abysmal allowance for mediocrity. Since the franchise’s inception 18 years ago, the Texans have gone from terrible to terribly average.

It simply is not realistic for any NFL franchise to win every game. The phrase Americans lose would feel wrong for too many ears listening to national score updates on roadways from upper Maine all the way down to Chula Vista.

Many name changes have been offered. It is good that so many people have thoughts and feelings about such matters, and reflective of our American identity that we allow for, and value, discussion and debate. Names have been suggested with red or with skins.

Perhaps a variation of the current name might seem the least obtrusive option. But then again, perhaps what is needed is a clean break. One name suggestion, suggesting such a new direction, the Washington Renegades, deserves attention.