While there’s been renewed interest in some circles to see the Washington Commanders return to their former name, owner Josh Harris has made it clear that door is closed.
The old name can’t come back,” he said in August. We all know the reasons why.
Old habits die hard, however.
CBS announcers Jim Nantz and Tony Romo were on the call Sunday for the Commanders’ game against the Baltimore Ravens. Washington held a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter but Baltimore was driving when Romo accidentally referred to the Commanders by their old name.
It obviously seemed like an honest slip for Romo as he was describing Washington’s inability to contain Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. When he was done speaking, he left some space for Nantz to respond but the silence was deafening.
Either because he was informed of what he said or because he realized it himself, Romo seemed to throw in a coda to wash the bad taste out of his mouth and reaffirm the franchise’s name.
“Commanders are doing alright here though, Jim,” Romo added.
This is actually the second time Romo has erred on the Washington name in 2024. While calling a Packers-Bears game late last season, he casually dropped the controversial name. In that instance, he also quickly corrected himself afterward.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.