#Washington Warriors looks like frontrunner to replace Redskins

The NFL’s Washington franchise has come closer than ever to changing its name, and it could be closing in on a new one.

Since owner Daniel Snyder announced with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last Friday that the ‘Redskins’ name was going under review, ‘Warriors’ has emerged as a frontrunner for the franchise’s new moniker, according to reports.

“I think people do know that the Redskins have marked Washington Warriors just in case and that this has been the way…” The Team 980’s Kevin Sheehan said on his podcast. “I would bet big money on the Warriors being the new name for the football team.”

Earlier this month, Sheehan referred to the name as the “definite leader in the clubhouse,” but confirms that there has not been an official reveal.

After years of criticism and protests due to the franchise’s name and logo, coupled with recent pressure from several sponsors and retailers, the club has decided to conduct a “thorough review” of its identity.

For years, the franchise has defended the name, and Snyder himself long resisted the name change since he bought the team in 1999. During a 2013 interview, he famously said, “We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER — you can use all caps.”

On Wednesday, Amazon officially pulled all Redskins gear from its stores, following Walmart, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Nike. Corporate sponsors — including PepsiCo, Bank of America and and FedEx, which holds naming rights to the Redskins’ stadium in Landover, Md. — have called on the franchise to find a new name.