The Washington Redskins on Friday said they plan to thoroughly review the team's name, one day after FedEx, which has naming rights to the stadium the team plays in, requested they begin the process of changing their nickname.
"In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community, the Washington Redskins are announcing the team will undergo a thorough review of the team's name," the team wrote. "This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks.
"... We believe this review can and will be conducted with the best interest of all in mind," the statement added.
Three of the franchise's sponsors, FedEx, Nike and PepsiCo, each received letters signed by investors worth a combined $620 billion that asked the companies put pressure on the team to change its nickname.
Dan Synder, the owner of the team said the review process of the Redskins name would include input from multiple sources.
"This process allows the team to take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field," Snyder said.
By Friday morning, Nike appeared to remove all of the Redskins gear from its online store. Any search for the NFL's other teams will bring up merchandise, however, nothing is listed for the Washington Redskins.
"This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military," Ron Rivera, the head coach for the team said.
Over the years, activists have led a campaign against the club's nickname, which has been in use since 1933. However, over the last few weeks, pressure has built on Snyder and team officials amid protests against police brutality and the death of George Floyd.
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