Redskins Primary Logo
The Washington Redskins primary logo used today was first designed in 1971 in close consultation with Native American leaders. Among those who unanimously approved and voiced praise for the logo was Walter "Blackie" Wetzel, a former President of the National Congress of American Indians and Chairman of the Blackfeet Nation. Years earlier, Mr. Wetzel had been deeply involved with U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the movement for civil liberties, civil rights, and economic freedom for all. In 2014, Mr. Wetzel's son Don commented, “It needs to be said that an Indian from the State of Montana created the Redskins logo, and did it the right way. It represents the Red Nation, and it's something to be proud of.”
1983 - 2020
The current version of the Washington Redskins logo features a simplified, modernized form of the native American head inside a yellow circle, with two feathers attached to it. This logo is the same logo as the 1972 logo.
1982
This “tucked feather” version came about as a result of the decals not properly sticking to the helmets at the lower juncture of the feathers and the outer circle. The following year, the decal manufacturer started using a more flexible material, and the team reverted to the “hanging feather” version of the logo.
1972 - 1981
In 1972, the Redskins removed the letter “R” and replaced it with an native American. The circle is now a solid yellow with two feathers hanging. The native American is brown skinned with black hair and two white feathers.
1970 - 1971
Vince Lombardi, who coached the Redskins in 1969 before dying during the 1970 pre-season, was the inspiration behind the helmet. Lombardi pushed for the logo, with the letter “R” which sat inside a white circle enclosed within a burgundy circle border, with Indian feathers hanging down from the side, because of its similarity to the “G” on the helmets worn by his Green Bay Packers for many years.
1965 - 1969
The Redskins made a major change to their logo in 1965 with the change to an arrow. A white and gold arrow with one feather outlined in the color maroon.
1960 - 1964
The 1960 logo for the Redskins, featured a white silhouette of an native american with red outline in a circle with a white banner.
1952 - 1959
In 1952 a new design of the native American appeared. Facing to the right, again with black hair and two feathers one yellow and one red.
1937 - 1951
The move to Washington brought a new logo with an native American in white circle with yellow trim. The native American has black hair and two red features.