© Mark J. Rebilas | 2018 Sep 9
You might have a problem with Vernon Davis’ opinion, but you can’t knock him for not being honest.
The former 49ers and Washington tight end was candid with TMZ when asked about Washington indefinitely moving away from their former mascot the “Redskins,” now going by the comically literal Washington Football Team.
“I feel like a part of me has been taken away. I grew up a Washington Redskins fan, right?” said Davis who grew up in D.C. “I’ve always wanted to play for the team as a kid. I always had dreams and aspirations to play for that team.
“So, for them to change the name, it really hurt. It hurt deep down inside.”
Despite his emotions, Davis acknowledges and understands the “business” reasons behind moving away from the moniker.
“If there’s a lot of complaints and everyone’s asking and if it’s going to shine a better light on the organization, and just everything in general, I think it’s best,” Davis added.
“I’m all about doing the right thing. And I feel like if everyone’s on board, and they think it’s right, then it’s right for me.”
Washington owner Dan Snyder ultimately agreed to retire the name due to pressure from major sponsors this summer in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and subsequent protests. A 2020 study by social scientists from the University of Michigan and University of California at Berkeley found that 49 percent of Native Americans found the “Redskins” name offensive, the same for 67 percent of Native Americans with a stronger involvement in Native cultural practices.
Davis played for the 49ers from 2006-2015 and played the final four years of his career (2016-2019) in Washington.