NFL’s Controversial Icon – After 48 Years, His Family Is Demanding What’s Theirs!

The family of Blackfeet Chief Two Guns White Calf, who for nearly five decades represented the Washington Redskins, is now fighting to have his image reinstated in the NFL. This family legacy, once a symbol of the Redskins franchise, was removed in 2020, and his descendants are calling for its return. They want his story told once more, emphasizing the chief’s influence and role as a cultural bridge.

The call for Two Guns White Calf’s reinstatement has garnered attention in Washington, D.C., and gained support from notable figures. His family has recently met with Senator Steve Daines from Montana, who has voiced his backing of their efforts. The NFL team, now known as the Washington Commanders, is also reconsidering how they can honor the history behind their old imagery. The Commanders are working with the family of Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, the man who designed the team’s previous logo, which featured White Calf’s likeness. But as of now, there are no formal plans to bring back the chief’s portrait.

“The fans want him back, and we want him back,” said Thomas White Calf, the chief’s great-nephew. Speaking on behalf of the family, Thomas emphasized that his ancestor’s legacy is much more than just a logo or team symbol. He wants America to remember Two Guns White Calf as a leader who worked tirelessly to preserve Native American culture.

White Calf’s image was not only central to the Redskins’ branding, but he also appeared on U.S. currency. His face was famously featured on the 1913 Indian Head nickel. “Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history,” Thomas White Calf added. His niece, Delphine White Calf, echoed the sentiment, underscoring how significant Two Guns White Calf’s contribution was to American history.

The decision to remove the Redskins logo and team name was largely a response to increasing social pressure. Organizations like the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) argued that such representations were harmful. In 2020, the NFL caved under mounting demands for change, and the team name, along with White Calf’s portrait, was dropped. Yet, according to polls, a large portion of Native Americans, including the Blackfeet, supported the name and image. White Calf’s descendants argue they were never consulted in the decision to erase their ancestor’s likeness from the franchise.

Senator Steve Daines has been vocal about the need to correct what he sees as an injustice. “This is about righting a wrong,” Daines stated, calling for the reinstatement of the chief’s image as a point of pride and a reminder of the rich Native American heritage that shaped the nation.

The Washington Commanders, bought in 2023 by Josh Harris and his group of investors, have inherited this legacy and the controversy surrounding it. “We are collaborating with Sen. Daines to honor the legacy of our team’s heritage and the Native American community,” a spokesperson for the team said. Despite their openness to dialogue, the organization has yet to commit to restoring the iconic image of Two Guns White Calf.

Two Guns White Calf, born in 1872, became a widely respected figure not just within Native American communities but also across the nation. He was known for advocating Native American rights and played a significant role in preserving his culture at a time when it was under threat. His efforts reached all the way to Washington, D.C., where he formed connections with influential figures, including President Calvin Coolidge. His dedication to bridging cultural divides earned him national recognition, with a notable obituary published by the New York Times when he passed away in 1934.

Historians like Andre Billeaudeaux argue that removing the image of White Calf was a mistake. “Two Guns White Calf was a real person, not a mascot and he was canceled,” Billeaudeaux told Fox News Digital. The move to erase his image was seen by some as an erasure of history rather than a step toward progress.

The debate over the Redskins’ legacy remains contentious. While the White Calf family continues to push for the return of their ancestor’s image, others argue that the team’s name and branding have become too politically charged to revisit. Yet, the sentiment among those who support the family’s cause is strong: “The legendary Blackfeet logo must be restored to a place of honor,” says Senator Daines.

For the White Calf family, it’s not just about a logo—it’s about reclaiming a proud history. As Thomas White Calf said, “We want a seat at the table,” insisting that the NFL must acknowledge the family’s stake in this legacy.