The family of John Two Guns White Calf , a prominent Blackfeet chief who became the iconic face of the Washington Redskins for nearly five decades, is calling for his image to be reinstated in the NFL . Since his removal from team branding in 2020, White Calf's descendants have been advocating for his legacy to be honored and for his story to be shared with a new generation, hoping to foster unity and multiculturalism. The family believes that this is not just about reinstating an image, but also about righting a cultural wrong.
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An Erased Legacy
The likeness of John Two Guns White Calf had long been synonymous with the Washington Redskins, adorning helmets, marketing materials, and souvenirs for fans since 1972 up to 2020. His image was hallowed as much to football enthusiasts as it was to historians seeking to know more about Native American history . "Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history," said Thomas White Calf, a great-nephew of the chief. The Blackfeet family, alongside Montana senator Steve Daines, said the chief's image represents much more than a sports mascot. "It's a point of pride and represents the rich Native American history that helped make our nation great," said Daines.
Nevertheless, public pressure mounted and was led by groups such as the National Congress of American Indians. Ultimately, both the Redskins name and the image of White Calf were removed from the NFL. Polls showed near-unanimous support within the Native American community to retain the name and image, but White Calf's family had never been consulted in this decision. The family was never consulted, nor did they ever support the removal, said Thomas White Calf, conveying the deep frustration felt by his relatives and many others on the Blackfeet reservation.
Attempts to Restore the Image
The White Calf family hasn't lost their hope, as the Washington Commanders, a team in the NFL, are now under new ownership since 2023 and are making such an appeal for a reevaluation of the team's heritage. Thomas White Calf and his mother, Delphine White Calf, say that their ancestor's image was not meant to harm anybody or offend anybody. It is rather meant to honor a leader who fought to preserve Native American culture and try to bridge the gap between historically opposing cultures.
The band, however, has no interest in reinstatement of the White Calf painting. Even as the company acknowledges Blackie Wetzel as one of the leading figures of the painting, the White Calf clan feels nearly ignored. "We want a seat at the table," said Thomas White Calf, and emphasized a desire to be meaningfully engaged with the company regarding his ancestor's heritage.
Two Guns White Calf was born in 1872 and became an international symbol for his work in Native American rights. He was a great leader who shared close associations with many U.S. leaders, even giving a picture to President Calvin Coolidge, so strong was the desire to ensure Native culture continued to thrive. In fact, he was so influential that even the U.S. Mint put his likeness on the 1913 Indian Head nickel, marking his place in American history. His passing in 1934 was important enough to deserve an obituary in The New York Times.
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An Erased Legacy
The likeness of John Two Guns White Calf had long been synonymous with the Washington Redskins, adorning helmets, marketing materials, and souvenirs for fans since 1972 up to 2020. His image was hallowed as much to football enthusiasts as it was to historians seeking to know more about Native American history . "Our ancestor was the most famous and most photographed native in history," said Thomas White Calf, a great-nephew of the chief. The Blackfeet family, alongside Montana senator Steve Daines, said the chief's image represents much more than a sports mascot. "It's a point of pride and represents the rich Native American history that helped make our nation great," said Daines.
🚨BREAKING🚨 The family of a Blackfeet chief, who served as the face of the Washington Redskins for 48 years, WANT THE TEAM TO CHANGE THIER NAME BACK.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 15, 2024
👀👀👀
“The fans want him back and we want him back,” family told Fox.
90% of Native Americans supported the Redskins name. pic.twitter.com/ZGIbfF4BXD
Nevertheless, public pressure mounted and was led by groups such as the National Congress of American Indians. Ultimately, both the Redskins name and the image of White Calf were removed from the NFL. Polls showed near-unanimous support within the Native American community to retain the name and image, but White Calf's family had never been consulted in this decision. The family was never consulted, nor did they ever support the removal, said Thomas White Calf, conveying the deep frustration felt by his relatives and many others on the Blackfeet reservation.
Attempts to Restore the Image
The White Calf family hasn't lost their hope, as the Washington Commanders, a team in the NFL, are now under new ownership since 2023 and are making such an appeal for a reevaluation of the team's heritage. Thomas White Calf and his mother, Delphine White Calf, say that their ancestor's image was not meant to harm anybody or offend anybody. It is rather meant to honor a leader who fought to preserve Native American culture and try to bridge the gap between historically opposing cultures.
The band, however, has no interest in reinstatement of the White Calf painting. Even as the company acknowledges Blackie Wetzel as one of the leading figures of the painting, the White Calf clan feels nearly ignored. "We want a seat at the table," said Thomas White Calf, and emphasized a desire to be meaningfully engaged with the company regarding his ancestor's heritage.
Two Guns White Calf was born in 1872 and became an international symbol for his work in Native American rights. He was a great leader who shared close associations with many U.S. leaders, even giving a picture to President Calvin Coolidge, so strong was the desire to ensure Native culture continued to thrive. In fact, he was so influential that even the U.S. Mint put his likeness on the 1913 Indian Head nickel, marking his place in American history. His passing in 1934 was important enough to deserve an obituary in The New York Times.
Also Read: The Diets of NFL Athletes: What Fuels Their Performance
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