Washington Redskins

Washington announced the move in a statement released on Monday following a review that began on July 3.

The team will also be dropping their logo, with majority owner Dan Snyder and head coach Ron Rivera working on a new name and design approach for the franchise.

"On July 3, we announced the commencement of a thorough review of the team's name," the statement read. "That review has begun in earnest. As part of this process, we want to keep our sponsors, fans and community apprised of our thinking as we go forward.

"Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review.

"Dan Snyder and Coach Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition-rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years."

The franchise began life as the Boston Braves in 1932 but adopted the name Redskins a year later, retaining it for the move to Washington in 1937.

Snyder has long been unmoved in the face of sustained public pressure to change the name. However, the team announced the review after widespread protests following the death of African American George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis in May, with the franchise receiving calls from key sponsors urging it to reconsider.

FedEx, which holds the sponsorship rights to Washington's stadium, informed the franchise on July 2 that it would ask for the company's name to be removed from the facility at the end of the 2020 season if the name Redskins was not retired.

Additionally, Nike ceased sales of Washington's official apparel while Walmart, Target and Amazon said they would pull the team's merchandise from their online stores.

Washington may not be the only major American sports franchise to change name this year. MLB's Cleveland Indians announced a review of their team name this month, though the Atlanta Braves are not set to do likewise.

The Redskins used the second pick of the 2020 NFL Draft to bring Ohio State edge rusher Young to Washington on Thursday.

While Joe Burrow went number one via the Cincinnati Bengals, Young was considered by many to be the most talented player in the draft class.

"I've dreamed of going to the NFL since I was about six years old," Young said afterwards.

"Like they say, you put the blood, sweat and tears into it. I believe I've done that all my life.

"It feels good to be in this moment."

The 6-foot-5 Young led the FBS with 16.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2019. He also had pressure on 35 per cent of his pass rushes, highest in the subdivision among those with at least 120 pass rushes. 

Utilising a quick first step and a strong upper body, Young was a constant presence in opponent backfields, accumulating 21 tackles for loss – tying for fourth most in the FBS in 2019. 

Young won a bevy of awards for his play this past season as the top defensive lineman in the country and became just the fourth D-lineman since 1982 to be voted a Heisman Trophy finalist. 

Held in the same high regard as Julius Peppers and Jevon Kearse, Young is viewed as a difference-maker on the line of scrimmage and someone who will be the face of the Washington defense for years to come, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.