Von Miller Confuses Commanders with Redskins Amid Trump’s Stadium Threat

Von Miller Confuses Commanders with Redskins Amid Trump’s Stadium Threat

NFL veteran Von Miller recently referred to his new team by its former name after President Donald Trump suggested he might obstruct federal support for the Commanders’ new stadium project in Washington D.C. This comment comes as Trump has expressed a desire to reinstate the old name.

During a media briefing following training camp on Thursday, Miller shared insights about his motivations for returning to the field.

At 15 years into his NFL career, Miller reflected on his journey, noting the changes in perspective that come with time. He remarked, “My 15th year in the league never gets old, especially being out of work for four months. Perspective changes a little bit. When I was younger, I would think, ‘Why do we have to go to OTAs? I wish I was at home.’ But after sitting on the couch for four months, I realized, ‘Man, I wish I was at OTAs.’”

However, during his address to the media, Miller mistakenly referred to the team as the Redskins.

He stated, “It’s great to drop the kids off and pick them up from school, but I want to go to work. The Washington Redskins reached out to me about a month and a half ago and offered me the opportunity to join. I agreed to come here to Washington about a week and a day ago, and now here I am. I’m excited to be here.”

This slip of the tongue coincides with Trump’s renewed call for the team to revert to its previous name, which they officially abandoned in 2020.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed, “My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way. I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington. The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”

Commanders general manager Adam Peters addressed the situation earlier this week, explaining that matters such as stadium rights “don’t really make it to us.”

Peters continued, “We’re focused on preparing for the season and what is happening on the field here.”

Upcoming Stadium Vote and Developments

A vote regarding the deal allowing the Commanders to return to RFK Stadium is set for August 1. This ambitious plan includes a $3.7 billion redevelopment project that features a new stadium, residential units, retail spaces, and parkland.

The projected timeline for moving back to D.C. from the Maryland suburbs is around 2030, contingent on legislative approval.

White House Stance on Trump’s Comments

The White House has made it clear that the president’s observations regarding the NFL team and its name are sincere. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The president was serious. Sports are one of the many passions of this president, and he wants to see the name of that team changed.”

In summary, Miller’s choice of words has added to the discussion surrounding the Commanders, Trump, and the future of NFL branding.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.