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Von Miller, a seasoned NFL player, made reference to his new team using their previous name after President Donald Trump threatened to block federal support for the Commanders’ new stadium project in Washington D.C. due to his wish to reinstate the Redskins name.
During a press conference after a training camp session on Thursday, Miller shared the inspiration behind his decision to return to the field.
Washington Commanders linebacker Von Miller (24) arrives for practice at the team’s NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
“My 15th year in the league, it never gets old – especially being out of work for four months, perspective kind of changes a little bit. You know, back when you were young it was like, ‘Man why do we gotta go to OTAs? Man, I wish I was home.’ And then you’re sitting on the couch for four months, and it’s like, ‘Man, I wish I was at OTAs.’”
But during his address to the media, Miller mistakenly referred to the team as the Redskins.
“It’s good dropping the kids off, and it’s good picking the kids up from school, but I wanna go to work. The Washington Redskins called me a month and a half ago and started talking, and agreed to come here to Washington about a week and a day ago, and here I am. Excited to be here.”
The slip-up occurred as President Trump has urged the team to go back to its previous name, which was changed in 2020.
Washington Commanders outside linebacker Von Miller (24) speaks with the media after practice on day two of training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center at Commanders Park on July 24, 2025. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
“My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “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.”
Adam Peters, the Commanders general manager, mentioned earlier this week that matters like the stadium rights “don’t really make it to us.”
“We’re just trying to focus on what’s going on here and getting ready for the season.”
A detailed view of the new Washington Commanders uniforms following the announcement of the Washington Football Team’s name change to the Washington Commanders at FedExField on February 2, 2022, in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
A vote on the agreement that would permit the Commanders to return to their previous home at RFK Stadium is scheduled for Aug. 1. The proposal includes a $3.7 billion redevelopment project featuring a new stadium, housing units, retail space, and parkland.
The relocation back to D.C. from the Maryland suburbs is anticipated around 2030 – provided the legislation is approved.
The White House has emphasized that the president’s remarks regarding the NFL team are serious.
“The president was serious,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday. “Sports is one of the many passions of this president, and he wants to see the name of that team changed.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
