Washington to retire number of Bobby Mitchell, team's first Black player

While the Washington Redskins likely won't change their highly controversial name amid the fight against racial injustice, the organization is taking steps in the right direction to condemn racism.

Washington will retire the number of Bobby Mitchell, the team's first African American player, according to ESPN's John Keim. The move had reportedly been in the works for a while, and Mitchell's No. 49 will be just the second number retired by the organization in its 88-year history. Sammy Baugh's No. 33 previously was the only number retired by the team. 

Team owner Dan Snyder said in a statement, via Keim:

"There is no one more deserving of these honors than the late Bobby Mitchell. Bobby was one of the most influential players not only in our team's history, but in the National Football League. He excelled on the field, in the front office and most importantly in his community where he had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many through his charitable efforts. He was one of the greatest men I have ever known."

Mitchell, a Hall of Famer, is a four-time Pro Bowler and racked up 7,954 yards and 65 touchdowns receiving while also rushing for 2,735 yards and 18 touchdowns in his 11-year career. Washington plans to hold a retirement ceremony at a future home game. 

The announcement of retiring Mitchell's number comes after the team removed a statue dedicated to its former owner, George Preston Marshall, at RFK Stadium on Friday and cited his racist policies of not signing Black players for decades as reasoning for removal of the monument. The team played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996.

While Washington is taking a step in the right direction, changing the Redskins name should now be a point of focus if the franchise truly wants to cut racist ties.

Washington changed its name from the Braves to the Redskins in 1933 and has been the subject of protests by Native American groups and others for the past 40 years. Owner Dan Snyder continues to refuse a name change despite a few different court battles.

A 2019 poll of Native Americans showed that a majority found the team name offensive, according to USA Today, but Snyder claims he'll "never" change the name.

Other professional sports organizations also have controversial names, including MLB's Cleveland Indians and the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, both of whom have no plans to change their name despite their offensive nature.