When fans return to FedEx Field to cheer on the Washington Football Team, they will be faced with some new rules.
Effective immediately, fans will not be allowed to wear Native American headdresses at home games in 2021, the franchise announced on Wednesday.
The announcement was part of several new policies for fans at FedEx Field for the coming NFL season.
Last year, the team began the process of distancing itself from the Native American mascot and imagery that it had used for more than 75 years. The global pandemic caused fans not to be allowed at FedEx Field in 2020, the franchise’s first season as “the Washington Football Team.”
“We are excited to welcome everyone back wearing their Burgundy & Gold,” the team wrote in a news release on Wednesday. “However, Native American inspired ceremonial headdresses or face paint may no longer be worn into the stadium.”
“Moving forward with no ties to Native American imagery is the right path,” team president Jason Wright wrote on the team’s website.
Washington is recommending unvaccinated fans to wear face coverings at FedExField this season.
Last week, coach Ron Rivera expressed his frustration with his team’s low vaccination rate as training camp begins, citing his own health history as one of his concerns.
Washington’s vaccination rate was reported to be one of the lowest rates across the league
