Washington Redskins to review team name after pressured by major corporations—Nike removes their merch online

"In light of recent events around our country and feedback from our community, the Washington Redskins are announcing the team will undergo a thorough review of the team's name. This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks... We believe this review can and will be conducted with the best interest of all in mind," the statement reads.

Franchise owner Dan Snyder, who has been vocal in his opposition to changing the team name in the past, said that the team will "take into account not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise, but also input from our alumni, the organization, sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field."

The announcement came after FedEx, one of the team's main sponsors who have naming rights to the team's stadium, requested that the team change their name. Nike and PepsiCo, two other major sponsors, have also put pressure on the company, with Nike removing all Redskins gear from their online store.

"This issue is of personal importance to me and I look forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military," coach Ron Rivera said.

A 2016 Washington Post poll of 504 Native Americans found that nine out of 10 were not offended by the Redskins name.

"Among the Native Americans reached over a five-month period ending in April, more than 7 in 10 said they did not feel the word “Redskin” was disrespectful to Indians. An even higher number—8 in 10—said they would not be offended if a non-native called them that name," the poll concluded.