MT Senator Pushes NFL to Honor Blackfeet Logo, Supports RFK Bill

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - This week, Montana Senator Steve Daines told a Senate Committee he will now vote in favor of a bill that would allow the Washington Commanders to play in the RFK stadium as their new home.

Daines began by reminding his fellow Senators about his advocacy for the iconic Blackfeet logo.

“Last week, on the floor of the U.S. Senate, I laid out the story of the deep Montana connection to the former team logo, and how the team can right what has been an historic wrong,” began Senator Daines. “I spoke about the misguided and blatant attempts by the team, the league, and media affiliates, to censor a proud logo.”

Daines then said the situation with the team and its management has now changed.

“I called it out on the Senate floor and I demanded an explanation, and since then, I've received assurances that going forward, we will never see that again,” he said. “I charged the team and the NFL with a very simple task, to sit down with the family of Blackie Wetzel, the man who inspired this iconic logo, to hear and listen to the Blackfeet tribe, recognize the impact of historic leaders like Chief Two Guns White Calf, and find a path forward.”

Daines referenced a conversation with the Wetzel family in Montana.

“I'm proud and I'm grateful to say, after speaking with my constituents, that they are satisfied with the ongoing negotiations with the team,” he said. “And this morning, on the call I had with Ryan Wetzel, he feels optimistic about the direction where they are heading.”

All that being said, Daines then lent his support to the bill.

“Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I will support the bill,” he said. “I will vote in favor of its passage out of this committee with the condition that the team follows through on the commitments made to the family. I think the best way to describe it is hearing from Ryan Wetzel after they had a long discussion just last night. There are good faith negotiations going on, and there's trust being built. Ryan Wetzel is confident there will be the right outcome for the Wetzels and for Indian country.”

Click here to read the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.