Safety Joey Browner is one of the Vikings' all-time greats, having been inducted into the team's Ring of Honor last year. Browner, who is of American Indian descent, has also been a vocal critic of the Washington Redskins nickname. In light of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this past week canceling the team's trademark on the name, the Star Tribune's Michael Rand caught up with Browner on that and other subjects.
Q I've only seen your name recently linked to the movement to ban the Redskins nickname. How long have you been a part of it?
A For a very long time. For my generation and the generation before me, it just shows we have a long way to go in terms of getting these derogatory images and statements brought forth and dealing with them in a way that's not derogatory — and educating people about what it is and why this needs to be changed.
Q The ruling this week — what impact do you see that having on the issue and what direction can it take things?
A If the Patent Office is changing it, that means the country is changing its consciousness to understand what words and imaging is doing to our generations. The country, not just the individuals, is taking steps toward the next generation and generations beyond to move toward righting a wrong.
Q Washington owner Daniel Snyder has been resistant — some would say defiant — when it comes to change on this issue. What's the tipping point? What will it take for the Redskins name to change, and how does "never" go to a reality of it changing?
A You just said it. "Never" turns into a reality that it has to change. That's what's happening with our government system letting them know they're not going to stand for it anymore in the system. By saying that, [Snyder's] peers are putting pressure on him now. … It is happening, and it's for the better. For him, I just pray for him. That's all I can do. Just pray for him.
Q Is there any more activism being planned locally?