Brands that changed their image from racial stereotypes 6:45
(CNN) - The Washington Redskins could get a new name.
The NFL team announced Friday that it will review the name, which has been widely criticized for its racist overtones.
"In light of recent events in our country and comments from our community, the Washington Redskins are announcing that the team will undergo a thorough review of the team's name," the Redskins said in a statement. "This review formalizes the initial discussions the team has been having with the league in recent weeks."
Redskin in Spanish means red skin.
“This issue is of personal importance to me,” said Head Coach Ron Rivera, “and I look forward to working closely with (owner) Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our army".
In recent weeks, amid a new race trial in the United States, several brands announced that they would change or end names to avoid controversial or racist overtones. Nestlé said it would change the name of its Red Skins and Boys sweets, and Quaker Oats said it would withdraw the Aunt Jemima brand and logo, acknowledging that it was based on a racial stereotype.
- Clorox and Nestlé change images of “Blanquita & # 8217; Limpid and Black Kiss for considering them inappropriate
The NFL Redskins have also faced mounting pressure to change the controversial name, which has been denounced by Native American groups and others.
FedEx, which has naming rights for the stadium the team plays in, told CNN Business this week that it had asked the team to change its name.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement that the league "supports this important step."
A spokesperson for PepsiCo, a Redskins partner, said: “We believe it is time for a change. We are pleased to see the steps the team announced today and look forward to continuing the partnership. ”
Team owner Dan Snyder said in Friday's statement that the review would allow the team to take into account the "proud tradition and history of the franchise," in addition to input from sponsors, the NFL and the community.
In the past, Snyder refused to change the name and told USA Today in 2013 that it would "never" happen.
"It's that simple," he said at the time. "NEVER: you can use capital letters."
Last month, the team removed founder George Preston Marshall's name from a facade at FedEx Field. Additionally, a monument to Marshall was removed from the Redskins' former home, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
Marshall was known for opposing NFL integration and did not hire a black until 1962, 16 years after the league began signing black players.
CNN's Kevin Dotson, Homero DeLaFuente, Alison Kosik and Alicia Lee contributed to this report.
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