Josh Harris and the Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) group are facing backlash over the Native American origins of one of their team names. While much of the attention is currently on the Washington Commanders, another HBSE franchise, the New Jersey Devils, also has ties, although indirect, to Native American history.
HBSE, co-founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, owns several professional sports teams, including the New Jersey Devils (NHL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the Philadelphia WNBA team, part of the Cleveland Guardians (MLB), and the Washington Commanders (NFL).
Controversy has resurfaced around the Commanders after former President Donald Trump demanded the team revert to its former name, the Washington Redskins. The name was dropped in response to years of criticism for being a slur offensive to Native Americans. The franchise rebranded first as the Washington Football Team and later the Washington Commanders.
Trump has threatened to block a $3.7 billion stadium deal in Washington, D.C., unless the team returns to the Redskins name. While some reports claim certain Native Americans support restoring the old name, the broader push to change it stemmed from concerns about misrepresentation and harm.
Harris had planned to move the Commanders back into Washington, but that plan now hangs in the balance.
So, what does this have to do with hockey?
Although the New Jersey Devils don't have direct Native American roots, the folklore that inspired the team name may have Indigenous origins, specifically from the Lenni Lenape people.
The Lenni Lenape, native to the Pine Barrens region, told stories of a dragon-like creature inhabiting the area. They referred to the region as Popuessing, which translates to “place of the dragon.” This mythic figure closely resembles the Jersey Devil, a legendary creature said to haunt the Pine Barrens.
Some speculate that the Lenape’s stories were the earliest accounts of the Jersey Devil. The modern version of the legend first gained widespread attention in 1938, describing a kangaroo-like creature with a horse’s face, dog’s head, bat-like wings, horns, and a tail, who would terrorize towns in South Jersey.
When the Colorado Rockies relocated to New Jersey in 1982, they adopted the name “New Jersey Devils” to reflect this local folklore.
While there’s no confirmed link between the team name and Native American culture, the historical context is worth examining, especially as HBSE faces scrutiny over its other franchise.
For now, the Devils continue to represent the spirit and lore of New Jersey, while Harris navigates a more pressing identity crisis with the Commanders.
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