For once, the ESPYs leave the Washington Redskins name alone

The 25th annual ESPYs award show took place on Wednesday night, and while many barbs were tossed around at Kevin Durant, the Knicks, and others, the Washington Redskins escaped without injury for the first time in three years.

The Redskins recently won a key battle in the Supreme Court pertaining to the fight to keep the name. The Supreme Court decision is likely the final say on the matter, and although some have resisted that ruling, many who foster discontent are starting to accept that fact.

That was evident, more or less, on Wednesday night, when the host, Peyton Manning, went through the night without making a Redskins joke. The future Hall of Fame passer went all in on NBA figures and organizations (including this gem, per For the Win’s Andrew Joseph), and he even got hit with a few burns himself.

Unscathed following the ordeal is a surprising survivor: The Washington Redskins. The butt of multiple long-spanning jokes over the past three ESPYs, the team was spared for the first time in a while on Wednesday night. Perhaps people are starting to take notice that the fight against the name is a futile one.

Or maybe Peyton Manning is just a classy guy. Yeah, it’s probably that. But nonetheless, it feels good to have the fire lifted after years and years of scrutiny, whether it be from John Cena, or Bob Costas. It was a great show. And it would’ve been even if the Redskins took a joke or two. But to be left alone is a refreshing change. While most jokes are light-hearted, the Redskins jokes had an air of animosity to them.

Next: NFL Positional Groups 2017: Ranking the Redskins QBs

We’ll see if the trend will continue next year, but for now, we can sit back and laugh at the good moments from the ESPYs. Josh Norman was the only Washington Redskins player to attend the event.