This coincidence was noted by many sports and political commentators, and held true for the first sixteen elections after the franchise first moved to Washington in 1937.
[1] The rule was first noticed prior to the 2000 election by Steve Hirdt, executive vice president of the Elias Sports Bureau.
[2][3][4] That year, the Redskins would begin what would become a four-game losing streak with retrospect to the rule when they lost to the Tennessee Titans.
Senator from Arizona John McCain, because Bush won the popular vote in the previous election.
In 2016, the Redskins played their last designated home game prior to the election on October 16, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 27–20.
However, in 1936, the first election year the team competed under its longtime nickname, they defeated the Chicago Cardinals and the incumbent, Roosevelt, went on to win re-election.