Matthew McConaughey, who has long been a fan of the Washington Redskins NFL franchise, would like the team to keep its current controversial nickname and mascot.

Matthew McConaughey On Redskins Name

McConaughey, though he grew up in Texas, decided he was a Redskins fan at the age of four and has remained one ever since. "Two things. First: 4 years old, watching Westerns, I always rooted for the Indians," he told GQ for his November cover story. "Second, my favorite food was hamburgers. The Redskins had a linebacker named Chris Hanburger. When you’re 4 years old, that’s all it takes. I got a Redskins hat in my bag right now."

The Redksins name has become a subject of ample controversy, as members of the Native American community have pointed out its racist origins and called for it to be changed. Many fans of the Washington, D.C.-based team have insisted it's too rooted in the team's tradition and history to be changed and should remain as is. Team owner Dan Snyder aligns himself with fans. And, McConaughey is one of the longtime fans that wants his team to remain the Redskins.

"Man, it's twofold. What interests me is how quickly it got pushed into the social consciousness. We were all fine with it since the 1930s, and all of a sudden we go, 'No, gotta change it'? It seems like when the first levee breaks, everybody gets on board," McConaughey said. "I know a lot of Native Americans don't have a problem with it, but they're not going to say, 'No, we really want the name.' That's not how they're going to use their pulpit. It's like my feeling about gun control: "I get it. You have the right to have guns. But look, let's forget that right. Let's forget the pleasure you get safely on your range, because it's in the wrong hands in other places."

While McConaughey might want to hold onto his Redskins memorabilia with the logo of the feathered Native American, he acknowledges that it will likely change and that it's not necessarily going to hurt him. "It's not going to hurt me. It's just… I love the emblem. I dig it. It gives me a little fire and some oomph," he said. "But now that it's in the court of public opinion, it's going to change. I wish it wouldn't, but it will."