NFL Asks Band Rednex to Change Name

Just because they named their latest single "Football is Our Religion" does not mean that the Swedish techno-country band Rednex are actually rednecks.

The band has turned down a request from the National Football League to change their name to the Pansies.

NFL sent a letter to Mary Joe (Annika Ljungberg) acknowledging that its request, at first blush, might appear "bizarre", but became necessary when NFL officials learned that the song was actually about soccer and not "real football."

But, by changing its name, the band could raise awareness of the lack of manly sports that Europeans must endure, the NFL said in its letter.

The trio, which was founded in 1994 and has since undergone many changes in its lineup, reproduced the NFL's letter in full on its MySpace page.

The musicians said they were "unable to agree" to the request "but we appreciate the publicity that this request provides."

The NFL said that is was pleased the Rednex had drawn attention to the issue by posting the request so prominently on the band's MySpace page.  "I just put 'Cotton-Eyed Joe' on my iPod to celebrate," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

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