On Jan. 14, 1963, Gov. George C. Wallace of Alabama delivered an inaugural address in which he declared his unwavering allegiance to “segregation now, segregation tomorrow and segregation forever.”

Those words became an anthem of intolerance and a rallying cry for those who opposed civil rights, equal rights and human rights. Those words defined Wallace’s legacy.

Fifty years later, Daniel Snyder, the owner of the N.F.L.’s Washington franchise, is making an equally strident stand against civility that will define his legacy as an owner and as a citizen.

Snyder is facing a firestorm of pressure to change the team’s nickname, which has been attacked as out of date, out of touch, offensive and racist.

He has responded to critics by tossing out polls that show support for the nickname. He has also trotted out American Indians who say that they are not offended, ignoring voices who say they are. In the face of mounting criticism, Snyder remains defiant. In a May interview with USA Today, Snyder insisted: “We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER — you can use caps.”