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The Washington Commanders continue to make all the right moves under Josh Harris and his ownership group. On Thursday, Washington made another big move, announcing it will retire Hall of Fame running back John Riggins' legendary No. 44 jersey. The jersey retirement ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8, when the Commanders host the Los Angeles Rams.
After a legendary career at the University of Kansas, where he broke Gale Sayers' school record with 2,659 rushing yards. Riggins would then head to the NFL, where he would be the No. 6 overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
After five seasons in New York, Riggins signed with the Redskins as a free agent in 1976. Riggins would then play 10 seasons in Washington — he sat out the 1980 season in a contract dispute with the franchise — where he set the franchise record for career rushing yards with 7,472. He also rushed for 79 touchdowns in the burgundy and gold.
For his NFL career, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns. He also caught 12 touchdowns.
Known as "Riggo" or "Diesel," Riggins led the NFL in rushing twice and led Washington to two Super Bowl appearances, including one championship. He was named the MVP in Super Bowl XVII. His 43-yard touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.
Riggins was a member of the 1980s NFL All-Decade Team, is a member of the Commanders Ring of Fame, and is also among the 90 greatest Washington players. Riggins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Harris released the following statement on Riggins.
Riggins is the seventh player in franchise history to have his jersey retired: Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), Sean Taylor (21), Sonny Jurgensen (9), Darrell Green (28) and Art Monk (81). Green, Monk and Riggins' jersey retirements have all come since Harris bought the team in 2023.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders finally do the right thing with John Riggins' No. 44
Continue reading...
After a legendary career at the University of Kansas, where he broke Gale Sayers' school record with 2,659 rushing yards. Riggins would then head to the NFL, where he would be the No. 6 overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
After five seasons in New York, Riggins signed with the Redskins as a free agent in 1976. Riggins would then play 10 seasons in Washington — he sat out the 1980 season in a contract dispute with the franchise — where he set the franchise record for career rushing yards with 7,472. He also rushed for 79 touchdowns in the burgundy and gold.
For his NFL career, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns. He also caught 12 touchdowns.
Known as "Riggo" or "Diesel," Riggins led the NFL in rushing twice and led Washington to two Super Bowl appearances, including one championship. He was named the MVP in Super Bowl XVII. His 43-yard touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.
Riggins was a member of the 1980s NFL All-Decade Team, is a member of the Commanders Ring of Fame, and is also among the 90 greatest Washington players. Riggins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Harris released the following statement on Riggins.
Riggins is the seventh player in franchise history to have his jersey retired: Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), Sean Taylor (21), Sonny Jurgensen (9), Darrell Green (28) and Art Monk (81). Green, Monk and Riggins' jersey retirements have all come since Harris bought the team in 2023.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders finally do the right thing with John Riggins' No. 44
Continue reading...
