Restore the Redskins

The Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders, boast a storied history in the NFL, with three Super Bowl victories, multiple championship titles from the pre-Super Bowl era, and a roster of legendary players who shaped the franchise’s identity.

From the early days of Sammy Baugh to the bruising runs of John Riggins and the precision of Joe Theismann, the Redskins have produced some of football’s most iconic figures. This article celebrates the best Washington Redskins of all time, based on their on-field excellence, impact on the team, and lasting legacy.

Sammy Baugh (1937–1952)

No discussion of the greatest Redskins begins without Sammy Baugh, often called “Slingin’ Sammy.” A quarterback, punter, and defensive back, Baugh revolutionized football during his 16-year career. Joining the Redskins in 1937, he led them to an NFL Championship in his rookie season, throwing for 335 yards in a 28-21 victory over the Chicago Bears—a staggering feat for the era. Baugh’s passing prowess transformed the NFL from a run-heavy league into one where the forward pass became a weapon.

In 1945, he completed 70.3% of his passes, a record that stood for decades. His career stats—21,886 passing yards and 187 touchdowns—don’t fully capture his dominance, as he played in an era with shorter seasons and fewer passing opportunities. Baugh also excelled as a punter, averaging 45.1 yards per punt, and as a defensive back, intercepting 31 passes. He won two NFL titles (1937, 1942) and was a six-time All-Pro. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in its inaugural class of 1963, Baugh remains the cornerstone of Washington’s football legacy.

Darrell Green (1983–2002)

Known as “The Ageless Wonder,” Darrell Green spent his entire 20-year career with the Redskins, a rarity in modern football. A cornerback with blazing speed—clocked at 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash at age 50—Green was a shutdown defender who terrorized receivers. Drafted 28th overall in 1983, he quickly became a fan favorite and a key piece of Washington’s Super Bowl victories in 1987 and 1991.

Green’s stats are impressive: 54 interceptions, six returned for touchdowns, and 1,159 interception return yards. His longevity is unmatched—he played 275 games, all with Washington, earning seven Pro Bowl nods and the 1996 NFL Man of the Year award for his off-field contributions. Perhaps his most famous play came in the 1987 NFC Championship Game, when he chased down Tony Dorsett on a 52-yard punt return to preserve a victory. Green’s speed, consistency, and character make him one of the Redskins’ all-time greats.

John Riggins (1976–1979, 1981–1985)

John Riggins, nicknamed “The Diesel,” was the heart of Washington’s offense during their Super Bowl XVII-winning season in 1982. A bruising running back with a larger-than-life personality, Riggins joined the Redskins in 1976 after five years with the New York Jets. His career peaked in the early 1980s under coach Joe Gibbs, who built an offense around Riggins’ punishing style.

In the 1982 playoffs, Riggins carried Washington to the Super Bowl, rushing for 610 yards over four games—an NFL record at the time. His iconic 43-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1 in Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins sealed a 27-17 victory and earned him MVP honors. Riggins finished his Redskins tenure with 7,472 rushing yards and 79 touchdowns, including a then-record 24 in the 1983 season. His blue-collar grit and clutch performances cement his place among Washington’s elite.

Art Monk (1980–1993)

Art Monk, a quiet but prolific wide receiver, redefined consistency during his 14 years with the Redskins. Drafted 18th overall in 1980, Monk became Joe Gibbs’ go-to target, helping the team win three Super Bowls (XVII, XXII, XXVI). Known for his precise routes and reliable hands, Monk set the NFL record for career receptions (820) in 1992, a mark later surpassed but monumental at the time.

Monk’s stats with Washington include 888 catches, 12,026 yards, and 65 touchdowns. He was a three-time All-Pro and made three Pro Bowls, but his impact went beyond numbers—he was a possession receiver who moved the chains in critical moments. His 106-yard performance in Super Bowl XXII, including a touchdown, showcased his big-game ability. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008, Monk’s understated excellence makes him a Redskins legend.

Joe Theismann (1974–1985)

Joe Theismann quarterbacked the Redskins to their first Super Bowl title and remains one of the franchise’s most recognizable figures. After stints in the CFL, Theismann joined Washington in 1974 and became the starter in 1978. Under Gibbs, he thrived in the innovative “Hogs” offense, blending passing precision with a fearless scrambling ability.

Theismann’s pinnacle came in 1982, when he led the Redskins to a Super Bowl XVII win, throwing for 2,044 yards and 13 touchdowns in a strike-shortened season. In 1983, he earned NFL MVP honors with 3,714 yards and 29 touchdowns. His career ended abruptly in 1985 due to a gruesome leg injury, but his 25,206 passing yards and 160 touchdowns with Washington rank him among the team’s best. Theismann’s charisma and leadership left an indelible mark.

Sean Taylor (2004–2007)

Sean Taylor’s career was tragically cut short, but his impact on the Redskins was profound. A hard-hitting safety drafted fifth overall in 2004, Taylor combined athleticism, instincts, and ferocity. In just 55 games, he recorded 12 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, and 305 tackles, earning two Pro Bowl selections. His 2007 season, before his murder at age 24, was on pace to be his finest—5 interceptions in nine games.

Taylor’s legend grew posthumously, fueled by highlight-reel hits like his 2006 demolishing of Brian Moorman in the Pro Bowl. Fans and teammates revered his intensity and potential. In 2019, Washington retired his No. 21, a rare honor, cementing his status as one of the franchise’s greatest what-ifs.

Honorable Mentions

• Sonny Jurgensen (1964–1974): A gunslinging quarterback with 22,585 yards and 179 touchdowns for Washington, Jurgensen was a five-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer known for his arm talent.

• Charley Taylor (1964–1977): The franchise’s all-time leading receiver (649 catches, 9,110 yards, 79 touchdowns), Taylor transitioned from running back to wideout and earned eight Pro Bowls.

• Russ Grimm (1981–1991): A Hall of Fame guard and cornerstone of “The Hogs” offensive line, Grimm anchored three Super Bowl-winning teams.

Legacy and Debate

Ranking the “best” Redskins depends on criteria—stats, championships, or cultural impact. Baugh’s innovation, Green’s longevity, Riggins’ toughness, Monk’s reliability, Theismann’s leadership, and Taylor’s brilliance all stake a claim. The franchise’s history, spanning from 1932 to its rebranding in 2022, offers a deep pool of talent. These players not only defined eras but elevated Washington to NFL prominence.

As the Commanders move forward, the Redskins’ legacy endures through these icons. Their contributions—on grass-stained fields or under Super Bowl lights—remind fans of a golden past. Who’s the greatest? That’s a debate for tailgates and barstools, but Baugh, Green, Riggins, Monk, Theismann, and Taylor undeniably belong in the conversation.