One of the most tenacious, fierce competitors in Redskins history has died.
Pat Fischer, longtime veteran cornerback for the Washington Redskins, died Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024, at the age of 84.
Being physically disadvantaged did not stop Fischer from becoming one of the more consistent corners in the NFL in his era. What he lacked in size and strength, Fisher matched in grit, intensity, and aggressive play.
He was deservedly voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002 and is a member of the Redskins/Commanders Ring of Fame.
Pat Fischer (1968-1977)
126 Games, 126 Starts
27 Int, 412 Yards, 1 TD
3x Pro Bowl (1964-65 w/ Cardinals, 1969)
56 Career Int (1961-1977), 18th All-Time
George Halas Award (1978)
70 Greatest Redskins (2002)
Redskins Ring of Fame#HTTR #Redskins #NFL pic.twitter.com/fGNMtRcrv5— Every Redskin Ever (@EveryRedskin) October 8, 2024
Though only 5-foot-9 and weighing 170 pounds, Fischer did not back down in his approach to going up against such top physical talents as Harold Carmichael of the Philadelphia Eagles. Being in the same division meant the 5-foot-9 Fischer would do battle not once but twice each season against the 6-foot-8, 225-pound Carmichael.
Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1961 NFL draft (232 overall), Fischer accomplished an incredible 1964 season. He intercepted ten passes, returning two for touchdowns, leading the NFL. Thus, he was awarded All-Pro 1st team for his spectacular season.
Fischer would also be a Pro Bowler again in the 1965 season (Cardinals) and the 1969 season (Redskins). For a man who repeatedly had to face pulling guards outweighing him by 70-100 pounds, it remains a remarkable accomplishment that Fischer lasted as long as he did and was good enough to be a primary starting corner for 15 years in the NFL.
Even more, not only was Fischer a starting corner, but how he remained healthy enough to start all 14 games in 14 of his 17 NFL seasons is a testimony to his fitness and his discipline in his approach to the game.
Fischer is a member of the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame for his exploits as a receiver and returner. Fischer played in 213 NFL games and collected 56 career NFL interceptions, returning four for touchdowns.
Former Redskins head coach George Allen absolutely loved Pat Fischer, saying, “Pat Fischer showed that size and speed is not necessarily the number one requisite for a football player. He never missed a practice, never missed a game, played a 110 percent, was as tough as nails, loved the game, tremendous competitor.”
Video of Pat Fischer’s career highlights
Fischer was born in St Edward, Nebraska, on Jan. 2, 1940. He is survived by two children and six grandchildren.
The closing of his obituary reads:
A public visitation will be held at Loudoun Funeral Chapel located at 158 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 5 – 8PM.
The family invites friends and fans to celebrate Pat’s life and legacy by attending his funeral services. A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church located at 55 Oakcrest Manor Dr NE Leesburg, VA 20176 on Wednesday, October 16 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 37GivesBack in his memory – https://bit.ly/37GivesBack