Last week, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the greatest Washington NFL team of all time. Washington went 14-2 in the regular season and stormed through the postseason en route to a win over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVI.
Four years before that magical 1991 season was the 1987 Washington team. Washington finished that season with an 11-4 record and a win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII in a strike-shortened season.
It was a memorable postseason for Washington. There was future Hall-of-Fame cornerback Darrell Green’s electrifying punt return for a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the NFC divisional round.
Then, in the NFC championship game, Washington held off the Minnesota Vikings to earn a trip to the Super Bowl.
Finally, there was Washington’s 42-10 triumph over the Broncos in San Diego. And the starting quarterback for Washington in that Super Bowl was Doug Williams.
Williams, who started only two games during the regular season in relief of Jay Schroeder, took over as Washington’s quarterback for the playoff win over the Bears. Williams was good enough in the wins over the Bears and Vikings but saved his best for last.
Facing arguably the best quarterback in the NFL in John Elway, it was Williams who would steal the show on that January night. Williams completed 18 of 29 passes for 340 yards and four touchdowns. He led Washington to a Super Bowl record of 35 points in the second quarter after his team fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter.
For his efforts, Williams was named Super Bowl MVP. He became the first African-American not only to win an MVP but lead his team to a Super Bowl win.
That game cemented Williams’ status as a legend in Washington for eternity.
These days, Williams is entering his eighth season as a member of Washington’s front office. He currently holds the role of senior adviser.
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