Tag: 70 Greatest Redskins

Washington tough guy NFL legend Pat Fischer dies at 84

A true Washington legend passes away. Pat Fischer was 84.

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.

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

 

Commanders season opener in 3 days: Washington’s best No. 3

3 Mark Moseley days until the Commanders kick off the 2023 regular season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 3 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 3?

No. 3 recalls to mind some big moments and frustrating moments in franchise history.

First, for the bad news. Cornerback William Jackson III came to Washington being highly touted. However, his performance did not live up to the hype at all, and the Commanders released him in his second season with Washington.

Observing fans will recall Jim Zorn’s infamous “Swinging Gate” fiasco in a home game against the Giants in 2009. The player who threw the pass up for grabs on the trick play was punter Hunter Smith. Smith spent his last two NFL seasons with Washington. He wore No. 3 in 2009 and No. 17 in 2010.

Nothing says frustrating like quarterback Jeff George wearing No. 3 for Washington. Mr Snyder, the owner, wanted and purchased the age 33 George, though he already had Brad Johnson. So, Washington was 1-4 in the games George started in 2000. In 2001, the team’s first two games were utter embarrassments to the franchise losing to the Chargers 30-3 and Packers 37-0 on MNF. New head coach Marty Schottenheimer had seen enough and released the quarterback. They were the last two regular season games George played in the NFL. With Tony Banks receiving the other 14 starts, Washington finished 8-8.

Kicker Dustin Hopkins (2015-21) came to Washington after brief stays in Buffalo and New Orleans. Following the 2017 season, Hopkins was resigned by Washington to a three-year deal.  In 2021 during a 31-13 home loss to the Chiefs, Hopkins made two of three field goal attempts. But was released as head coach Ron Rivera sent a message to his team.

Mark Moseley (1974-1986) came to Washington in 1974 as a free agent, hoping to land a job in the NFL. Moseley had already been released by the Eagles (1971), then the Oilers (1972), and no team wanted him in 1973. Washington then signed Moseley in 1974, moving on from previous kicker Curt Knight (1969-73). Moseley proceeded to lead the NFL in field goals made in 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1982. During the 1982 season, Moseley set a then-NFL record when he ran his consecutive field goal made streak to 23. He finished the season 20 of 21 for a 95.2 percent success rate, and was voted All-Pro 1st Team and NFL MVP for the 1982 season.  The following season, Moseley led the NFL in extra points when he was successful on 62 of 63 attempts 98.4% while setting an NFL record of 161 points scored.

Being the kicker on the three straight divisional champs teams (1982-84) the NFC Championship 1983 team and the Super Bowl Championship team of 1982, Moseley was voted as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002.

 

Commanders season opener in 23 days: Washington’s best No. 23

23 days until Week 1. Some good players have worn the No. 23 jersey, but Brig Owens stands above them all.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 23 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 23?

Washington has had a number of very good players who wore No. 23.

Todd Bowles (1986-90, 92-93) might have been undrafted through 12 rounds but he ended up starting 68 games for Washington, intercepting 14 passes, recovering 5 fumbles, starting every game for four seasons, including the 1987 Super Bowl Championship season.

DeAngelo Hall (2008-17) was the 8th overall selection of the Atlanta Falcons out of Virginia Tech in 2004. In his ten Washington seasons, Hall intercepted 232 passes, returned three for touchdowns, defended 80 passes, forced 8 fumbles, recovered 9 fumbles, returning 3 for touchdowns. He was credited with 510 tackles (373 solo, 142 assists) 17 for losses. Hall was a Pro Bowler in the 2010 season. October 24, 2010, Hall intercepted four Jay Cutler (Bears) passes, including a 92-yard touchdown return. In 2022, Hall was named one of the top 90 players in Washington history.

Tony Peters (1979-82, 84-85) came to Washington after his first four NFL seasons in Cleveland. Peters started started 57 Washington games, intercepting 11 passes and recovering 3 fumbles. The former Oklahoma Sooner was a Pro Bowler strong safety, leading the secondary during the 1982 Super Bowl Championship season.

Brig Owens (1966-77) is the greatest player in franchise history to wear No. 23. The former Cincinnati Bearcat was versatile enough that coaches could play him at both strong and free safety throughout his career. He started 123 games for Washington, intercepted 36 passes (second in franchise history), returning three for touchdowns. Owens also recovered 10 fumbles, returning two for touchdowns. Owens finished first in Washington history with the most yards gained from interceptions with 686 (Darrell Green 621).

In the highest scoring game in NFL history Washington defeated the NY Giants 72-41. It was Owens who scored two defensive touchdowns in the game, when he returned an interception 60 yards and a recovered fumble 62 yards.

Perhaps his biggest moments came in big games. In 1973 on Monday Night Football Washington and Dallas were tied 7-7 in the final quarter when Owens intercepted a Craig Morton pass, returning it 26 yards for the game-winning touchdown. In Super Bowl VII Owens intercepted a Bob Griese pass in the end zone ending a Miami scoring threat.

Owens was voted one of the 70 Best Redskins in 2002 and inducted into the Redskins Ring of Fame in 2012.

Commanders season opener in 26 days: Washington’s best No. 26

26 Clinton Portis days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 26 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 26?

In the 1964 NFL draft, the Redskins drafted Paul Krause 18th overall. The free safety from Iowa had a tremendous rookie season, intercepting 12 passes, the best in the NFL. Krause was All-Pro 1st team his first two seasons in the league.

In the 1967 season, Krause intercepted 8 passes and was All-Pro 2nd team. In his first four NFL seasons, Krause had intercepted 28 passes. Yet, apparently, that was not good enough. Because in one of the most misguided deals in Redskins history, Washington sent Krause (1964-67) to the Vikings for only Marlin McKeever and a 1969 7th-round pick. Unbelievable!!

Krause, then with the Vikings, had six seasons in which he intercepted 5+ passes, including 10 interceptions as late as 1975. He was All-Pro 1st team once and All-Pro 2nd team three times for the Vikings. Though the NFL throws the ball much more nowadays, Krause, though his last season was 1979, still today is the career leader in interceptions with 81.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 1998. He was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002. What were the Redskins thinking in 1968 to make that trade?

 

Clinton Portis (2004-2010) was traded to Washington from Denver for future Hall of Fame cornerback Champ Bailey and a second-round pick. On his first carry as a Redskin, Portis broke a 64-yard touchdown run against Tampa Bay.

In his seven Washington seasons, Portis gained 6,824 yards, 46 rushing touchdowns and 345 first downs, averaging 4.1 yards a carry. Portis also caught 176 receptions for 1,340 yards, 7.6 yards a reception, for 3 touchdowns and 63 first downs. In four seasons, Portis rushed for over 1,000 yards: 2004 (1,315), 2005 (1,516), 2007 (1,262), and 2008 (1,487). Portis was voted one of the 80 Greatest Redskins in 2012.

Commanders season opener in 27 days: Washington’s best No. 27

27 Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Houston days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 27 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 27?

Former Washington head coach George Allen had traded for aging safeties Richie Petitbon in 1971 and Rosey Taylor in 1972. But both were old, worn down and retired after the 1972 season. It was time for another trade by Allen.

Remarkably the Houston Oilers traded All-Pro Safety Ken Houston (age 28). Allen, in return, gave the Oilers Jim Snowden, Mac Alston, Mike Fanucci, Jeff Severson, and Clifton McNeil.

All Ken Houston did for Washington was become a Pro Bowler for seven consecutive seasons (1973-79). Houston was All-Pro 1st team in 1975 and 1978, while All-Pro 2nd team in 1979.

Houston was durable and tough. He started and played every game from 1973-1978 for the Redskins. It was not until age 35, in 1979, that Houston missed three games while starting all other 13.

In his eight Washington seasons, Houston intercepted 24 passes, recovered 10 fumbles and collected 4.0 quarterback sacks.

Houston made probably the most significant defensive play in Redskins regular season history in 1973. It was a Monday Night game with Dallas at Washington. Washington led 14-7 late in the final quarter, but Dallas had driven the ball all the way to the Washington four-yard line.

With 24 seconds remaining Dallas had a 4th & Goal at the Washington 4. Dallas quarterback Craig Morton passed to fullback Walt Garrison. Ken Houston met Garrison at the one-yard line, pulled up on Garrison, lifting him off of his feet to stop the drive and save a Washington 14-7 MNF victory.

The very next season (1974), when Dallas came to Washington, Ken Houston made another huge play when he returned a punt 58 yards for a first-half touchdown in a 28-21 Washington win.

With the Houston Oilers in 1971, Houston amazingly returned a fumble and four interceptions for a total of 5 defensive touchdowns in one season.

Ken Houston was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002, he is in the Washington Ring of Fame and was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 1986.

Commanders season opener in 28 days: Washington’s best No. 28

28 days. Darrell Green. One of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 28 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 28?

The 1982 Washington Redskins won the Super Bowl and selecting last in the first round of the 1983 draft, chose a player from Texas A&I.

Bobby Beathard, then Redskins general manager, chose a small cornerback with blazing speed, Darrell Green, a player the vast majority of Redskins fans had never even heard of prior to that draft day.

A quick reaction came from Mike Nelms’ agent Richard Bennett. Nelms had been a Pro-Bowl returner for the Redskins, and Bennett responded to the Green selection stating the Redskins would trade Nelms, or he would sign with the Unites States Football League.

When Green later signed with Washington, Beathard, at the press conference, said, “We think Darrell is going to have a big impact on the Redskins in his career as a defensive back and a return specialist.” Beathard had no idea how prophetic he was that day.

Green made a huge impression in his very first game in the NFL when he came from way behind to chase down Dallas Cowboys speedster running back Tony Dorsett.

From 1983 through 1999, Green started every game he played but one. This being done at cornerback all the way through his age-39 season. In his last three seasons, he appeared in all but three games (ages 40-42) as a nickel back while also starting 10 of those 45 games.

Green, in all, played in 295 games for Washington, starting 258. He intercepted 54 passes, returning 6 for touchdowns. Green defended 33 passes, forced 5 fumbles, recovering 10 fumbles, two for touchdowns. Little Darrell Green was actually credited with being in on 1,202 tackles in his NFL career.

When Green retired, he was the oldest player to have played cornerback in the NFL at age 42. He was also the oldest to have returned an interception for a touchdown, at age 37. He also owned the record for most interceptions against one team, as Green had intercepted the Philadelphia Eagles 11 times.

Beathard’s prophecy had come true as Green made a huge impact at cornerback. It also came true as a returner when in the 1987 playoffs, at Chicago, with the score tied 14-14 in the third quarter, Green returned a Bears punt 52 yards for a touchdown. Washington defeated the Bears that day 21-17.

Green came up big in the playoffs, intercepting six passes and returning two for touchdowns. In the 1983 playoff win over the LA Rams, he had a 72-yard touchdown return, and in the 1991 NFC Championship game win over the Lions, he had a 32-yard interception touchdown return.

Green was a 7-time Pro Bowler, was named to the All-90s Decade Team, played on the 3 Super Bowl teams, was a two-time Super Bowl champion, was named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins, is in the Washington Ring of Fame, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with teammate Art Monk in the Class of 2008.

Commanders season opener in 30 days: Washington’s best No. 30

30 Brian Mitchell days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 30 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 30?

Two players deserve mention of those in Washington history wearing No. 30.

LaRon Landry (2007-2011) was the 6th overall selection by Washington in the 2007 draft. The former LSU Tiger started all 64 games at safety of those he played with Washington in his five seasons. Landry intercepted four passes, defended 33 passes, forced six fumbles, recovering five. Credited with 383 tackles, Landry collected 291 solo tackles and 92 assisted, including 16 tackles for a loss. He also registered 20 quarterback hits as well as 5.5 quarterback sacks. After Washington, Landry had one season with the Jets, in which he made the Pro Bowl, and two with the Colts.

Brian Mitchell (1990-99) was the greatest player in Washington history to wear No. 30. Mitchell, a college quarterback at Southwestern Louisiana, was drafted 130th overall by Washington in the 1990 draft. Mitchell made an immediate impact when in the first preseason game, Mitchell returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. In the 1991 Super Bowl championship season, Mitchell led the NFL in punt return yardage (600 yards) and touchdown returns (2).

In the 1992 season, Mitchell had a huge playoff game at Minnesota when he rushed 16 times for 109 yards (6.81 ypc), one rushing touchdown and returned three punts for 70 yards averaging 23.3 yards a return. In the 1999 playoffs, Mitchell returned the opening kickoff for the second half 100 yards for a touchdown.

In his ten Washington seasons, Mitchell returned seven punts and two kickoffs for regular season touchdowns, averaging 11.0 yards on punt returns and 22.8 on kickoff returns. Mitchell was the NFL leader in All-Purpose yards four seasons (1994, 1995, 1996, 1998). He was All-Pro 1st team in 1995 and 2nd team in 1991 and 1994.  He led the NFL in punt return average in 1994 with 14.1 yards per return.

For Washington, Mitchell rushed for 1,751 yards averaging 5.0 a carry, scoring 9 touchdowns. He also caught 232 passes for 2,087 yards, three touchdowns and 81 first downs. Mitchell was voted one of the 70 Greatest Washington Redskins in 2002 and into Washington’s Ring of Fame.

Commanders season opener in 33 days: Washington’s best No. 33

Two words: Sammy Baugh.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 33 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 33?

Sammy Baugh is the only player in Washington NFL history to wear jersey number 33. Four other players wore the jersey prior to Baugh, and this was also while the franchise was located in Boston.

But when the organization moved from Boston to Washington in 1937, it was their first-round draft choice (6th overall) who was given number 33, and no one has worn that jersey since.

Baugh played for Washington from 1937 through the 1952 season. Baugh was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Jan. 29, 1963. It was the original first class for the Hall of Fame and included 17 total enshrinees, such as Red Grange, Don Hutson, Jim Thorpe and Baugh.

So, what did the former Texas Christian player accomplish that resulted in his number being retired by Washington and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s first class?

Baugh led the NFL in pass completions (five seasons), completion percentage (eight seasons), yards gained passing (four seasons), touchdown passes (two seasons), touchdown percentage when passing (two seasons), yards gained per passing attempt (three seasons), yards gained per pass completion (one season), yards gained per game (five seasons), quarterback rating (three seasons), game-winning drives (nine seasons), yards per punt (five seasons), passes intercepted on defense (one season).

When Baugh concluded his NFL career following the 1952 season he had recorded 1,693 pass completions 21,886 passing yards, 187 passing touchdowns, 12.9 yards per pass completion, 45.1 yards per punt, 31 interceptions (on defense).

Baugh was a six-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro, a two-time NFL champion, and a member of the 1940s All-Pro Team. He was, of course, voted to the 70 Greatest Redskins, is in the Washington Ring of Fame and was the first Washington player to have his jersey retired. He died on Dec. 17, 2008, at age 94.

 

Commanders season opener in 37 days: Washington’s best No. 37

37 Pat Fischer days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 37 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 37?

Gerald Riggs (1989-91) came to Washington in 1989 after having been a Pro Bowler three consecutive seasons and after 1,587 carries and 6,631 rushing yards for Atlanta. Washington has had four backs to carry for 200 yards in a game. Alfred Morris (200 in 2012), George Rogers (206 in 1985), Cliff Battles (215 in 1933), and Riggs set the record in 1989 at RFK against the Eagles, rushing for 221 yards and averaging 7.6 per carry. However, reaching 1800 carries, Riggs began to have arch problems. Thus, Joe Gibbs turned to Earnest Byner, and Riggs, being kept fresh, was a very effective short-yardage back his final two NFL seasons (1990 and 1991). Riggs contributed greatly, keeping the chains moving and scoring touchdowns on the dominant Super Bowl champion 1991 team, when he rushed for 11 touchdowns. In the 1991 playoffs, Riggs scored two rushing touchdowns in each of the three games for a total of six touchdowns in that postseason.

 

Pat Fischer (1968-77) came to Washington after seven seasons as a St. Louis Cardinal who had twice been a Pro Bowler and a 1964 All-Pro. It was thought Washington would only have him a few seasons, but Fischer amazingly played cornerback for ten more seasons, his last season, his age 37 season. An iron man of physical fitness, Fischer played and started every game for eight of his ten Washington seasons. In his ten Washington seasons, Fischer was a Pro Bowler (1969) and intercepted 27 passes, returning one for a touchdown and recovered eight fumbles. When he retired, Fischer had played more NFL games at cornerback than anyone else. Fischer was named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002 and is also on the Washington Ring of Fame.

Commanders season opener in 41 days: Washington’s best No. 41

41 Mike Bass days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 41 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 41?

Mike Bass (1969-75) was a Michigan Wolverine who was drafted 314 overall by Vince Lombardi and the Packers in the 1967 NFL draft. But Bass was traded before the regular season to the Lions.

Playing for the Lions his rookie season, he was released and remembered by Lombardi, who brought the free agent Bass to Washington in 1969. Bass who had only played in two games for the Lions (starting neither), was an instant starter for Lombardi’s Redskins.

Bass was an iron man for Washington, starting all 14 games all seven seasons in Washington at cornerback. Mike has the distinction of scoring the first touchdown in Washington’s five Super Bowl games. In the final quarter of Super Bowl VII, Miami attempted a field goal when Washington’s Bill Brundige blocked the kick. When kicker Garo Yepremian bobbled the ball, it was Bass who caught the “fumble,” returning it 49 yards for a touchdown.

Concluding his seven Washington seasons, Bass had started all 98 games he could have played, intercepted 30 passes, returned three for touchdowns and recovered six fumbles.

In the 1971 season, Bass intercepted eight passes in the 14 games and was “not” chosen for the Pro Bowl. He was a solid starter at right cornerback for the playoff teams of 1971-74 and was voted All-Pro second team in 1974.

Being named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002, Bass was then named to the franchise’s Ring of Honor in 2022.

Check out this highlight package of Mike Bass

How good were those Redskins defenses in the early 1970s? All four defensive back starters from 1973-75 were voted as the 70 Greatest Redskins. They were Pat Fischer (1968-77) and Bass (1969-75) at cornerback, and Ken Houston (1973-80) and Brig Owens (1966-77) at safety.