Tag: 90 Greatest

Legendary Washington defensive lineman Dave Butz dies at 72

Dave Butz is one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history.

Former Washington defensive lineman Dave Butz died Friday. He was 72.

Butz came to Washington in 1975 after spending the first two seasons of his NFL career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Butz would spend the final 14 seasons of his NFL career with the Redskins.

The former No. 5 overall pick in the 1973 NFL draft finished his career with 64 sacks. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion with Washington, first-team All-Pro [1983] and second-team All-Pro [1984]. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 1984. Butz’s most significant individual accomplishment was being named to the 1980s NFL All-Decade team.

Butz is in the Washington Ring of Fame and is also named as one of the “90 greatest” in franchise history.

Two things stood out immediately when seeing Butz: his size [6-foot-8, 295] and his helmet.

Butz played in 216 career NFL games, and considering the position he played, that’s an amazing accomplishment. He only missed four games during his 16-year NFL career. He retired after the 1988 season when he was 38. He was the oldest position player in the NFL at the time of his retirement.

The Washington Commanders released the following statement on social media.

We’re heartbroken over the loss of Washington Legend Dave Butz, a 2x Super Bowl champion and member of our Ring of Fame and 90 Greatest list. Sending our deepest condolences to Dave’s family and friends.

We’ll have more on the life and career of Dave Butz.

 

Ryan Kerrigan grateful to be named as one of the ’90 greatest’ in Washington history

Ryan Kerrigan is honored to be named as one of the “90 greatest” in franchise history. And he’s also happy for Trent Williams.

It’s been a busy summer for former Washington defensive end Ryan Kerrigan. Kerrigan signed a one-day contract with Washington in July so could he retire with the franchise where he spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career.

Next, head coach Ron Rivera brought Kerrigan onto the coaching staff to “shadow” the defensive coaches in an effort to see if coaching was something the all-time franchise leader in sacks wanted to do.

During his retirement announcement in July, Kerrigan mentioned coaching as a possibility for him moving forward.

On Thursday, Kerrigan received another honor as he was one of 10 men named to the “90 greatest” players/coaches in Washington’s 90-year franchise history.

Afterward, Kerrigan spoke of the prestigious honor.

“It’s pretty damn cool, man,” Kerrigan said according to Bijan Todd of NBC Sports Washington. “Obviously, 90-year history of this franchise—to be part of that group is pretty special to me.”

Several players who played with Kerrigan also were honored, such as Chris Cooley, Santana Moss, London Fletcher, DeAngelo Hall and longtime teammate, Trent Williams.

Williams was Washington’s first-round pick in 2010, while Kerrigan was the first-round pick in 2011.

Kerrigan was happy to be honored alongside Williams.

“I always loved Trent as a teammate, loved him as a friend, and it’s awesome to still see him playing so well,” Kerrigan said. “Definitely a well-deserved honor for him as well.”

The pair were teammates for nine seasons in Washington and often represented the franchise in the Pro Bowl.

Kerrigan spent the 2020 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. During his nine seasons with Washington, he appeared in 156 games and recorded 95.5 sacks.

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Washington names 10 players to franchise’s ’90 greatest’ list

Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Williams, Chris Cooley and Santana Moss were among Washington’s additions to the “90 greatest” list.

To commemorate 90 years as an NFL franchise, the Washington Commanders named 10 former greats to their “90 greatest” list on Thursday.

Washington announced nine former players and one former coach to the list at the team’s annual Welcome Home Luncheon at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill.

The list was trimmed to 10 after the organization began a fan vote in July. Here is the complete list:

  • DE Ryan Kerrigan (2011-2020)
  • LT Trent Williams (2010-2019)
  • WR Santana Moss (2005-2014)
  • TE Chris Cooley (2004-2012)
  • DT Darryl Grant (1981-1990)
  • LB London Fletcher (2007-2013)
  • CB DeAngelo Hall (2008-2017)
  • CB Champ Bailey (1999-2003)
  • DC Larry Peccatiello (1981-1993)
  • RB Stephen Davis (1996-2002)

Interestingly enough, all but Grant and Peccatiello were with Washington after owner Daniel Snyder bought the team in 1999. However, it’s difficult to dispute any of the players on the list.

Bailey is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Williams is still active with the San Francisco 49ers — and one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles.

Former quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III were among those on the ballot that didn’t make the final 10.

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