Tag: Darrell Green

Dan Quinn on the importance of Washington legends

Dan Quinn recognizes the importance of connecting franchise legends to the current team.

It was a special day at Northwest Stadium on Sunday as the Washington Commanders retired legendary cornerback Darrell Green’s No. 28 jersey. While Green was being honored, Washington’s ownership also honored many other Washington players of the past.

The Commanders hosted numerous former players for the weekend. While the franchise did alumni events in the past, it’s much different these days under new ownership. Players are happy to be back, including Green, who remained away from the franchise after he retired. Others, such as Green’s fellow Hall of Famer, Art Monk, are back in the fold.

The Commanders didn’t disappoint on the field either. Washington defeated the Carolina Panthers 40-7 on Sunday, and this was after losing rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to a rib injury in the first quarter.

After the game, head coach Dan Quinn was asked about the team using the franchise’s historical past to show the current squad where they can end up.

“Yeah, I think it’s very important,” Quinn said. “I think to go where you want to go, it’s important to understand the history of the franchise. And although a lot of the players didn’t know Darrell or any of his speed, and they saw the one of him chasing down as a rookie, Tony Dorsett, and it was overwhelming, the speed. And so, just showing some of those plays, when I showed that to get where you want to go, it’s important to understand where you’ve been and what is possible in a career. And, so not everybody’s going to have a Darrell Green career, but it is possible to show the remarkable things that can be done both on and off the field.”

Quinn’s right. Past Washington regimes alienated some of the most successful players in franchise history. Mostly, it was former owner Dan Snyder who alienated those players. However, under new ownership, Josh Harris and his partners like Mitchell Rales and Mark Ein — who all grew up as fans — reconnecting the franchise’s past to the future wasn’t only something they wanted to do but also needed to do.

Darrell Green has message for Commanders’ fans

Darrell Green has a message for Washington fans.

This was a special weekend for Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green. The former Washington Redskins cornerback received a key to the city of Washington, D.C., on Saturday and had his No. 28 jersey retired by his old team Sunday.

Green, who played 20 years for the burgundy and gold, has largely stayed away from the franchise since his retirement. However, when Daniel Snyder sold the team last summer, Green was back. One of the first things new ownership did was invite Green back and treat him accordingly.

Green has shared his enthusiasm for new ownership.

On Sunday, Green spoke to Washington fans, and he had a special message for them: I’m sorry you didn’t experience the glory days, but come back because this franchise is back.

Here’s Green:

Washington last won a Super Bowl in the 1991 season. That was 33 years ago. Green was in his ninth NFL season during that run and would play 11 more before retiring after the 2002 season.

Green believes the best is yet to come for the Commanders. He’s along for the ride and wants you to be, too.

WATCH: Darrell Green emotional as he receives key to Washington, D.C.

Saturday was a special day for Darrell Green.

It’s been a big week for legendary former Washington cornerback Darrell Green. In April, Green learned that the Commanders planned to officially retire his No. 28 jersey sometime during the 2024 season.

It was later revealed that Green’s special day would occur during Washington’s Week 7 game vs. the Carolina Panthers from Northwest Stadium.

So, one day before Green’s jersey was officially retired, he received another prestigious honor. Green received a key to Washington, D.C., on Saturday. Washington mayor Muriel Bowser presented Green with a key to the nation’s capital.

Commanders co-owner Mitchell Rales, who grew up a fan of the Redskins, was there for the festivities.

Here’s Green expressing his gratitude, courtesy of Sam Fortier from The Washington Post:

Finally, here is Green receiving a custom painting of himself from his playing day:

Sunday will be another emotional day for Green, who spent 20 seasons in the burgundy and gold and went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, the first year he was eligible.

Legendary John Riggins has solution for Commanders’ secondary issues

Riggo has a solution for Washington’s secondary woes.

The Washington Commanders are 4-2 and in first place in the NFC East heading into Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

Washington’s offense is one of the best in the NFL, looking unstoppable at times. However, the same can’t be said for the defense. After faring well in the previous two weeks, the defense struggled badly at Baltimore in a Week 6 loss.

The Commanders’ failure to adequately stop the run is puzzling at times. However, Washington’s struggles to stop opposing passing games aren’t surprising. There were question marks at cornerback entering the season, and those questions remain after six games.

Second-year cornerback Emmanuel Forbes remains a mystery. He’s struggled and can’t even get on the field. Benjamin St-Juste shows flashes but still allows far too many big plays. Free-agent addition Noah Igbinoghene has been a pleasant surprise, while rookie Mike Sainristil looks like a future star. In today’s NFL, that’s not enough.

In the latest addition of “The John Riggins Show,” the Hall of Fame running back had a suggestion for the Commanders if their pass defense struggles on Sunday.

“One possible way out of this, and he’ll already be there, at halftime if they’re struggling mightily is throw a uniform on No. 28,” Riggins said referring to Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green. The Commanders are retiring Green’s No. 28 this weekend.

That’s not a bad idea.

Seeing Riggins discuss his former team and Green’s return to the franchise is more proof that everything surrounding the Commanders has completely changed since Josh Harris and his group purchased the team in July 2022.

Commanders announce date for Darrell Green’s jersey retirement

Commanders announce date for Green’s jersey retirement.

The Washington Commanders surprised legendary cornerback Darrell Green back in April, bringing him to the team’s Ashburn headquarters. Green was under the impression he was recording a message for Washington’s incoming draft class.

However, midway through reading the message, Green quickly realized the team was actually honoring him. His entire family entered the room and Green was overcome with emotion when he realized his No. 28 jersey was being retired.

In case you missed it, here’s the complete video.

We knew the Commanders were retiring Green’s No. 28 at some point in the 2024 season, we just didn’t know when.

Now, we do. The Commanders revealed that they will have a ceremony to retire Green’s No. 28 during a Week 7 game at Commanders Field against the Carolina Panthers. The game is slated for a 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

Tickets still remain for the game and Washington included a link on its X post.

Green played 20 NFL seasons — all with Washington — won two Super Bowls, was a four-time first-team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler, former NFL Man of the Year, a member of the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade team, a member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

WATCH: Commanders rookie Mike Sainristil training with Darrell Green

The rookie cornerback is spending some time with the legendary Darrell Green ahead of training camp.

Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil put himself in the good graces of the team’s fans shortly after he was drafted.

Sainristil responded to an Instagram post from franchise legend Darrell Green, wanting an opportunity to train with the Pro Football Hall of Famer.

“Let’s get in the lab, OG,” Sainristil said.

Green quickly responded: “you say when!”

As it turns out, Sainristil wasn’t joking around. This week, he trained with the four-time winner of the NFL’s Fastest Man award.

Check it out via Instagram:

Here’s the full Instagram link so you can watch the video.

Washington fans are already excited about Sainristil. A star at Michigan, Sainristil was an All-American who intercepted six passes last season in leading the Wolverines to the national championship. Legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban called him perhaps the best “pound-for-pound player” in the 2024 NFL draft.

But reaching out to Green, arguably the most popular player in franchise history, makes him even more of a fan favorite. Green, who will have his No. 28 retired sometime in the upcoming season, has pledged his full support behind the Commanders under new owner Josh Harris. Green has spoken with Emmanuel Forbes, too.

The Commanders’ rookies report to training camp next (July 18), with the veterans coming five days later. Sainristil will be ready.

 

WATCH: Washington legend Darrell Green looks like he can still play at 64

Darrell Green has still got it.

Darrell Green is one of the NFL’s greatest cornerbacks. How hard is it to play in the NFL for 20 years, much less at cornerback, where you are on an island on every play?

Green played all 20 seasons in Washington, won two Super Bowls, was a four-time first-team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team. Green was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008 — his first year of eligibility.

Throughout his NFL career, Green was also a four-time winner of the “NFL’s Fastest Man” award.

Since his retirement in 2002, Green has often run the 40-yard dash to show everyone he still had the speed he was famous for. In recent months, Green has returned to the Washington organization under new owner Josh Harris and will have his jersey retired this upcoming season.

These days, Green still trains as if he still plays.

On Sunday, Green took to his Instagram to show he’s still got it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9IKSesxiZJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Keep in mind that Green is 64 years old.

The Commanders could use some help at cornerback in 2024.

Commanders GM Adam Peters could quickly become one of the NFL’s best

Commanders Log gave us an look at Adam Peters in his first NFL draft as GM. He crushed it.

Washington fans eagerly awaited the release of the latest edition of “Commanders Log” to see behind-the-scenes footage of the 2024 NFL draft.

The latest video, “At the Top of the Pile,” begins with Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green learning his number was being retired. This happened in April, but thanks to the Commanders, fans were allowed to see things from Green’s perspective.

From there, we get footage from inside Washington’s draft room, where general manager Adam Peters was joined by head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., owner Josh Harris, and others in the front office.

We see when the Commanders called quarterback Jayden Daniels to inform him he was the No. 2 overall pick, and we hear from Daniels, too. Throughout the 50-minute video, we see Harris asking questions and Peters and Quinn keeping him informed. It was the type of collaboration we’ve heard them say was happening behind closed doors.

There was one moment during “Commanders Log” when we truly saw Peters, a first-time GM, in action. Peters was on the phone with Eagles GM Howie Roseman. Roseman is one of the NFL’s best and loves to make deals. He often wins those deals.

In his dealings with Peters, he tried to sneak one by the Washington boss, but Peters had none of it. Roseman insisted on pick No. 210 being included to finish the deal, while Peters said he needed No. 161. Peters got what he wanted.

He later joked with Roseman that he was a “pain in the ass” but said to his peers later that while the longtime Philly GM drove a hard bargain, he was “a good man.”

What did we learn here?

This was Peters’ first NFL draft, and with the weight of the world on his shoulders, he was calm and relaxed. He made deals, kept his staff and boss aware of what was happening, and didn’t flinch when Roseman tried to talk him out of what he wanted.

Here’s the interaction:

You can’t judge Peters until we see what happens on the field. However, after years of preparing for the role in Denver and San Francisco, Washington may be the team that’s finally rewarded for landing Peters. Long called one of the NFL’s best evaluators, Peters has routinely been praised for how he treats others.

The 2024 NFL draft could change the fortunes of the Commanders for a long time—not just because of Daniels but because of the players Washington picked on Day 2. Peters noted that only 20 players were given gold tags by Peters and his staff. During the Commanders’ first three picks, he landed three of those players.

If multiple players from this draft class hit, they will build a statue of Peters outside of the new stadium. We are joking — sort of. Fans have waited years for a true GM, and Harris hired the best possible candidate he could find. Since Peters accepted the job, he has surrounded himself with other high-level executives who left good jobs to come and work for him. These are the types of executives who never would’ve considered Washington previously.

Times have changed in Washington, and fans have every reason to be excited for the 2024 season and beyond

WATCH: Washington Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green has still got it

After all these years, Darrell Green has still got it.

It’s been a busy time for former Washington cornerback Darrell Green recently. Just before the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders had Green record a video introducing the rookie class to Washington. However, the purpose of that video was to reveal the franchise was retiring his No. 28 jersey next season.

Green’s family surprised him after he learned the news, as did Washington general manager Adam Peters, coach Dan Quinn, and a pair of Green’s former teammates, Doug Williams and Martin Mayhew, who work in the front office.

On the second day of the draft in Detroit, Green was on hand to announce the Commanders’ first second-round pick, Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Green also introduced Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott.

Green’s list of accomplishments on and off the field is lengthy, but a recent viral video emerged to show that Green may still be able to help the Commanders.

Let’s put this into perspective: Green turned 64 in February. The Pro Football Hall of Famer finished his legendary career with 54 interceptions and was a four-time winner of the NFL’s Fastest Man competition.

Washington fans certainly agree it’s good to see Green back in an active role with the organization since Josh Harris took over as owner last summer.

Commanders to retire Darrell Green’s No. 28 jersey

A great way to start the day for the Commanders.

On the first day of the 2024 NFL draft, the Washington Commanders had franchise legend Darrell Green film a video welcoming the class of 2024 to Washington.

Once that portion of the video was complete, someone told Green to read a bit more, in which he would introduce the next Washington player to have his number retired — until he realized it was him.

Yes, that’s right. The Commanders are doing the right thing by finally retiring Green’s No. 28 jersey.

Green became emotional once he realized he would have his jersey retired, and his family quickly joined him.

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Joining Green’s family were minority owner Mitchell Rales—who grew up a Washington fan—former teammates and current team executives Martin Mayhew and Doug Williams, and team president Jason Wright. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn later embraced Green — all wearing his famed No. 28 jersey.

Green said he was humbled by the honor.

“It means a ton to me,” Green said via John Keim of ESPN. “I never thought about this, never dreamed about it, never asked about it, whatever. But when it was spoken to me, it blew me away. It caught me. It touched something down on the inside of me that I didn’t know was there. So now I’m very humbled by this, but this is huge. This is a big deal, and I’m grateful for that. And I’m that guy that played the whole career here, wasn’t chasing the money and stuff, and it just kind of, in many ways, it just validated, man, I made the right decision.”

Managing partner Josh Harris and minority owner Magic Johnson spoke to Green via video.

Harris released a statement via the team’s website:

A first-round pick in the 1983 NFL draft, Green played 20 years for the Redskins, had 54 career interceptions, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Green is the fifth player in franchise history to have his number officially retired.