Tag: Doug Williams

Remembering Washington football at RFK Stadium in the 1980s

The greatest decade in franchise history. We share some of the most incredible memories from RFK Stadium in the 1980s.

Joe Gibbs (1981-1992) and his teams were 124-60 (.673) which is slightly less successful than George Allen’s tenure in Washington. However, in the 1980s, Gibbs produced four NFC Championship games, three NFC Championships, three Super Bowls and two Super Bowl victories. Joe Gibbs was an astonishing 11-3 in the playoffs in the ’80s.

Gibbs in 1981, lost his first five games and not one was a single-score game. Gibbs later said he feared he may not win an NFL game before he was fired.

I recall little Joe Washington having big games in RFK wins over the Patriots and Lions. In that Lions game, the lead changed hands six times when Mark Moseley won it with a field goal 33-31. Some may recall Mike Nelms with a 75-yard punt return touchdown in that Patriots win as well.

Washington turned it around in that ’81 season winning their final five games in RFK, finishing the season 8-8. RFK was buzzing as fans excitedly anticipated 1982.

From 1982 I’ll always recall Joe Theismann going deep to Charley Brown in the 13-9 win over the Eagles. I was present at RFK when Joe Theismann executed a great block, allowing Joe Washington to score. RFK went crazy on that play! Moseley kicked the game-winner in the snow in the 15-14 win over the Giants.

The ’82 playoffs at RFK were magical. Art Monk was injured, but Alvin Garrett was awesome, hauling in three Joe Theismann touchdown passes in the 31-7 victory over the Lions.

The next week, John Riggins rushed for 185 yards and bowed to the RFK crowd; Washington defeated the Vikings 21-7, and late, fans started chanting, “We want Dallas.”

The NFC Championship game against Dallas was so intense as RFK fans during warmups chanted, “we want Dallas.” Defensive end Dexter Manley knocked quarterback Danny White out of the game (literally), then rushed Gary Hogeboom, and tipped his screen pass, which Darryl Grant intercepted for a touchdown. To this day, I still believe that play and moment was the greatest experienced at RFK, as Washington defeated Dallas 31-17 to go to Super Bowl XVII.

The ’83 season saw Washington down 35-20, comeback to beat the Raiders 37-35 when Theismann found Washington in the end zone. The season finale at RFK was ugly when fans booed the Redskins, trailing the Giants 19-7. But the team recovered to win 31-22.

The Rams came to town for the playoffs and were crushed 51-7, and the 49ers were down 21-0. Washington held on to win 24-21 earning a trip to Super Bowl XVIII.

In 1984 at RFK, Washington crushed Dallas 34-14; Art Monk broke the single-season reception record (106) in one of the most exciting season finales, I recall, a 29-27 win over the Cardinals.

Joe Theismann on a 1985 Monday Night Football game brought RFK to a stilled silence when he suffered a career-ending compound fracture of the lower leg. Jay Schroeder’s first pass was a bomb to Art Monk as Washington came from behind to defeat the Giants 23-21.

The most exciting 1986 win at RFK came when Washington trailed the Vikings 38-26, rallied to tie at 38-38, and then Gary Clark caught a short pass and ran down the left sideline for a thrilling 44-38 win. The most anticipated RFK game was the Giants game with both teams at 11-2, but the Giants won 24-14 and went on to win Super Bowl XXI.

In the 1987 NFC Championship game, Doug Williams had his worst day as a Washington quarterback. But Williams did find Gary Clark in the end zone for a 17-10 lead. The Redskins defensive stand inside the ten to end the game was epic as Joe Gibbs, knees on a towel, actually turned pale, later saying he thought he was going to pass out.

In 1988, Washington trailed Pittsburgh 29-20 late, but then Williams rallied the team with two scores for a 30-29 win as Williams passed for 430 yards. Later in the season, the Saints led at RFK 24-17, but Williams again led and Washington won 27-24.

What I have always remembered about RFK games in 1989 is the heart-breaking losses in the season’s first two games. Raul Allegre kicked a 52-yard field goal as the Giants won 27-24. The next week Washington led the Eagles 20-0. Gerald Riggs rushed for 221 yards, yet the Eagles rallied for a 42-37 win.

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Michael Vick to lead Docuseries on the evolution of black quarterbacks in the NFL

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Michael Vick to lead a new, 8-part docuseries on the evolution of the Black quarterback in America

Michael Vick will be coming to a television screen near you, thanks to a partnership between the former No. 1 overall pick and SMAC Productions–Fubo Studios.

According to Variety, Vick will lead a new, 8-part docuseries on the evolution of the Black quarterback in America, where he’ll interview players and coaches including Patrick Mahomes, Cam Newton, Tony Dungy, and Andy Reid.

It’s the first project for the newly-formed Fubo Studios.

“I’m excited to be a part of this project because as a kid, I just wanted to have a shot at playing in the National Football League. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be the first African American quarterback drafted #1. I know that was a big step for us in society,” Vick said in a statement. “I was always told that I revolutionized the quarterback position, but I also like to give credit to the ones who I idolized as a kid and who paved the way like Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, and Donovan McNabb. When you look at the evolution of the Black quarterback, it’s because of the people that came before us. And now, I’m thankful for the dual threat concept that has changed the game for the better.”

the Fox NFL analyst and his wife Kijafa Vick, SMAC Productions’ Constance Schwartz-Morini, and Fubo Studios’ David Gandler and Pamela Duckworth serve as executive producers. Fred Anthony Smith, vice president of non-scripted at SMAC Entertainment, is set to direct and executive produce the series.

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Washington Super Bowl Coach stands alone

As Sean McVay and Zac Taylor look to win their first Super Bowl Sunday, we shall never forget Joe Gibbs won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks.

How is it that one coach stands out in contrast to all Super Bowl champion coaches?

Vince Lombardi won the first two Super Bowls with Bart Starr as the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback. Don Shula and Miami won two with Bob Griese. Tom Landry steered Dallas to two Super Bowl trophies with Roger Staubach at the helm. Chuck Noll and the Pittsburgh Steelers won four Super Bowls in the 1970s with Terry Bradshaw behind center.

Tom Flores and the Raiders won two with Jim Plunkett as the leader of the offense. Bill Walsh was the head coach with Joe Montana the field general for three Super Bowl crowns for the 49ers. The 49ers won two more with head coach George Seifert coaching and Montana and Steve Young as signal-callers.

Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer both coached the Cowboys to Super Bowl rings with Troy Aikman taking the snaps from center. Denver’s Mike Shanahan as head coach and John Elway in the pocket for the Broncos won it all twice.

Tom Coughlin’s NY Giants took the crown twice with Eli Manning the on-field general. Last but certainly not least, New England’s Bill Belichick won six rings with Tom Brady as the quarterback.

Seifert is the only one above to win a second Super Bowl with a second quarterback (Montana and Young).

There is also Marv Levy and the Bills who went to multiple Super Bowls with Jim Kelly under center — and lost. Likewise, Dan Reeves led Elway and the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances — they also lost all three.

Yet, there is one other coach to win more than multiple Super Bowls with more than one quarterback, Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins. Gibbs not only won more than one Super Bowl with more than one quarterback, he accomplished the feat three times!

Gibbs led Washington to Super Bowl trophies with Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien winning Super Bowls XVII, XXII and XXVI.

Starr, Griese, Staubach, Bradshaw, Montana, Young, Aikman and Elway are already in the Hall of Fame. Without question Brady will be in the HOF and Eli Manning a 2-time SB MVP is likely to be elected to the HOF. Only Jim Plunkett is likely to not make the HOF.

By contrast, Theismann was only an All-Pro once (1983), and Williams and Rypien were never All-Pro. Rypien had a great year only in 1991. Williams though never even a pro-bowler, was a veteran leader and had huge moments like the playoff win at Chicago (1987) and a nearly perfect 2nd quarter in Super Bowl XXII, earning the MVP.

Joe Gibbs is distinctive among Super Bowl coaches with multiple wins, doing so with three non-Hall of Fame quarterbacks.  Hats off to Coach Joe, who is remarkably now age 81. The Washington franchise and fans were certainly blessed to have enjoyed Joe Jackson Gibbs as head coach.

Washington legend Doug Williams is a fan of the ‘Commanders’

Doug Williams just wants fans to give the name a chance.

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Doug Williams is one of the more celebrated players in Washington’s franchise history. This week was the 34th anniversary of Washington’s 42-10 triumph over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. Williams, who completed 18 of 29 passes for 340 yards with four touchdowns, was named the MVP.

He became the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP.

Since his retirement, Williams has worked as a college head coach and NFL executive. He returned to Washington in 2014, serving in various roles in the team’s front office. Williams is currently a senior adviser.

So, it was no surprise that Williams was involved in unveiling the team’s new name Wednesday. Williams, Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and team president Jason Wright were live on NBC’s Today Show to reveal Commanders as Washington’s new name.

Williams spoke on Washington’s new name and uniforms in the included video.

“I think the uniform and stuff says a lot,” Williams answered when asked about the new uniforms. What I like about it is it is clean and good-looking.”

Williams was then asked about the rebranding process and why this was such a big deal for the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) community.

“Well, I’m certainly not going to say the DMV is gonna take it easy,” Williams said. “You got so many people in this neighborhood that loved the name Washington Redskins for so long that’s all they know. So, it’s something they have to get used to. So I know everybody’s not going to like the new name, but I think they have to give it a chance, let it work. And I also think the team has got to do a good job on the football field. too.”

The name is certainly divisive for Washington fans. But it would be this way regardless of the chosen name. Williams is right; fans should give it a chance — but the team needs to handle its business on the field.

 

First reactions to Commanders from the Washington media

Some early reactions from the Washington media.

“We are the Washington Commanders,” announced Doug Williams on a very low-key NBC Today Show segment in the 8:00 a.m hour.

The reveal at FedEx Field was much better, livelier and more personal. More on that later today, but for now, what have been the first responses from the DMV Sports Media?

Washington legend Brian Mitchell seemed skeptical initially but sees some positives.

Al Galdi described it best.

If you win, people will come around.

Grant Paulsen describes his favorite part of the new branding.

 

 

Doug Williams made history 34 years ago on this day

It was 34 years ago Monday that Doug Williams made history.

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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Joe Gibbs talks Washington’s new name on the anniversary of team’s last Super Bowl win

Joe Gibbs spoke on Wednesday, talking about the 1991 Super Bowl champions, Ron Rivera and the pending name change.

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Joe Gibbs is the greatest coach in Washington history. Joe Gibbs is the most successful individual in Washington’s franchise history. And Joe Gibbs is the most beloved person in Washington history.

On the 30th anniversary of Washington’s last Super Bowl win, the legendary head coach joined “BMitch & Finlay” on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., and looked back at Washington’s 1991 team.

There were plenty of good stories from Gibbs. He joked with BMitch (Brian Mitchell), then a second-year running back and return man. He told stories on some of Washington’s greatest characters. And, in typical Gibbs fashion, he mentioned the words “super smart” and “guts” on more than one occasion.

He joked about the Detroit Lions — a 12-4 team in 1991— that Washington beat by a combined 86-10 score in the team’s two games, including the NFC championship. Detroit’s coach at the time, Wayne Fontes, was a good friend of Gibbs, and Gibbs would apologize to him when the two talked, telling him, “you guys bring out the best in us.”

While Gibbs was his usual happy self, he also made sure everyone knew that team was much more than him or Washington’s high-powered offense. Gibbs praised the players, defensive coordinator Richie Petitbon, special teams and the fans.

And, before Gibbs finished his interview, Finlay asked him if the upcoming name change was bittersweet. Gibbs offered a thoughtful and, as expected, positive response.

I think it’s two things: Will it be a little bit, bittersweet? Yes. Because everything I had, I grew up in North Carolina, and the only football team we could get on TV was the Redskins. I grew up kind of never thinking I’d ever have a chance to coach them. Everything in my house is Redskins. And I think everybody there that is a fan, that’s part of our history. But also, I think for our fans and all of us that love the Redskins, and I feel like I am the biggest Redskins’ fan in the world. Whatever that name is, we are Washington football fans, and we are going to get behind it.

Gibbs also discussed head coach Ron Rivera:

And I think right now with Ron being there, I really feel like Ron is the coach that can get us going. We just need to get the things around him that help him. Think about all the things they’ve went through the last two years.

Finally, Gibbs spoke on his love for the franchise, where between two stints, he spent 16 years as the head coach.

We’re gonna rally, all of us, whatever the name is, we’re gonna rally behind that name. We are Washington football fans. I think it’s the greatest sports franchise in the world. I believe that. I think it’s got a solid base of fans that love that team. It’s the only thing that unites that city. It’s the greatest city in the world to be a part of. I love that. 

This almost 30-minute interview was a welcomed trip down memory lane for longtime Washington fans. The past 30 years have caused much pain and anguish, leaving many to abandon the franchise they once loved. But the one thing any current or lapsed Washington fan can agree on is their love and respect for Gibbs.

“We’re all excited about the new name,” Gibbs said. “Let’s go.”

We agree, Coach. Let’s go.

Some questions regarding the Washington new name unveiling

Some questions about the unveiling of Washington’s new name on Feb. 2.

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February 2, 2022 (2-2-22) will be the unveiling of the new Washington Football team name.

The unveiling will take place on the NBC Today Show.

Is it just me, but why isn’t this being revealed on a local Washington, D.C. TV show? Why not at an arena full of Washington Football Team fans? In a quiet TV studio?

In New York City?

Why is this being done on a Wednesday morning? I suppose they think because it is NBC they will have more viewers? Really? Don’t most Americans ages 25-60 find themselves working on Wednesday mornings? How many working people do you know that watch the Today Show?

When the NFL schedule is released in prime time, ESPN and the NFL Network draw a large audience. The numbers are much larger with the NFL draft as well in prime time on those networks.

With the unveiling being scheduled between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl, NFL fans of all franchises will have some degree of interest in the unveiling of the Washington Football Team’s new name.

I cannot imagine the owners, Daniel and Tanya Snyder being present, fielding questions. Can you? So the other two team officials that have been the most visible are head coach Ron Rivera and team president Jason Wright.

However, Rivera stated Tuesday on the “Sports Junkies” that he absolutely still does not know the name, and he is planning on being at the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine Game, not at the Today Show for the unveiling. Perhaps it will be Jason Wright, Doug Williams and Julie Donaldson?

Some players have acted or implied as if they were told the name. Really? How wise would it be to reveal what you want kept secret to several young adults who probably would not be able to keep such an important secret for twenty days?

Secrets are things you know you need to hold tightly and closely, and all of us adults have all learned the hard way when something we didn’t dare want to be released has been. Consequently, I don’t think Jason Wright has been telling players. If he has, won’t he soon regret it?

Washington rules out a fan favorite for new name

Washington ruled out a fan favorite for its new name. “Wolves” or “Red Wolves” had been a favorite for some of the fanbase.

As announced earlier this morning, the Washington Football Team is now set to reveal their new name/identity on February 2.

This change will be both welcomed by many and resisted by many. That is only natural when you are dealing with people, a long-standing tradition and where there has been much emotional and financial investment.

In a video released by the organization, Doug Williams reflects, “We have been ‘Redskins’ all of our lives, but whatever the change is, I am hugging it.”

Desiring a public acceptance, Washington GM Martin Mayhew expressed, “I hope it is something that embraces DC and the culture we have here.”

“We believe we found a name that our fans and our team across the DMV and beyond can really rally behind,” Washington team president Jason Wright declared, announcing the date.

Damon Jones, WFT Chief Legal Officer reflected on some of the complicated issues and that they were, “Looking at all the similar names and logos that might be out in the marketplace, and how to be sure that you create enough distance from rights that other folks have, (so) that you don’t get yourself into legal trouble.”

“In searching the intellectual property landscape, its extraordinarily complicated for something like this that is going to be this famous and this widely used” continued Jones.

Consequently, a fan favorite, “Red Wolves or Redwolves” was ruled out officially. No doubt this was done now, to eliminate a larger disappointment at the time of the actual announcement.

Seeing they were not going to go with “Redwolves” it is probably wise for Wright to have gone ahead and broken that news to the fans now.

Here is a brief mention and glimpse of the new uniform:

It now appears that the beloved HTTR may cease to exist.

Whatever the choice will be, a lesson that should have been learned is for Wright and Dan Snyder to avoid the politically correct, horrible over-reaction by the MLB Cleveland franchise who announced they were transitioning from the Cleveland “Indians” and becoming the Cleveland “Guardians.”

We earnestly hope Wright and Snyder won’t similarly blow this transition.

Washington to unveil new team name February 2

The date has arrived for Washington to unveil its new team name.

The time is finally here. After going over 18 months without a team nickname, the Washington Football Team has established Feb. 2 as the franchise’s date to unveil its new name.

Washington’s official Twitter account released the following video Tuesday morning, featuring legendary coach Joe Gibbs and former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams. Also featured in the video is general manager Martin Mayhew.

Williams and Mayhew both played in Washington. Williams worked in the front office for several years and is now a senior adviser for the franchise.

While we can surmise what we think the new name will be, we know a pair of popular names are already eliminated.

Back in the summer, team president Jason Wright said “Warriors” would not be the new name. In his “President’s Brief” on Washington’s website, Wright said “Wolves” and “Redwolves” are also eliminated as possible names.

Wright gave the following reasoning:

Early on we understood Wolves — or some variation of it — was one of our fan favorites. As I’ve said all along, we take feedback from our fans seriously, and because of your interest in this name, we put Wolves on a list of options to explore fully. Once we began looking into Wolves, however, we became aware of a notable challenge: trademarks held by other teams would limit our ability to make the name our own. And without Wolves, variations like RedWolves wouldn’t have been viable either for these and other reasons.

That’s indeed interesting. You are eliminating team names because you are worried about potential legal ramifications? Washington has had 18 months to get this right. And, regardless of the choice, it’s not going to bring the fan base together but only continue to divide it.