Tag: No. 72 in Washington Franchise History

Commanders season opener in 72 days: Washington’s best No. 72?

Dexter Manley is one of the greatest players in franchise history.

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 72 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 72?

There three players who had very successful careers with Washington wearing No. 72. They stand above all of the other No. 72s in Washington’s history. Even more, they all played on the Washington defensive line.

Joe Rutgens (1961-69) came to Washington at perhaps their lowest point in franchise history. He was drafted the 3rd player overall in the 1961 draft. The former Illinois defensive tackle was a nine-year starter for Washington at defensive tackle. For seven seasons, he was the mainstay on the defensive line as injuries cut short his 1966 and 1969 seasons (final season). Rutgens was a Pro Bowler in 1963 and 1965. In that 1965 season, Rutgens had 11.0 sacks and was the only defensive player (7 offensive players) to receive a vote for NFL MVP.

Diron Talbert (1971-80) was clearly the second-best No. 72 in Washington football history. Talbert came to Washington in 1971 with George Allen from the LA Rams. The former Texas Longhorn was a 1974 Pro Bowler. Talbert also registered double-digit sacks for Washington in three consecutive seasons (1974-76) when he achieved 10.0, 10.0 and 12.5 sacks, respectively. Talbert collected 65.5 sacks in his ten Washington seasons. At age 36, he retired after the 1980 season.

Dexter Manley (1981-89) was the 119th overall selection of the 1981 draft by Washington. Manley was a fierce pass rusher and explosive athlete immediately upon his arrival in Washington. He started for three NFC Championship teams and two Super Bowl champion teams. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy four straight seasons (1983-86), achieved double-digit sacks when he registered 11.0, 13.5, 15.0 and 18.5 sacks, respectively. Though a force as a pass rusher, Manley was only a Pro Bowler once (1986). In his nine seasons in Washington, Manley registered 97.0 sacks.