Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 44 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 44?
A few of us old-timers will remember Washington RB Moses Denson who ran two seasons for the Redskins (1974-75). An even smaller number of us will recall Jeff Severson, who enjoyed a seven-year career in the NFL but only one with Washington. Severson was a defensive back who played special teams hard for Marv Levy and George Allen in 1972.
But the greatest No. 44 in Washington history is no doubt Robert John Riggins (1976-1979, 81-85). George Allen brought Riggins to Washington to play fullback. He was a good blocking fullback, but Riggo is best known for his running.
@80sFootballCard 1979 – John Riggins Makes Incredible Hard Block
on Lions Defender #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/lARIfOsVLA— Alex Carter (@Dark305Knight) July 11, 2022
The Diesel rushed for 24 touchdowns in 1983, setting an NFL record. The following season, he again led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (14). The former Kansas Jayhawk rushed for over 1,000 yards in four seasons for Washington (1978, 1979 1983, 1984).
In the 1982 playoffs, Riggo rushed 136 times for 610 yards (4.5 per attempt) and four touchdowns. In Super Bowl XVII against Miami, Riggins rushed 38 times for 166 yards, scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 43-yard run and was named Super Bowl MVP.
🗓️ Jan 30th, 1983
🏆 Super Bowl XVII
🏟️ Rose Bowl
👑 John Riggins MVP
🥇 38 carries for 166 yds – both SB records
🚛 Game winning 43 yd TD run in the 4th
🎙️ Dick Enberg & Merlin Olsen
📺 NBC Sports#HTTC #TheDiesel #TheHogs #SuperBowlXVII pic.twitter.com/e3CtCW7bWb— 80s Football Cards 🏈 🙌 (@80sFootballCard) January 30, 2023
Riggins, in his nine Washington seasons, rushed for 7,472 yards. Coupled with his 3,880 yards in five NY Jets seasons, he finished his career rushing for 11,352 yards, including 104 rushing touchdowns. Riggins was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992 and was named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002.