Tag: RB Clarence Harmon (1977-82)

Commanders season opener in 38 days: Washington’s best No. 38

George Rogers wasn’t in Washington a long time, but he was impactful on some great teams.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 38 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 38?

Two players deserve special mention who wore No. 38 for Washington.

Clarence Harmon (1977-82) came to Washington as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State in 1977. When John Riggins was limited to five games, Harmon began to see more action at running back in his rookie season (94 carries for 310 yards). In 1979 Harmon’s third season, he began to assert himself as a reliable 3rd down back, catching 32 passes for 434 yards (an impressive 13.6 yards per reception) and five touchdowns. In 1980, Harmon caught a career-high 54 passes for 534 yards (9.9 yards per reception) and four touchdowns. In Harmon’s last two seasons, he was relegated to spot duty and mostly special teams. He was a member of Washington’s 1982 Super Bowl XVII  championship team.

George Rogers (1985-87) came to Washington in 1985 following his first four seasons in New Orleans and 995 rushing attempts for 4,267 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. Rogers instantly brought Washington a tough, productive runner, rushing 231 times for 1,093 yards and seven touchdowns and a 4.7 yards per carry. The following 1986 season, Rogers carried 303 times for 1,203 yards and an NFL-leading 18 rushing touchdowns as Washington played in the NFC Championship game. 1987 saw Rogers reach nearly 1,700 career carries (1,692), and he began to break down, gaining 613 yards on 163 carries.  Rogers, though injured, played in both playoff wins and the Super Bowl XXII win over Denver. Rogers retired following the 1987 season.