The Greatest Washington Redskins of All Time

The Washington Redskins are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League, with a rich history dating back to their founding in 1932. Over the decades, the team has been home to some of the greatest players to ever grace the gridiron, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of their loyal fanbase.

Offense Legends

Quarterbacks

The Redskins have been blessed with a long line of exceptional quarterbacks, each leaving their own unique imprint on the team's legacy. From the gunslinging prowess of Sammy Baugh in the 1940s to the pinpoint accuracy of Joe Theismann in the 1970s and 80s, these signal-callers have captivated audiences with their skill and leadership.

One of the most iconic Redskins quarterbacks is undoubtedly Sonny Jurgensen, whose rocket arm and uncanny field vision made him a perennial Pro Bowler in the 1960s. Jurgensen's ability to dissect defenses and deliver the ball with precision was a sight to behold, and his impact on the franchise is still felt today.

Another legendary Redskins quarterback is Doug Williams, who etched his name in history by becoming the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Williams' performance in Super Bowl XXII, where he threw for a then-record 340 yards and four touchdowns, is considered one of the greatest individual performances in the big game's history.

Running Backs

The Redskins have also been blessed with a long line of dominant running backs, each leaving their own indelible mark on the franchise. One of the most revered is John Riggins, whose bruising running style and clutch performances in the playoffs made him a fan favorite in the nation's capital.

Riggins' most famous moment came in Super Bowl XVII, when he rumbled 43 yards for the game-winning touchdown, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest Redskins of all time. Another legendary Redskins running back is Clinton Portis, whose combination of speed, power, and elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses in the early 2000s.

Wide Receivers

The Redskins have also been home to some of the most dynamic wide receivers in NFL history. One of the most iconic is Art Monk, whose sure hands and precise route-running made him a favorite target of Redskins quarterbacks for over a decade. Monk's ability to make clutch catches and move the chains was instrumental in the team's success during the 1980s and early 90s.

Another legendary Redskins wide receiver is Charley Taylor, whose versatility and playmaking ability made him a threat both as a receiver and a runner. Taylor's combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his greatness.

Tight Ends

The Redskins have also been blessed with some of the best tight ends in NFL history, including the iconic duo of Jerry Smith and Doc Walker. Smith, a dominant blocker and reliable receiver, was a key cog in the Redskins' offense during the 1960s and 70s, while Walker's athleticism and pass-catching prowess made him a valuable weapon in the team's aerial attack.

Another legendary Redskins tight end is Chris Cooley, whose combination of size, strength, and sure hands made him a favorite target of Redskins quarterbacks in the 2000s. Cooley's ability to make tough catches in traffic and his willingness to block in the running game made him an invaluable asset to the team.

Offensive Linemen

The Redskins' offensive line has been a source of pride for the franchise, with several legendary players paving the way for the team's success over the years. One of the most iconic is Russ Grimm, whose combination of size, strength, and technical prowess made him a dominant force on the interior of the offensive line.

Grimm's leadership and tenacity were instrumental in the Redskins' success during the 1980s, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his greatness. Another legendary Redskins offensive lineman is Joe Jacoby, whose size, athleticism, and mean streak made him one of the most dominant tackles in the league during his playing career.

Defense Legends

Defensive Linemen

The Redskins have also been home to some of the most dominant defensive linemen in NFL history, including the legendary Dexter Manley. Manley's combination of size, speed, and relentless motor made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and his ability to disrupt the quarterback was a key factor in the team's success during the 1980s.

Another legendary Redskins defensive lineman is Dave Butz, whose size, strength, and technique made him a force to be reckoned with in the trenches. Butz's ability to stuff the run and pressure the quarterback was instrumental in the team's success during the 1970s and 80s, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his greatness.

Linebackers

The Redskins have also been home to some of the most dominant linebackers in NFL history, including the iconic duo of Chris Hanburger and Ken Harvey. Hanburger, a hard-hitting middle linebacker, was the heart and soul of the Redskins' defense during the 1960s and 70s, while Harvey's combination of size, speed, and pass-rushing ability made him a terror for opposing offenses in the 1990s.

Another legendary Redskins linebacker is London Fletcher, whose intelligence, instincts, and relentless work ethic made him one of the most consistent and productive players in the league during his career. Fletcher's ability to make plays all over the field and his leadership on the defense were instrumental in the team's success during the 2000s.

Cornerbacks

The Redskins have also been home to some of the most dominant cornerbacks in NFL history, including the legendary Darrell Green. Green's combination of speed, agility, and coverage skills made him a nightmare for opposing wide receivers, and his ability to make game-changing plays in the secondary was a key factor in the team's success during the 1980s and 90s.

Another legendary Redskins cornerback is Champ Bailey, whose combination of size, speed, and ball skills made him one of the most dominant defensive backs in the league during his career. Bailey's ability to shut down opposing receivers and his knack for making game-changing plays in the secondary were instrumental in the team's success during the early 2000s.

Safeties

The Redskins have also been home to some of the most dominant safeties in NFL history, including the iconic duo of Ken Houston and Tony Peters. Houston, a hard-hitting strong safety, was known for his bone-crushing hits and his ability to make game-changing plays in the secondary, while Peters' combination of size, speed, and coverage skills made him a valuable asset in the Redskins' defensive backfield.

Another legendary Redskins safety is Sean Taylor, whose combination of size, speed, and ferocity made him one of the most feared players in the league during his short but brilliant career. Taylor's ability to make game-changing plays in the secondary and his willingness to lay the hammer on opposing players made him a fan favorite in the nation's capital.

Special Teams Standouts

The Redskins have also been home to some of the most dominant special teams players in NFL history, including the legendary kicker Mark Moseley. Moseley's accuracy and clutch performance in pressure situations made him a valuable asset to the team, and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a testament to his greatness.

Another legendary Redskins special teams player is Darrell Green, who was not only a dominant cornerback but also a dynamic return specialist. Green's combination of speed, agility, and vision made him a threat to take it to the house every time he touched the ball, and his ability to make game-changing plays on special teams was a key factor in the team's success during the 1980s and 90s.

Coaches and Front Office Figures

The Redskins' success over the years has not only been a result of their talented players, but also the leadership and vision of their coaches and front office figures. One of the most iconic is Joe Gibbs, whose innovative offensive schemes and ability to get the most out of his players made him one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

Gibbs' leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in the Redskins' success during the 1980s, as he led the team to three Super Bowl victories and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in the game. Another legendary Redskins figure is general manager Bobby Beathard, whose ability to identify and acquire top-tier talent was a key factor in the team's success during the 1980s and 90s.

Hall of Fame Inductees

The Redskins' rich history is reflected in the number of players, coaches, and front office figures who have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. From Sammy Baugh and Sonny Jurgensen to Joe Gibbs and Bobby Beathard, the Redskins have been home to some of the greatest names in the sport, and their induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to their lasting impact on the game.

Impact on Team's Success

The Redskins' legendary players, coaches, and front office figures have all played a crucial role in the team's success over the years. From their three Super Bowl victories in the 1980s and 90s to their numerous division titles and playoff appearances, the Redskins have been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL.

The team's ability to consistently field competitive teams and make deep playoff runs has been a testament to the talent and leadership of its players and coaches, and their impact on the franchise's legacy is undeniable. Whether it's the clutch performances of John Riggins in the Super Bowl or the dominant defensive play of Dexter Manley, the Redskins' greatest players have left an indelible mark on the team and the sport as a whole.

Cultural Impact and Fan Favorites

The Redskins' legendary players have also had a significant cultural impact, both within the team's fanbase and the broader sports landscape. From the iconic images of Sonny Jurgensen slinging the ball downfield to the thunderous ovations for John Riggins as he rumbled into the end zone, the Redskins' greatest players have become beloved figures in the nation's capital.

The team's fan base, known for their passionate and loyal support, have embraced these players as their own, and their legacies have become intertwined with the team's identity. Whether it's the "Hogs" of the 1980s offensive line or the "Fun Bunch" of the 1980s receiving corps, the Redskins' greatest players have become cultural touchstones, inspiring generations of fans and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Comparing Eras: Old School vs. Modern Greats

As the Redskins' history has spanned nearly a century, it's natural to compare the team's legendary players across different eras. While the game has evolved significantly over the years, with changes in rules, equipment, and training methods, the Redskins' greatest players have consistently demonstrated the timeless qualities that make them true legends of the sport.

Whether it's the raw power and physicality of John Riggins or the finesse and precision of Art Monk, the Redskins' greatest players have all left their mark on the game, transcending the boundaries of their respective eras. And as the team continues to evolve and adapt to the modern game, the legacy of these legendary players will continue to inspire and captivate Redskins fans for generations to come.

Legacy and Lasting Influence on the Franchise

The Redskins' greatest players have not only left an indelible mark on the team's history, but also on the broader landscape of the NFL. From the innovative offensive schemes of Joe Gibbs to the dominant defensive play of Dexter Manley, the Redskins' legendary players have influenced the way the game is played and coached, inspiring generations of players and coaches to follow in their footsteps.

The team's rich history and the enduring legacy of its greatest players have also made the Redskins one of the most iconic and recognizable franchises in the NFL. Whether it's the team's iconic fight song or the passionate support of its fanbase, the Redskins' identity is inextricably linked to the legendary players who have donned the burgundy and gold over the years.

As the Redskins continue to write new chapters in their storied history, the legacy of their greatest players will continue to loom large, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike. And for those who have had the privilege of witnessing the Redskins' greatest moments, the memories of these legendary players will forever be etched in their hearts and minds, a testament to the enduring power of sports and the indelible impact of true greatness.