Washington Commanders to Retire John Riggins' No. 44 Jersey

The Washington Commanders will retire Hall of Fame running back John Riggins' No. 44 jersey during the team's home game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 8. This ceremony formally recognizes the franchise's all-time leading rusher, making him the seventh player in team history to receive this distinguished honor.

Riggins, who played for Washington from 1976 to 1985, amassed 7,742 rushing yards and 85 touchdowns for the organization. His distinguished career featured a Super Bowl MVP performance in 1983, where he rushed for 166 yards in a 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins. During the 1982 postseason, Riggins set an NFL record with 610 rushing yards across four games, showcasing his dominant playoff presence.

Franchise Reconciliation Efforts

This decision to retire Riggins' number stems from a broader initiative to reconcile the franchise with its alumni under the new ownership of Josh Harris, who acquired the team in 2023. Riggins had previously been estranged from the organization during the tenure of former owner Dan Snyder but has since re-engaged with the team's current leadership.

Honoring Team Legends

The retirement of No. 44 follows similar honors recently extended to other franchise legends, Darrell Green and Art Monk, indicating a concerted effort by the current administration to reconnect with the team's rich historical foundation. Harris' ownership group aims to rebuild relationships with former players and celebrate the Commanders' legacy.

Riggins' Legacy and Impact

Riggins, often known as "The Diesel," was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. He spent his first five NFL seasons with the New York Jets and concluded his career with 11,352 rushing yards and 104 touchdowns. His physical style of play and charismatic personality captivated fans and inspired teammates throughout his career, helping define a successful era for the Washington franchise.