​The Washington Commanders, under Josh Harris and his ownership group, continue to make notable moves that signal a strong commitment to the franchise’s legacy. In another significant development on Thursday, the team announced it will retire Hall of Fame running back John Riggins’ iconic No. 44 jersey. The retirement ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, when the Commanders host the Los Angeles Rams, marking a fitting moment to honor a player who left an indelible mark on the franchise and its history.
Riggins’ path to NFL stardom began at the University of Kansas, where he shattered Gale Sayers’ school rushing record with 2,659 yards. His college success propelled him to the pros, where he was selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. After five seasons in New York, Riggins signed with the Redskins as a free agent in 1976, beginning a decade-long chapter in Washington. Although he sat out the 1980 season due to a contract dispute, he returned to become a central figure for the burgundy and gold for ten seasons, ultimately setting the franchise record for career rushing yards with 7,472. In addition to his rushing totals, Riggins scored 79 touchdowns for Washington, further cementing his status as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Across his NFL career, Riggins accumulated 11,352 rushing yards and 104 rushing touchdowns, along with 12 receiving touchdowns. Nicknamed “Riggo” or “Diesel,” he twice led the league in rushing and guided Washington to two Super Bowl appearances, capturing one championship. He earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XVII, a performance that remains a defining moment in team history. One of the most memorable plays in NFL lore is Riggins’ 43-yard touchdown run against the Miami Dolphins, a sequence frequently cited among the sport’s iconic moments.
Riggins’ legacy extends beyond statistics. He was named to the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team, earned a place in the Commanders Ring of Fame, and is recognized as one of the 90 greatest Washington players. His contributions culminated in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, a testament to the impact he had on the game and the franchise.
In commenting on Riggins’ tribute, team owner Josh Harris released a statement praising the impact of the Hall of Fame back. Riggins now joins a distinguished group within the franchise’s pantheon—the seventh player to have his jersey retired. The others are Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), Sean Taylor (21), Sonny Jurgensen (9), Darrell Green (28), and Art Monk (81). Notably, Green, Monk, and Riggins have all been honored with jersey retirements since Harris acquired the team in 2023, underscoring a broader initiative to celebrate the franchise’s most enduring legends.
This feature was originally published on Commanders Wire and highlights the team’s decision to honor John Riggins’ No. 44 with a retirement, emphasizing the significance of his impact on Washington’s football identity. The decision reflects a broader effort to reinforce the franchise’s heritage while continuing to build toward future success under the current ownership.