The Washington Redskins built their identity on toughness, power, and championship football. That identity started with No. 44, John Riggins. It was announced on Thursday that the franchise will retire the iconic running back’s number.
Statistics explain why Riggins belongs in the Hall of Fame. They do not explain why generations of Redskins fans still wear No. 44 every Sunday, still replay one run from Super Bowl XVII, and still talk about “Riggo” as if he retired yesterday. For many who grew up during the Joe Gibbs era, John Riggins was not simply a great running back. He was the identity of Washington football.
Riggins Was the Face of an Era
When Redskins fans recall the golden age, few names echo in the halls like that of John Riggins. During Joe Gibbs’ tenure Washington collected three Lombardi Trophies, and Riggins was a centerpiece to the brutal, physical style that these three title teams would be known for. Alongside the Hogs, he was the face of a franchise that aimed to outmuscle rather than outgun teams. For a generation of 1980s Skins fans, #44 was not only their team’s best player. He was Washington football.
The Most Iconic Play in Franchise History
Every franchise has one play that immediately comes to mind, and for Washington, it is difficult to top Riggins’ 43-yard touchdown run on fourth and one in Super Bowl XVII. With the Redskins clinging to a three-point lead, Washington put the game in Riggins’ hands. He broke through the line, shrugged off Miami defensive back Don McNeal, and sprinted to the end zone for one of the most unforgettable moments in NFL history. More than four decades later, that run remains the defining image of Redskins football.
Riggins Represented Toughness
Long before highlight reels were filled with dazzling cuts and celebrations, Riggins built his reputation by doing the hard work. The other team knew that the handoff was coming, and there wasn’t much they could do about it. He didn’t mind mixing it up with the defenders and managed to increase his effectiveness throughout games. His blue-collar work ethic complemented the hard work that was associated with the Hogs and their fans.
The Hogs and Riggins Were the Perfect Match
You can’t tell John Riggins’ story without talking about the Hogs. One of the best offensive lines in NFL history created the opportunity for Riggins, but he was the running back who personified that brutal style of football. He was exactly what they needed. They wore down defenses at the point of attack, and then Riggins would finish the job by pushing for those few extra yards others would not fight for.
They made each other the foundation of Washington’s championship culture. In fact, most people can’t even envision a Super Bowl team without both of them present.
His Personality Matched His Game
Riggins was never aiming for the persona of a clean-cut, mainstream idol. He exuded confidence, without a doubt, but was not inclined to change his persona for anybody. This quality not only cemented Washington fans’ admiration but was the foundation of the trust between him and the people. Riggins was as unapologetically authentic as they come.
That same boldness, evident during his media availabilities each week, spilled onto the field on Sundays as he ran with conviction. He ran with authority, welcomed contact, and played with an edge that reflected his larger-than-life personality. It is one of the reasons “Riggo” became more than a nickname. He became a folk hero in Washington, someone fans admired as much for who he was as for what he accomplished.
Why This Retirement Is Different
Retiring No. 44 is about honoring a Hall of Fame career, but it also signals something larger. Many longtime Redskins players struggled to connect with the team during the previous ownership. Under the new ownership led by Josh Harris, Washington has clearly made a point to welcome the players and traditions that were the lifeblood of the franchise. Retiring John Riggins’ number is not just a long overdue honor for one player; it’s an affirmation of a history that a large part of the fan base never lost touch with.
