Washington Commanders announce next player to have his number retired

The Washington Commanders have officially announced the next player who will have his number retired by the franchise. 

That honor belongs to running back John Riggins, who played for Washington from 1976 to 1985 and helped lead the team to victory in Super Bowl XVII.

John Riggins to have No. 44 jersey retired by Washington Commanders

Riggins’ No. 44 jersey will be officially retired at halftime of  Washington’s Week 9 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

Riggins will be just the seventh player in franchise history to have his jersey number retired, joining Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Sean Taylor, Sonny Jurgensen, Darrell Green and Art Monk. 

“Riggo, as many know him, helped define one of the most successful eras in our history. He played with a rare combination of physicality, fearlessness and personality that captivated fans and inspired his teammates,” Commanders owner Josh Harris said in a statement.

“… Our fans not only admired him, they identified with him. He is authentic, unapologetically himself and deeply connected to the people around him.”

Some would argue that Riggins is overdue to have his jersey retired, but better late than never. 

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