The franchise was established in 1932 as the Boston Braves, sharing its name and stadium with the city's National League baseball team. 1)
In 1933, the team rebranded to the Boston Redskins before relocating to Washington, D.C., in 1937. 2)
The team secured its first NFL Championship in 1937, their inaugural season in Washington, defeating the Chicago Bears 28-21.3)
Sammy Baugh, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, played his entire career (1937–1952) with Washington and revolutionized the forward pass.4)
Washington played in five NFL Championship games during the 1940s, winning the title in 1942 against the Chicago Bears.5)
In the 1940 NFL Championship game, Washington suffered the worst loss in league history, falling 73-0 to the Chicago Bears.6)
From 1961 to 1996, the team played at RFK Stadium, known for its raucous fans and the stands literally shaking during big moments.7)
Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, leading Washington to victory in Super Bowl XXII.8)
Washington won three Super Bowls (XVII, XXII, XXVI) under Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs.9)
Joe Gibbs returned as head coach in 2004 after a successful first tenure from 1981 to 1992.10)
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Washington's offensive line, nicknamed “The Hogs,” was one of the most dominant in NFL history.11)
Washington’s wide receivers popularized the group high-five celebration in the 1980s, known as the “Fun Bunch.”12)
Washington has fierce rivalries with the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants.13)
The Washington-Dallas rivalry is one of the most heated in the NFL, dating back to the 1960s.14)
Quarterback Joe Theismann suffered a career-ending leg injury on Monday Night Football in 1985, one of the most infamous injuries in sports history.15)
Washington was one of the few NFL teams to have its own marching band, a tradition dating back to 1937.16)
From 1970 to 1985, Washington had an undefeated home record on Monday Night Football.17)
Washington hired Lionel Taylor in 1977 as the NFL’s first Black offensive coordinator.18)
Mark Moseley, the team’s kicker from 1974–1986, remains the only placekicker to ever win the NFL MVP award (1982).19)
The 1991 Washington team, led by coach Joe Gibbs, is considered one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.20)
Washington won its first NFC East title in eight years in 1999, led by quarterback Brad Johnson.21)
Dan Snyder bought the team in 1999, and his tenure was marked by controversy, poor management, and legal troubles.22)
Following years of public pressure, the team retired the Redskins name in 2020 after nearly 90 years.23)
From 2020 to 2022, the franchise played as the Washington Football Team before adopting the Commanders name.24)
In February 2022, the franchise officially rebranded as the Washington Commanders.25)
Washington has maintained its classic burgundy and gold color scheme since 1937.26)
The franchise has had dominant defensive players like Dexter Manley, Darrell Green, and Sean Taylor.27)
The team retired Sean Taylor’s No. 21 jersey in 2021, honoring the late safety who was tragically killed in 2007.28)
Washington has played at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, since 1997, one of the largest stadiums in the NFL.29)
Robert Griffin III won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, leading Washington to an NFC East title.30)
Kirk Cousins’ famous “You Like That?” rallying cry came after leading Washington to a 24-point comeback win in 2015.31)
Washington won the NFC East in 2020 despite a 7-9 record, the third team to ever win a division with a losing record.32)
Quarterback Alex Smith won the 2020 Comeback Player of the Year after returning from a life-threatening leg injury.33)
The first playoff game at FedEx Field was a 14-13 win over the Detroit Lions in 1999. 34)
Washington was on the losing end of a famous comeback when the Eagles’ DeSean Jackson returned a punt for a game-winning touchdown in 2010.35)
Washington won its first playoff game since 1999 by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2005 Wild Card round.36)
The team has drafted numerous Hall of Famers, including Art Monk, Darrell Green, and Champ Bailey.37)
John Riggins’ iconic 43-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XVII sealed Washington’s first Super Bowl victory.38)
Washington went 8-0 at home in the 1982 season, one of the few times they were undefeated at home.39)
Doug Williams threw four touchdown passes in one quarter in Super Bowl XXII, still an NFL record.40)
The team has played international games in Mexico City and London as part of the NFL’s global expansion.41)
Washington hired Ray Flaherty in 1936, but in 1978, they made history again by hiring Tony Greene, the NFL’s first Black defensive coordinator.42)
In 2023, billionaire Josh Harris led a group that purchased the franchise from Dan Snyder for $6.05 billion, the largest sale in North American sports history.43)
With new ownership in place, discussions are underway about building a new stadium to replace FedEx Field in the coming years.44)
In the first-ever NFL Draft in 1936, Washington selected Riley Smith, a quarterback and kicker from Alabama, with the second overall pick.45)