Table of Contents
Washington Commanders
Origins in Boston
The franchise was established in 1932 as the Boston Braves, sharing its name and stadium with the city's National League baseball team. 1)
Name Change to Redskins
In 1933, the team rebranded to the Boston Redskins before relocating to Washington, D.C., in 1937. 2)
First NFL Championship
The team secured its first NFL Championship in 1937, their inaugural season in Washington, defeating the Chicago Bears 28-21.3)
Historic Quarterback Sammy Baugh
Sammy Baugh, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, played his entire career (1937–1952) with Washington and revolutionized the forward pass.4)
Dominance in the 1940s
Washington played in five NFL Championship games during the 1940s, winning the title in 1942 against the Chicago Bears.5)
The Infamous 73-0 Loss
In the 1940 NFL Championship game, Washington suffered the worst loss in league history, falling 73-0 to the Chicago Bears.6)
RFK Stadium Era
From 1961 to 1996, the team played at RFK Stadium, known for its raucous fans and the stands literally shaking during big moments.7)
First African American Super Bowl MVP
Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, leading Washington to victory in Super Bowl XXII.8)
Three Super Bowl Titles
Washington won three Super Bowls (XVII, XXII, XXVI) under Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs.9)
Joe Gibbs' Return
Joe Gibbs returned as head coach in 2004 after a successful first tenure from 1981 to 1992.10)
The Hogs Offensive Line
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Washington's offensive line, nicknamed “The Hogs,” was one of the most dominant in NFL history.11)
The "Fun Bunch" Celebration
Washington’s wide receivers popularized the group high-five celebration in the 1980s, known as the “Fun Bunch.”12)
Notable Rivalries
Washington has fierce rivalries with the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants.13)
The Dallas Cowboys Rivalry
The Washington-Dallas rivalry is one of the most heated in the NFL, dating back to the 1960s.14)
The Joe Theismann Injury
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)
The Washington Marching Band
Washington was one of the few NFL teams to have its own marching band, a tradition dating back to 1937.16)
The Unbeaten Monday Night Football Streak
From 1970 to 1985, Washington had an undefeated home record on Monday Night Football.17)
First Black NFL Assistant Coach
Washington hired Lionel Taylor in 1977 as the NFL’s first Black offensive coordinator.18)
Washington's Legendary Kickers
Mark Moseley, the team’s kicker from 1974–1986, remains the only placekicker to ever win the NFL MVP award (1982).19)
The Franchise’s 1991 Team
The 1991 Washington team, led by coach Joe Gibbs, is considered one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.20)
1999 NFC East Champions
Washington won its first NFC East title in eight years in 1999, led by quarterback Brad Johnson.21)
Dan Snyder’s Controversial Ownership
Dan Snyder bought the team in 1999, and his tenure was marked by controversy, poor management, and legal troubles.22)
Washington's Rebranding Process
Following years of public pressure, the team retired the Redskins name in 2020 after nearly 90 years.23)
Temporary Name – Washington Football Team
From 2020 to 2022, the franchise played as the Washington Football Team before adopting the Commanders name.24)
The Commanders Era Begins
In February 2022, the franchise officially rebranded as the Washington Commanders.25)
The Burgundy & Gold Colors
Washington has maintained its classic burgundy and gold color scheme since 1937.26)
Washington’s Defensive Legacy
The franchise has had dominant defensive players like Dexter Manley, Darrell Green, and Sean Taylor.27)
The Sean Taylor Tribute
The team retired Sean Taylor’s No. 21 jersey in 2021, honoring the late safety who was tragically killed in 2007.28)
FedEx Field Home Since 1997
Washington has played at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, since 1997, one of the largest stadiums in the NFL.29)
The 2012 RG3 Hype
Robert Griffin III won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, leading Washington to an NFC East title.30)
The Kirk Cousins "You Like That?" Moment
Kirk Cousins’ famous “You Like That?” rallying cry came after leading Washington to a 24-point comeback win in 2015.31)
The 2020 NFC East Championship
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)
Alex Smith’s Incredible Comeback
Quarterback Alex Smith won the 2020 Comeback Player of the Year after returning from a life-threatening leg injury.33)
Washington's First Playoff Game at FedEx Field
The first playoff game at FedEx Field was a 14-13 win over the Detroit Lions in 1999. 34)
The "Miracle in the Meadowlands II"
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)
The 2005 Playoff Run
Washington won its first playoff game since 1999 by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2005 Wild Card round.36)
Washington’s NFL Draft Success
The team has drafted numerous Hall of Famers, including Art Monk, Darrell Green, and Champ Bailey.37)
The John Riggins Super Bowl MVP Performance
John Riggins’ iconic 43-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XVII sealed Washington’s first Super Bowl victory.38)
The Only Undefeated Home Season
Washington went 8-0 at home in the 1982 season, one of the few times they were undefeated at home.39)
The Doug Williams Super Bowl Record
Doug Williams threw four touchdown passes in one quarter in Super Bowl XXII, still an NFL record.40)
Washington’s International Games
The team has played international games in Mexico City and London as part of the NFL’s global expansion.41)
The First Black NFL Head Coach
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)
The 2023 Ownership Change
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)
Future Stadium Plans
With new ownership in place, discussions are underway about building a new stadium to replace FedEx Field in the coming years.44)
Washington’s First-Ever Draft Pick
In the first-ever NFL Draft in 1936, Washington selected Riley Smith, a quarterback and kicker from Alabama, with the second overall pick.45)