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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)