Washington Commanders to retire John Riggins’ No. 44

The Washington Commanders announced today that they will be retiring No. 44, worn by Hall of Fame running back John Riggins.

Riggins, known as “The Diesel,” played for the franchise from 1976-1985, and is still the team’s all-time leading rusher with 7,472 yards.

He was drafted by the New York Jets with pick No. 6 in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft, and spent five seasons there before signing with the Washington Redskins as a free agent in 1976.

Riggins had four 1,000 yard rushing seasons with the team, and led the Redskins to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances in 1983 and 1984, losing the first and winning the second.

In the 1982-83 season, Riggins was named the MVP of Super Bowl XVII as the Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-17, as Riggins rushed 38 times for 166 yards and a touchdown. At the time, he set Super Bowl records for rushing attempts and rushing yards.

During that Super Bowl run, Riggins set an NFL record which still stands today. He ran for 610 yards over the Redskins’ four postseason games, averaging 152.5 rushing yards per game.

The next two seasons were two of the best of Riggins’ career and in franchise history.

The 1983-84 season saw Riggins rush 375 times for 1,347 yards and 24 touchdowns, leading the league in rushing touchdowns.

The following season, Riggins ran 327 times for 1,239 yards and 14 touchdowns, ending tied for first in rushing touchdowns that season.

He retired after the 1985 season, finishing his career with 11,352 rushing yards and 104 rushing touchdowns. He was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 1992.

Riggins will become the seventh player in team history to have their number retired, joining Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), Sean Taylor (21), Darrell Green (28), Sonny Jurgensen (9) and Art Monk (81).

The official jersey retirement on Nov. 8 in Week 9, as the Commanders host the Los Angeles Rams.

Zack Busbee is a sportswriter for Ball Exclusives.