Fans still debate what the best Washington Redskins nickname of all time really is. From hard-hitting legends to larger-than-life personalities, the team’s history is packed with unforgettable monikers that captured the spirit of each era.
For today’s Flashback Friday, we highlight some of the most iconic nicknames from the Redskins years — names that still resonate with fans today.
We are talking about strictly individual nicknames here. Not unit nicknames, like The Hogs or The Posse.
Top 5
1. Dexter Manley – “Secretary of Defense” – So named by actual Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. Weinberger served in that position from 1981 to 1987. He reportedly gave Manley this moniker due to his relentless and commanding presence on the field. Manley had 97 sacks in nine seasons with the Redskins – unofficially the most.
2. Slingin‘ Sammy Baugh – Got the nickname from a Texas sportswriter while he was still playing baseball. He became one of the first prolific passers in the NFL. He played all his 15 years with the Redskins, including the positions of defensive back and punter.
3. John Riggins – “The Diesel” – Riggins was the battering ram of the NFL. He was a bruising running back that feasted on inside runs, most notably a play called “70 Chip.” At 6’2″, 240 pounds, “The Diesel” was a workhorse and a touchdown machine. They used to play a great diesel horn whenever he made a big play. Other nicknames: Riggo
4. Darrell Green – “The Ageless Wonder” – DG played at a high-level throughout his 20-year NFL career. He is the second oldest player to return an interception for a touchdown. Green was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time All-Pro selection, and two-time Super Bowl champion. Other nicknames: Mr. Redskin
5. Sean Taylor – “Meast” – Half man, half beast. The safety made a name for himself as one of the most feared defenders in the league. At 6-2, 225 pounds, Taylor had the size of a linebacker and the speed of a defensive back. He used his athleticism to provide coverage all over the field in the passing game and imposed his will on receivers, running backs and the occasional Pro Bowl punter.
Best Washington Redskins Nickname: 6-10
6. Wilber Marshall – “Steve Austin” – Marshall signed a $6 million contract to play for the Washington Redskins, which was a very large sum at the time. His teammates named him “Steve Austin” after the Six Million Dollar Man character. Rumor has it that Wilber didn’t like it much.
7. Pat Fischer – “Mouse” – He was well known for his strong tackling skills despite his diminutive size. Fischer had played in 213 NFL games, then a record for a cornerback. Fischer finished his 17-year career with 56 interceptions, and ranks seventh all-time in Redskins career interceptions with 27 and fourth all-time with 412 career interception return yards.
8. Rick ‘Doc‘ Walker – Original member of The Hogs. distinguished himself over nine years with his blocks and timely catches on the football field and his leadership in the locker room. He’s on this list because most people probably don’t even know his real name because of the frequency and familiarity with his nickname.
9. Joe Theismann: “Captain Bubbly” – Led the Washington Redskins to a Super Bowl victory and earned NFL MVP honors in 1983, before suffering the infamous career ending injury on Monday Night Football in 1985. The nickname just fits. Fantastic personality – incredible charisma – Joe is a franchise treasure.
10. Charlie Brown: “Downtown” – Due to his exceptional ability to make long, game-changing receptions. He was a key member of the Washington Redskins’ receiving corps during the early 1980s, and was part of the Redskins’ wide receiver unit known as “The Smurfs”
Honorable Mentions
Peter Cronan: “Cronan the Barbarian”
Monte Coleman: “Superman”
Clint Didier: “Frog”
Mark May: “MayDay”
Joe Washington: “Go-Go”
Dave Butz: “Bruno”
Feedback
Hit me up on X at @TheHogsdotnetV2 and let me know what your favorite is. Did I miss any great ones?