John Riggins transformed from a Kansas farm boy into one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs. His powerful running style and colorful personality made him a Washington Redskins legend. Moreover, his Super Bowl XVII performance remains one of football’s greatest individual achievements.
Career Highlights
- Super Bowl champion (XVII)
- Super Bowl MVP (XVII)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1978)
- First-team All-Pro (1983)
- Pro Bowl (1975)
- 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1983, 1984)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Bert Bell Award (1983)
- Washington Redskins 90 Greatest
- Washington Redskins Ring of Fame
- 2× First-team All-Big Eight (1968, 1970)
- Second-team All-Big Eight (1969)
Here Comes The Diesel, John Riggins
Robert John Riggins was born on August 4, 1949, in Seneca, Kansas. He grew up on a farm in the small town of Centralia. Subsequently, his rural upbringing instilled the work ethic that would define his football career.
Riggins attended Centralia High School, where he excelled in multiple sports. He was a three-sport athlete, earning high school All-American recognition in football, all-state honors in basketball and twice winning the Class B 100-yard dash state title.
That same Centralia High School is now on the re-named John Riggins Avenue, and they play at Riggins Field.
His athletic ability caught the attention of college recruiters across the nation. Eventually, the University of Kansas offered him a scholarship to play football.
College Diesel
At Kansas, John Riggins became a dominant force in the Big Eight Conference. He played for the Jayhawks from 1968 to 1970. During this time, he established himself as one of college football’s premier running backs.
His college statistics were remarkable by any standard. Riggins rushed for 2,659 yards and 25 touchdowns during his three-year career. He broke the incomparable Gale Sayers’ rushing records at the University of Kansas.
The 1969 season represented the pinnacle of John Riggins’ college career. He led Kansas to the Orange Bowl. Furthermore, his performances earned him All-American recognition and national attention.
Early NFL Years: John Riggins with the New York Jets
The 1971 NFL Draft brought John Riggins to professional football. The New York Jets selected him with the sixth overall pick. Consequently, he became the first running back chosen in that draft class.
His Jets career began with immediate impact and promise. Riggins rushed for 769 yards as a rookie in 1971. The performance established him as one of the league’s emerging talents.
During his five seasons in New York, John Riggins developed his signature running style. He combined power with surprising speed and agility. His punishing approach wore down defenders throughout games.
The Jets years provided valuable experience for Riggins’ future success. He rushed for 4,339 yards and 25 touchdowns during his New York tenure. However, contract disputes and team struggles limited his overall satisfaction.
By 1975, John Riggins had grown frustrated with the Jets organization. Contract negotiations stalled, and the team struggled to achieve success. Therefore, he began exploring opportunities with other franchises.
The Washington Years: John Riggins’ Redskins Dynasty
John Riggins joined the Washington Redskins as a free agent in 1976. The move transformed both his career and the franchise’s fortunes.
Initially, Riggins was used mostly in short-yardage situations. Then he missed much of 1977 with a knee injury.
The Diesel came back with fervor though and put up back-to-back 1000+ yard seasons in 1978 and 1979, including a personal best of 1153 yards and 9 touchdowns in ’79.
The Holdout: 1980 Sabbatical
In July 1980, during training camp, Riggins asked to renegotiate his $300,000-per-year contract, but the Redskins declined. In response, Riggins left camp. The team then placed him on the left camp-retired list—making him ineligible to play for any other NFL team. He sat out the entire 1980 season. He did not return until 1981, when new head coach Joe Gibbs personally traveled to Kansas to persuade him to come back.
When Gibbs met Riggo for the first time, he was hunting and drinking beer early in the morning, leaving a poor first impression. Despite thinking he was arrogant and eccentric, the coach agreed to bring him back. All the while thinking that he’d trade him. However, Riggo’s only demand was a no-trade clause—preventing exactly that.
In 1981, John Riggins ended his holdout and returned to Washington. His famous declaration captured his mindset perfectly.
“I’m broke, I’m bored and I’m back.”
The year away from football may have actually benefited Riggins’ career. He returned refreshed and motivated for the championship seasons ahead. Furthermore, his absence made his return even more appreciated.
Championship Glory, Super Bowl XVII Triumph
The 1982 season represented the pinnacle of John Riggins’ professional career. Despite a strike-shortened regular season, Washington emerged as championship contenders. The playoffs would showcase Riggins at his absolute best.
His postseason performances were nothing short of legendary. Riggins rushed for 444 yards in the three playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins became John Riggins’ defining moment. He carried the ball 38 times for 166 yards and one touchdown. His performance managed to grab modern NFL football by the scruff of the neck and toss it a few decades back into a simpler era, setting Super Bowl records for carries and yards.
The famous “70 Chip” play became Super Bowl folklore. On fourth and one, John Riggins broke through the line for a 43-yard touchdown. This run essentially sealed Washington’s 27-17 victory over Miami.
His Super Bowl MVP award capped a remarkable championship season. The performance validated years of hard work and dedication. Moreover, it established Riggins among the greatest postseason performers in NFL history.
The Later Washington Years: John Riggins’ Continued Excellence
Following his Super Bowl triumph, John Riggins continued his dominant play. The 1983 season became his most productive individual campaign. He rushed for 1,347 yards and 24 touchdowns that year.
His 24 rushing touchdowns in 1983 set an NFL record at the time. The achievement demonstrated his continued excellence despite advancing age. Additionally, it helped Washington reach another NFC Championship Game.
The 1984 season brought John Riggins his final productive campaign. He rushed for 1,239 yards and 14 touchdowns that year. However, the physical toll of his punishing style was becoming apparent.
Age and accumulated injuries began affecting Riggins’ performance in 1985. He managed only 677 rushing yards in his final season. Nevertheless, his leadership and experience remained valuable to the team.
John Riggins announced his retirement following the 1985 season. His nine-year Washington career had established him as a franchise legend. Joe Gibbs had built his offense around “workhorse running backs” like Riggins, utilizing him to “power the ground game” behind the dominant offensive line.
Playing Style and John Riggins’ Football Philosophy
John Riggins exemplified old-school football values throughout his career. His playing style emphasized power, determination, and physical confrontation. He relished contact and rarely avoided hitting defenders head-on.
His size and strength made him ideally suited for short-yardage situations. Riggins converted countless third and fourth down attempts throughout his career. Furthermore, his presence in the backfield intimidated opposing defenses.
The famous mohawk haircut became part of John Riggins’ mystique. He sported the unconventional hairstyle early in his career. This decision reflected his rebellious personality and individual approach to the game.
His preparation and work ethic were legendary among teammates and coaches. Riggins approached each game with meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, he maintained excellent physical condition throughout his career.
John Riggins believed in simplicity and execution over complexity. He preferred straightforward running plays to elaborate schemes. This philosophy aligned perfectly with Joe Gibbs’ offensive system in Washington.
Post-Retirement: John Riggins’ Life After Football
Retirement opened new chapters in John Riggins’ life and career. He pursued various interests beyond football, including acting and broadcasting. His colorful personality made him a natural fit for entertainment ventures.
Acting became one of his post-football passions. Riggins took lessons and appeared in various productions. His theatrical work included off-off-Broadway performances and television appearances.
His farm in Kansas remained an important part of John Riggins’ life. He enjoyed the peaceful rural setting after years of football intensity. The farm provided a connection to his roots and childhood.
Recognition and John Riggins’ Hall of Fame Legacy
The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted John Riggins in 1992. This honor recognized his outstanding contributions to professional football. His enshrinement speech reflected his appreciation for the game and his teammates.
The Washington Redskins inducted Riggins into their Ring of Fame in 1990. When his name was called, Riggo incredibly ran onto the field in full Redskins regalia – including pads. He would later explained that he just wanted to hear the roar of the crowd one more time.
The University of Kansas also recognized John Riggins’ achievements. They inducted him into their Ring of Honor in 2007. This recognition honored his college career and continued connection to his alma mater.
Various NFL records and achievements defined his legacy. His Super Bowl XVII performance remains one of the greatest individual games. Furthermore, his postseason rushing records stood for many years.
What A Character
John Riggins’ personality extended far beyond his football achievements. His wit, humor, and authenticity made him beloved by fans. He never pretended to be someone he wasn’t, both on and off the field.
His famous Supreme Court incident became part of football folklore. At a 1985 dinner, Riggins told Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to “loosen up.” The comment reflected his irreverent approach to authority and convention.
Family remained important throughout John Riggins’ life and career. He valued his relationships with his children and extended family. The Kansas farm provided a gathering place for family occasions.
His charitable work demonstrated his commitment to helping others. Riggins supported various causes and organizations throughout his career. These efforts reflected his desire to give back to communities.
Legacy and John Riggins’ Enduring Impact
John Riggins’ influence on football extends beyond his statistical achievements. He represented an era when individual personality could coexist with team success. His example inspired generations of players to embrace their uniqueness.
The power running game thrived during his Washington years. Riggins demonstrated the effectiveness of physical, straightforward football. His success influenced offensive philosophies throughout the league.
His Super Bowl XVII performance remains the gold standard for postseason excellence. Few players have dominated such an important game so completely. The achievement continues to inspire running backs across all levels.
John Riggins proved that unconventional personalities could achieve greatness in professional sports. His success encouraged other players to be authentic. Moreover, it showed that individuality and team success weren’t mutually exclusive.
Today, his legacy lives on. He is still a pillar of the franchise. His impact on Washington football remains immeasurable and enduring.