Washington Football Team History: From Redskins to Commanders

Spanning more than 85 years of NFL legacy, Washington football history has experienced triumphs, transitions, and iconic moments. This hub brings together the most important historical content from both the Redskins and Commanders eras — including Super Bowl runs, legendary players, uniforms, coaches, records, and much more.

Washington Team History Summary

A saga filled with legendary players, iconic coaches, championship triumphs, and dramatic transformations. A high-level look at Washington’s decades-long journey in the NFL.

Team History Overview

Franchise Facts Franchise Facts

Quick facts, stats, and trivia every Washington fan should know.

All-Time Record All-Time Record

Track the team’s cumulative wins, losses, and ties since 1932.

Playoff History Playoff History

A summary of all of Washington’s postseason appearances.

Hall of Famers Hall of Famers

Every Washington player and coach enshrined in Canton.

90 Greatest 90 Greatest Redskins

As of 2022, the 90 players chosen as the franchise’s all-time elite.

Coaching History Coaching History

All head coaches and their legacies with Washington football.

Individual & Team Records Individual & Team Records

Franchise highs across rushing, passing, defense, and more.

Uniform History Uniform History

From leather helmets to the iconic burgundy and gold look.

Logo History Logo History

A visual timeline of the team’s evolving logos and identity.

1942 World Championship 1942 World Championship

Read all about Washington’s second World Championship.

1937 World Championship 1937 World Championship

Read all about Washington’s first World Championship.

Washington Draft History

Early Draft Picks

Standout selections from the team’s early years 1936-1959.

Draft Picks 1960–1989

Historic picks, draughts and hidden gems from the Golden era.

Modern Draft Picks

A look at recent draft selections and their impact on the franchise.

First Round Draft Picks

A timeline of Washington’s most high-profile draftees.

Coaches & Front Office Legends

All-Time Record Joe Gibbs

The legendary coach who brought home three Super Bowl titles.

George Allen George Allen

Architect of the Over The Hill Gang, who got to Super Bowl VII.

Vince Lombardi Vince Lombardi

The Hall of Fame coach who left a lasting mark in just one season.

Jack Kent Cooke Jack Kent Cooke

The beloved owner who led the team to three championships.

Super Bowl Champs

Re-live all three victories

Franchise Greats & Honorees

Sammy Baugh Sammy Baugh

A pioneer of the forward pass and a Washington icon.

Riggins John Riggins

Riggo. The Diesel. 70 Chip. The Hall of Fame FB was one of a kind.

Darrell Green Darrell Green

The fastest man in football history? One of the best corners too.

Ken Houston Ken Houston

One of the game’s smartest and toughest safeties.

Dexter Manley Dexter Manley

A sack machine who played with pure emotion and fire.

Larry Brown Larry Brown

From underdog to MVP: Brown’s story defines grit.

Mark Moseley Mark Moseley

The only kicker to ever win NFL Most Valuable Player.

Dave Butz Dave Butz

Quiet dominance on the defensive line for over a decade.

Gary Clark Gary Clark

Big plays and clutch catches defined this WR’s career.

Pat Fischer Pat Fischer

At 5’9″, Fischer redefined toughness at cornerback.

Jerry Smith Jerry Smith

A record-setting tight end whose story remains powerful.

Jerry Smith Joe Theismann

The man who quarterbacked Washington to their first Lombardi.

Stadium & Culture

RFK Stadium History

The beloved home where legends were made and crowds roared.

DC Stadium History

The Redskins home for their two world championships.

The Fight Song

“Hail to the Redskins”—a rallying cry and cultural anthem.

Tony K’s Bandwagon

The Bandwagon columns were created for the 1991 Super Bowl run.

Be sure to also visit The Hogs section – our entire area dedicated to the history and the greatness of the best offensive line in Washington and NFL history.