John Riggins Removed from Pro Football Hall of Fame: What Happened to the Legendary Running Back’s 44?

The Washington Commanders will officially retire the number 44 jersey in honor of Pro Football Hall of Fame running back John Riggins, the organization announced this week. The ceremony is scheduled to take place during the team’s October 20 home game against the Carolina Panthers at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.

Riggins, a centerpiece of the Washington franchise during the 1980s, becomes the fifth player in team history to have his number officially retired. He joins a distinguished group that includes Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), Baugh’s fellow Hall of Famer Charley Taylor (42), and Sean Taylor (21). The decision marks a significant milestone in the team’s ongoing effort to celebrate its historical legacy.

A Legacy Defined by the 1983 Super Bowl

John Riggins’ tenure in Washington, which spanned from 1976 to 1985, is anchored by his performance during the 1982 season, which culminated in a victory at Super Bowl XVII. Riggins was named the game’s Most Valuable Player after rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries in a 27-17 win over the Miami Dolphins.

His signature moment, a 43-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-one play in the fourth quarter, remains one of the most iconic sequences in NFL history. That specific run helped propel Washington to its first Super Bowl title. During his nine seasons with the club, Riggins amassed 7,472 rushing yards and 79 rushing touchdowns. He led the league in rushing touchdowns twice, in 1983 and 1984, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

The Selection Process for Jersey Retirement

The retirement of the number 44 is part of a broader initiative by the Commanders to revisit and honor their past. The organization has historically been selective regarding jersey retirement, often opting for “Ring of Fame” inductions rather than removing numbers from circulation entirely. However, the current ownership and management group have prioritized formal recognition for players who fundamentally altered the team’s competitive standing.

For fans, the retirement ceremony offers a chance to engage with a period of team history that saw Washington reach three Super Bowls in four years. The choice of the October 20 matchup against the Carolina Panthers allows for a high-visibility event at Northwest Stadium, where the team expects a significant turnout to honor the man affectionately known as “The Diesel.”

Historical Context of Washington’s Retired Numbers

The retirement of Riggins’ number places him in exclusive company. The team’s criteria for such honors typically require a combination of statistical dominance, longevity, and significant contributions to championship-caliber seasons.

• Sammy Baugh (33): The foundational figure of the franchise, playing from 1937 to 1952.
• Bobby Mitchell (49): A trailblazer who became the first African American player to join the team in 1962.
• Charley Taylor (42): A versatile offensive threat who held the NFL record for career receptions upon his retirement.
• Sean Taylor (21): A modern-era standout whose career was cut short, honored posthumously in 2021.

By elevating Riggins to this status, the Commanders are acknowledging his role as the primary offensive engine for head coach Joe Gibbs during the team’s most successful era. His physical, punishing running style became the identity of the team throughout the 1980s.

The ceremony on October 20 will be broadcast locally and serves as the next major checkpoint for the team’s historical preservation efforts. Fans attending the game are encouraged to arrive early, as the organization plans to feature archival footage and tributes to Riggins’ career leading up to the halftime presentation.