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All-Time Teams: Washington Commanders



Introduction

In my endless research of all things football and through my passion for the history of the NFL, I have decided to try and compile an All-Time Team for all 32 current NFL franchises. By All-Time Team I mean a starting roster compiled of the very best players to ever put on each franchise’s jersey. I will be starting in alphabetical order by current franchise location, so Arizona Cardinals all the way to The Washington Football Team, with the goal of releasing one to two All-Time teams a week for the duration of the current NFL season. This is meant to be fun and cause some debate and is based on my opinion after all my research and deep dives into each franchise’s history. Of course, not everyone will agree with who I chose, and I’d love to hear from anyone who agrees or disagrees, but first, let’s lay out some ground rules for how I came up with each team.


1. Each team roster will consist of the following:

Offense - 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 2 OT, 2 OG, 1 C

Defense - 2 DE, 2 DT, 3 LB, 2 CB, 2 S

Special Teams - 1 K, 1 P, 1 Returner

Coach - 1 Head Coach


2. I only considered an individual’s stats and contributions with each specific franchise. For example, Peyton Manning’s years with the Broncos were not considered when deciding on the starting QB of the Colts All-Time Team. As a result, the stats and awards listed with each individual player are only those that were achieved with that specific franchise.


3. A player cannot represent two teams as the starter. Players who spent time with more than one team were considered for the franchise they spent the most time with or had the most impact on. This rule led to some interesting scenarios that I will discuss in detail with each specific article to try and clear up any confusion.


4. A player’s stats and impact were considered in context with their era. This won’t simply be a listing of who passed or ran for the most yards in franchise history.


5. All stats are from Pro-Football-Reference and through the 2021 season. I will also be counting sacks from 1960, though the NFL doesn't officially count sacks until 1982.


6. Players in the "Honorable Mentions" section are ordered by year. It's not an indication of where I believe they rank in franchise history.


Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to it!


Washington Commanders All-Time Team


Franchise Information

First Season: 1932

  1. Boston Braves (1932)

  2. Boston Redskins (1933-1936)

  3. Washington Redskins (1937-2019)

  4. Washington Football Team (2020-2021)

  5. Washington Commanders (2022-Present)

Record: 617-622-28 (49.92 W-L%)

Playoff Record: 23-20

Super Bowls Won: 3 (1982, 1987 and 1991) (Lost in 1972 and 1983)

Pre-Super Bowl NFL Championships Won: 2 (1937 and 1942) (Lost in 1936, 1940, 1943 and 1945)

Passing Leader: Joe Theisman 2,044/3,602 | 25,206 Yds | 160 TD

Rushing Leader: John Riggins 1,988 Att | 7,472 Yds | 79 TD

Receiving Leader: Art Monk 888 Rec | 12,026 Yds | 65 TD

Sack Leader: Dexter Manley 97 Sk

Interception Leader: Darrell Green 54 Int

Scoring Leader: Mark Moseley 1,206 Points

Winningest Coach: Joe Gibbs 154-94


QB: Sammy Baugh (1937-1952)

Record: 99-73-1 | 56.5 Cmp% | 21,886 Yds | 187 TD | 203 Int | 325 Rush Yds | 9 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp 1937, 1943, 1944, 1947 and 1948 (81, 133, 128, 210, 185) | Led League in Cmp% 1940, 1942, 1943, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949 (62.7%, 58.7%, 55.6%, 70.3%, 54%, 59.3%, 58.7%, 56.9%) | Led League in Yds 1937, 1940, 1947 and 1948 (1,127, 1,367, 2,938, 2,599) | Led League in TD 1940 and 1947 (12, 25) | Led League in Yds/A 1937, 1940 and 1948 (6.6, 7.7, 8.3) | Led League in Yds/G 1937, 1938, 1940, 1947 and 1948 (102.5, 94.8, 124.3, 244.8, 216.6) | Led League in QB Rating 1940, 1945 and 1947 (85.6, 109.9, 92) | 6x Pro-Bowl (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 51) | 4x All-Pro (37, 40, 42, 43) | 1937 and 1942 NFL Champion | 1940, 1943 and 1945 NFL Championship Appearance | Hall of Fame All-1940s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1963


When Sammy Baugh retired in 1952, he was considered by many to be the greatest to ever do it. He had over 600 more completions for over 4,000 more yards and 50 more touchdowns than the next closest player in NFL history. Baugh was a true ironman as he played quarterback, safety and punter over his 16 years in Washington. He led the league in completions five times, completion percentage eight times, yards four times, touchdowns twice, yards per attempt three times, yards per game five times and quarterback rating three times. Baugh was head and shoulders better than the rest. He was also named to six Pro-Bowls, four All-Pro Teams and the Hall of Fame All-1940s Team. Baugh led the Redskins to five NFL Championship games, winning in 1937 and 1942. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963. Sonny Jurgensen spent the majority of his Hall of Fame career with the Redskins and Joe Theismann was well on his way to the Hall of Fame before a severe leg injury cut his career short.

Honorable Mentions

  1. Frank Filchock (1938-1941, 1944-1945) | 52 Cmp% | 3,266 Yds | 32 TD | 47 Int | 1,087 Rush Yds | 5 Rush TD | Led Leagues in Cmp% 1944 (57.1%) | Led League in Cmp 1944 (84) | Led League in TD 1939 and 1944 (11, 13) | Led League in Yds/A 1944 (7.7) | Led League in QB Rating in 1944 (86) | 2x Pro-Bowl (39, 41) | 1942 NFL Champion | 1940, 1943 and 1945 NFL Championship Appearance

  2. Eddie LeBaron (1952-1959) | Record: 23-32-2 | 48.8 Cmp% | 8,068 Yds | 59 TD | 88 Int | 480 Rush Yds | 8 Rush TD | 3x Pro-Bowl (55, 57, 58)

  3. Sonny Jurgensen (1964-1974) | Record: 52-51-5 | 58 Cmp% | 22,585 Yds | 179 TD | 116 Int | 381 Rush Yds | 10 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp 1966, 1967 and 1969 (254, 288, 274) | Led League in Yds 1966, 1967 and 1969 (3,209, 3,747, 3,102) | Led League in Cmp% 1970 (59.9%) | Led League in TD 1967 (31) | Led League in Yds/G 1966, 1967 and 1969 (229.2, 267.6, 221.6) | Led League in QB Rating 1967 (87.3) | 4x Pro-Bowl (64, 66, 67, 69) | Hall of Fame All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1983

  4. Billy Kilmer (1971-1978) | Record: 50-23-1 | 53.2 Cmp% | 12,352 Yds | 103 TD | 75 Int | 87 Rush Yds | 3 Rush TD | Led League in TD 1972 (19) | 1x Pro-Bowl (72) | 1972 NFC Champion

  5. Joe Theismann (1974-1985) | Record: 77-47 | 56.7 Cmp% | 25,206 Yds | 160 TD | 138 Int | 1,815 Rush Yds | 17 Rush TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (82, 83) | 1x All-Pro (83) | 1982 Bert Bell | 1982 Walter Payton Man of the Year | 1983 Offensive Player of the Year | 1983 MVP | 1982 Super Bowl Champion | 1983 NFC Champion

  6. Doug Williams (1986-1989) | Record: 5-9 | 55.9 Cmp% | 4,350 Yds | 27 TD | 20 Int | 5 Rush Yds | 2 Rush TD | 1987 Super Bowl Champion

  7. Mark Rypien (1988-1993) | Record: 45-27 | 56.4 Cmp% | 15,928 Yds | 101 TD | 75 Int | 151 Rush Yds | 8 Rush TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (89, 91) | 1991 Super Bowl Champion

  8. Gus Ferotte (1994-1998) | Record: 19-26-1 | 52.3 Cmp% | 9,769 Yds | 48 TD | 44 Int | 118 Rush Yds | 3 Rush TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (96)

  9. Robert Griffin III (2012-2014) | Record: 14-21 | 63.9 Cmp% | 8,097 Yds | 40 TD | 23 Int | 1,480 Rush Yds | 8 Rush TD | Led League in Yds/A 2012 (8.1) | Led League in Rush Yds/A 2012 (6.8) | 1x Pro-Bowl (12) | 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year

  10. Kirk Cousins (2012-2017) | Record: 26-30-1 | 65.5 Cmp% | 16,206 Yds | 99 TD | 55 Int | 379 Rush Yds | 13 Rush TD | Led League in Cmp% 2015 (69.8%) | 1x Pro-Bowl (16)

RB: John Riggins (1976-1985)

3.8 Yds/A | 7,472 Yds | 79 TD | 121 Rec | 928 Rec Yds | 6 Rec TD | Led League in TD 1983 and 1984 (24, 14) | Led League in RRTD 1983 (24) | 1x All-Pro (83) | 1978 Comeback Player of the Year | 1983 Bert Bell | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1992

The "Diesel" is the easy choice at running back. He spent 10 seasons in Washington and like a fine wine, he got better with age. Riggins ran for almost 6,000 yards after his 30th birthday. In Washington he put up over 1,000 yards four times and had at least 10 touchdowns in three seasons. He led the league in touchdowns in 1983 and 1984 and his 24 touchdowns in 1983 were the most ever in a single season at the time. Riggins was named to the All-Pro Team in 1983, but somehow not the Pro-Bowl. He was also named to the 1978 Comeback Player of the Year and the 1983 Bert Bell Player of the Year. At retirement he ranked fourth all-time in yards and second all-time in touchdowns. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.


RB: Larry Brown (1969-1976)

3.8 Yds/A | 5,875 Yds | 35 TD | 238 Rec | 2,485 Rec Yds | 20 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1970 (1,125) | Led League in Yds/G 1970 and 1972 (86.5, 101.3) | Led League in YScm 1972 (1,689) | Led League in RRTD 1973 (14) | 4x Pro-Bowl (69, 70, 71, 72) | 2x All-Pro (70, 72) | 1972 MVP | 1972 Offensive Player of the Year | 1972 Bert Bell


I'm going with Larry Brown at the second running back position. He gets the nod over Hall of Famer Cliff Battles and fan favorite Clinton Portis. Brown had over 800 yards rushing in his first five seasons and twice went over 1,100 yards, including leading the league in yards in 1970. He also led the league in yards per game twice, yards from scrimmage once and combined rushing and receiving touchdowns once as well. Brown was voted to four straight Pro-Bowls from 1969-1972 and both the 1970 and 1972 All-Pro Teams. He was most notably named the 1972 MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. Brown's career was short, but he's more than deserving of a bust in Canton. Cliff Battles is a very close second. He was great in the 1930s and is the first back to rush for over 200 yards in a game. Portis but up great numbers in four of his seasons with Washington, but he was really only considered amongst the best backs in the league for one season.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Cliff Battles (1932-1937) | 4.2 Yds/A | 3,511 Yds | 23 TD | 38 Rec | 546 Rec Yds | 4 Rec TD | Led League in Yds 1932 and 1937 (576, 874) | Led League in TD 1937 (5) | Led League in Yds/A 1933 (5.4) | Led League in Yds/G 1932 and 1937 (72, 87.4) | Led League in Yds/Tch 1933 (6.3) | Led League in YScm 1932, 1933 and 1937 (636, 922, 955) | 3x All-Pro (33, 34, 36) | Hall of Fame All-1930s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1968

  2. Andy Farkas (1938-1944) | 3.5 Yds/A | 1,966 Yds | 21 TD | 71 Rec | 954 Rec Yds | 11 Rec TD | Led League in TD 1938 (6) | Led League in YScm 1939 (984) | Led League in RRTD 1939 (10) | 2x Pro-Bowl (39, 42) | 2x All-Pro (39, 42)

  3. Dick Todd (1939-1942, 1945-1948) | 4.3 Yds/A | 1,573 Yds | 11 TD | 119 Rec | 1,826 Rec Yds | 20 Rec TD | Led League in Yds/A 1940 (5.4) | Led League in Yds/Tch 1940 and 1948 (8.4, 8) | Led League in YScm 1940 (810) | 2x Pro-Bowl (40, 42)

  4. Dick Bagarus (1945-1946, 1948) | 3.5 Yds/A | 328 Yds | 1 TD | 80 Rec | 1,155 Rec Yds | 9 Rec TD | Led League in Yds/Tch 1945 and 1946 (10.6, 7.2) | 1x All-Pro (45)

  5. Rob Goode (1949-1951, 1954-1955) | 4.3 Yds/A | 2,257 Yds | 16 TD | 43 Rec | 503 Rec Yds | 1 Rec TD | Led League in TD 1951 (9) | 2x Pro-Bowl (51, 54)

  6. Bill Dudley (1950-1953) | 4.6 Yds/A | 752 Yds | 3 TD | 44 Rec | 475 Rec Yds | 2 Rec TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (50, 51) | Hall of Fame Class 1966

  7. Dick James (1956-1963) | 3.9 Yds/A | 1,741 Yds | 16 TD | 92 Rec | 1,568 Rec Yds | 14 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (61)

  8. Dan Bosseler (1957-1964) | 4.0 Yds/A | 3,112 Yds | 22 TD | 136 Rec | 1,083 Rec Yds | 1 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (59)

  9. Mike Thomas (1975-1978) | 3.8 Yds/A | 3,359 Yds | 15 TD | 131 Rec | 1,405 Rec Yds | 11 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (76) | 1975 Offensive Rookie of the Year

  10. George Rogers (1985-1987) | 4.2 Yds/A | 2,909 Yds | 31 TD | 11 Rec | 76 Rec Yds | Led League in TD 1986 (18) | Led League in RRTD 1986 (18)

  11. Earnest Byner (1989-1993) | 4.0 Yds/A | 3,950 Yds | 25 TD | 185 Rec | 1,577 Rec Yds | 4 Rec TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (90, 91)

  12. Terry Allen (1995-1998) | 3.9 Yds/A | 4,086 Yds | 37 TD | 100 Rec | 726 Rec Yds | 2 Rec TD | Led League in TD 1996 (21) | Led League in RRTD 1996 (21) | 1x Pro-Bowl (96)

  13. Stephon Davis (1996-2002) | 4.2 Yds/A | 5,790 Yds | 45 TD | 146 Rec | 1,168 Rec Yds | 3 Rec TD | Led League in TD 1999 (17) | Led League in Yds/G 1999 (100.4) | 2x Pro-Bowl (99, 00)

  14. Mike Sellers (1998-2000, 2004-2011) | 3.2 Yds/A | 158 Yds | 3 TD | 116 Rec | 1,022 Rec Yds | 16 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (08)

  15. Clinton Portis (2004-2010) | 4.1 Yds/A | 6,824 Yds | 46 TD | 176 Rec | 1,340 Rec Yds | 3 Rec TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (08)

  16. Alfred Morris (2012-2015) | 4.4 Yds/A | 4,713 Yds | 29 TD | 47 Rec | 365 Rec Yds | 2x Pro-Bowl (13, 14)


WR: Art Monk (1980-1993)

888 Rec | 12,026 Yds | 65 TD | Led League in Rec 1984 (106) | Led League in Yds/G 1985 (81.7) | Led League in Yds/Tch 1984 (12.9) | 3x Pro-Bowl (84, 85, 86) | 1x All-Pro (84) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2008


First up at receiver is the great Art Monk. He's the franchise record holder in receptions and yards and spent a whopping 14 seasons in Washington. Monk put up 1,000 yards in five different seasons and he also led the league in receptions in 1984 with 106 catches. He was model of consistency throughout his whole career and at retirement ranked second all-time in receptions and fourth all-time in yards. Monk was named to three straight Pro-Bowls from 1984-1986, as well as the 1984 All-Pro Team and the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.


WR: Charley Taylor (1964-1977)

649 Rec | 9,110 Yds | 79 TD | Led League in Rec 1966 and 1967 (72, 70) | 8x Pro-Bowl (64, 65, 66, 67, 72, 73, 74, 75) | 1x All-Pro (67) | 1964 Offensive Rookie of the Year | Hall of Fame All-1960s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1984


Charley Taylor is next at wide receiver for Washington. He racked up over 9,000 yards and just under 80 touchdowns during his 14 seasons with the Redskins. Taylor had over 700 yards in seven seasons and went over 1,000 yards in 1966. He led the league in receptions in 1966 and 1967 and was voted to eight different Pro-Bowls. At retirement, he had more receptions than anyone else in NFL history and ranked fourth in yards and sixth and touchdowns. Taylor was also named the 1964 Offensive Rookie of the Year after posting 800 yards and five touchdowns. He was named to the Hall of Fame All-1960s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.


WR: Bobby Mitchell (1962-1968)

393 Rec | 6,492 Yds | 49 TD | Led League in Rec 1962 (72) | Led League in Yds 1962 and 1963 (1,384, 1,436) | Led League in TD 1964 (10) | Led League in Yds/G 1962 and 1963 (98.9, 102.6) | 3x Pro-Bowl (62, 63, 64) | 1x All-Pro (62) | Hall of Fame Class 1983


The final starting receiver is the great Bobby Mitchell. This makes all three receiver positions Hall of Famers. He spent seven seasons in Washington and led the league in receptions once, yards twice, touchdowns once and yards per game twice as well. He put up at least 800 yards receiving in all but one of his seasons and twice had over 10 touchdowns. Mitchell was named to three Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team during his time with the Redskins and he was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983. Wayne Millner is another Hall of Fame receiver with Washington and Gary Clark would be next up.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Charley Malone (1934-1942) | 137 Rec | 1,932 Yds | 13 TD | Led League in Yds 1935 (433) | 1x Pro-Bowl (42)

  2. Wayne Millner (1936-1941, 1945) | 124 Rec | 1,578 Yds | 12 TD | Hall of Fame All-1930s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1968

  3. Hugh Taylor (1947-1954) | 272 Rec | 5,233 Yds | 58 TD | Led League in Yds/Rec 1950 (21.4) | Led League in TD 1949 (9) | 2x Pro-Bowl (52, 54)

  4. John Carson (1954-1959) | 128 Rec | 1,987 Yds | 11 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (57)

  5. Roy Jefferson (1971-1976) | 208 Rec | 3,119 Yds | 16 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (71)

  6. Charlie Brown (1982-1984) | 128 Rec | 2,115 Yds | 19 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (82, 83)

  7. Gary Clark (1985-1992) | 549 Rec | 8,742 Yds | 58 TD | 4x Pro-Bowl (86, 87, 90, 91) | 1x All-Pro (87)

  8. Rickey Sanders (1986-1993) | 414 Rec | 5,854 Yds | 36 TD

  9. Santana Moss (2005-2014) | 581 Rec | 7,867 Yds | 47 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (05)

TE: Jerry Smith (1965-1977)

421 Rec | 5,496 Yds | 60 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (67, 69) | 1x All-Pro (69)


Jerry Smith is one of the biggest Hall of Fame snubs, period. He spent 13 seasons with the Redskins and had at least 500 yards in six of them although, Smith's specialty was the redzone. He had at least five touchdowns in six seasons and his career total of 60 touchdowns was the most ever by a tight end at his retirement. This record lasted all the way until 2003, when it was finally broken by Shannon Sharpe. To put it into perspective, Smith has more receptions and yards than Charlie Sanders, John Mackey and Dave Casper. All of whom are Hall of Fame tight ends from the same era as Smith. More importantly, Smith has more touchdowns than Mike Ditka, Dave Casper, John Mackey, Ozzie Newsome, Charlie Sanders, Jackie Smith and Kellen Winslow. Again, those are all Hall of Fame tight ends and only Casper is within 10 touchdowns of Smith. Smith was overlooked for much of his career, but he was voted to two Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team. It's worth noting that Smith was thought to have been gay, though he himself never actually came out. Many have attributed this to the reason he was not inducted into the Hall of Fame soon after retirement. Hopefully that is not the reason voters have kept him out, though I wouldn't put it past voters, especially those of whom were voters when he first became eligible in 1983. Regardless of the reason, it's time the Hall of Fame does the right thing and gives Jerry Smith a bust in Canton.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Bill Anderson (1958-1963) | 168 Rec | 2,929 Yds | 14 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (59, 60)

  2. Don Warren (1979-1992) | 244 Rec | 2,536 Yds | 7 TD

  3. Chris Cooley (2004-2012) | 429 Rec | 4,711 Yds | 33 TD | 2x Pro-Bowl (07, 08)

  4. Jordan Reed (2013-2018) | 329 Rec | 3,371 Yds | 24 TD | 1x Pro-Bowl (16)

OT: Joe Jacoby (1981-1993)

Started 148 of 170 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (83, 84, 85, 86) | 2x All-Pro (83, 84) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team


Joe Jacoby gets the nod at the first offensive tackle position. He spent 13 seasons in Washington, starting just under 150 games. Jacoby was a member of all three Super Bowl winning teams and started every game in five different seasons. He was voted to four Pro-Bowls, two All-Pro Teams and the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team. Although it seems like he'll likely never get inducted into the Hall of Fame, he's certainly deserving.


OT: Trent Williams (2010-2018)

Started 119 of 120 Games | 7x Pro-Bowl (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)


The second offensive tackle position goes to Trent Williams. This decision came down to Williams and Chris Samuels and I believe Williams has the slight edge. Williams started just under 120 games and started every game in two seasons. He was one of the few bright spots for the Redskins over the past decade. Williams was also voted to seven straight Pro-Bowls from 2012-2018. Turk Edwards is a Hall of Fame tackle who played throughout the 1930s and Chris Samuels was voted to six Pro-Bowls during the 2000s.

Honorable Mentions

  1. Turk Edwards (1932-1940) | Started 77 of 86 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (39) | 3x All-Pro (34, 36, 37) | Hall of Fame All-1930s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1969

  2. Jim Barber (1935-1941) | Started 59 of 76 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (40) | 1x All-Pro (39)

  3. Willie Wilkin (1938-1943) | Started 37 of 64 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (40, 41, 42) | 2x All-Pro (41, 42)

  4. Laurie Niemi (1949-1953) | Started 36 of 56 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (51, 52)

  5. Ray Lamek (1957-1961) | Started 61 of 61 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (61)

  6. Terry Hermeling (1970-1980) | Started 103 of 120 Games

  7. George Starke (1973-1984) | Started 146 of 156 Games

  8. Ed Simmons (1987-1997) | Started 104 of 142 Games

  9. Jim Lachey (1988-1995) | Started 85 of 86 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (90, 91) | 3x All-Pro (89, 90, 91)

  10. Jon Jansen (1999-2008) | Started 123 of 126 Games

  11. Chris Samuels (2000-2009) | Started 141 of 141 Games | 6x Pro-Bowl (01, 02, 05, 06, 07, 08)

  12. Morgan Moses (2014-2020) | Started 97 of 104 Games


OG: Russ Grimm (1981-1991)

Started 114 of 140 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (83, 84, 85, 86) | 3x All-Pro (83, 84, 85) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2010


Russ Grimm is the clear choice at offensive guard. He spent 11 seasons in Washington and started over 110 games. Grimm started every game in four seasons and was named to four straight Pro-Bowls from 1983-1986 and three straight All-Pro Teams from 1983-1985. He was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1980s Team and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. Grimm still remains the only member of the famed "Hogs" offensive line who's been inducted into the Hall of Fame.


OG: Brandon Scherff (2015-Present)

Started 89 of 89 Games | 4x Pro-Bowl (16, 17, 19, 20) | 1x All-Pro (20)


Brandon Scherff has only been able to stay healthy for a full 16 games twice, but when he's healthy, he's one of the best offensive guards in the league. Scherff has started just under 90 games since 2015 and has been named to four Pro-Bowls and one All-Pro Team. Dick Stanfel is a Hall of Fame offensive guard, but he only spent three seasons in Washington.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Dick Forman (1939-1943) | Started 28 of 49 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (42) | 1x All-Pro (43)

  2. Dick Stanfel (1956-1958) | Started 34 of 34 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (56, 57, 58) | 3x All-Pro (56, 57, 58) | Hall of Fame All-1950s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2016

  3. Vince Promuto (1960-1970) | Started 113 of 130 Games | 2x Pro-Bowl (63, 64)

  4. Ray Schoenke (1966-1975) | Started 87 of 122 Games

  5. Mark May (1981-1989) | Started 115 of 123 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (88)

  6. Raleigh McKenzie (1985-1994) | Started 113 of 144 Games

  7. Mark Schlereth (1989-1994) | Started 59 of 75 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (91)

  8. Tre’ Johnson (1994-2000, 2002) | Started 69 of 90 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (99)


C: Len Hauss (1964-1977)

Started 194 of 196 Games | 5x Pro-Bowl (66, 68, 69, 70, 72)

Hall of Fame snub, Len Hauss, gets the nod at center. He started just under 200 games in Washington from 1964-1977. Hauss started every game in 13 straight seasons, that's over 180 straight games. He was also named to five different Pro-Bowls.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Harry Ulinski (1950-1956) | Started 42 of 72 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (55)

  2. Jim Schrader (1954-1961) | Started 69 of 76 Games | 3x Pro-Bowl (58, 59, 61)

  3. Jeff Bostic (1980-1993) | Started 149 of 184 Games | 1x Pro-Bowl (83)


DE: Charles Mann (1983-1993)

17 FF | 6 FR | 82 Sk | 784 Tackles | 4x Pro-Bowl (87, 88, 89, 91)

Charles Mann is first up on the defensive side of the ball. He spent 11 seasons in Washington and racked up over 80 sacks and 700 tackles. Mann had at least 10 sacks in four different seasons and was named to the Pro-Bowl in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1991. He was also a key member on two Super Bowl winning teams


DE: Dexter Manley (1981-1989)

2 Int | 5 FR | 97 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (86) | 1x All-Pro (86)


Dexter Manley will man down the other side of the defensive line. He was a leader on the defense for two Super Bowl winning teams and racked up just under 100 sacks in nine seasons. Manley put up four seasons of at least 10 sacks and had a career high 18.5 sacks in 1986. His 97 sacks are still the franchise record, and he was named to his lone Pro-Bowl and All-Pro in 1986. Gene Brito was great with the Redskins and was named to five Pro-Bowls and three All-Pro Teams, but he played pre-1960, so it's hard to quantify his greatness.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Gene Brito (1951-1958) | 1 Int | 11 FR | 5x Pro-Bowl (53, 55, 56, 57, 58) | 3x All-Pro (55, 56, 57)

  2. John Paluck (1956-1965) | 2 Int | 14 FR | 31.5 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (64)

  3. Ron McDole (1971-1978) | 6 Int | 7 FR | 42.5 Sk


DT: Dave Butz (1975-1988)

2 Int | 6 FR | 59 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (83) | 1x All-Pro (83) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team


Dave Butz is the clear first choice at defensive tackle. He spent 14 seasons with the Redskins, compiling just under 60 sacks. Butz had at least five sacks in seven different seasons and racked up a career high 11.5 sacks in 1983. He was also named to his lone Pro-Bowl and All-Pro Team during that same 1983 season. Even though he was only named to one Pro-Bowl and All-Pro Team, Butz was named a member of the Hall of fame All-1980s Team.


DT: Diron Talbert (1971-1980)

8 FR | 65.5 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (74)


Diron Talbert was only named to one Pro-Bowl, but he was year in and year out one of the best pass rushers in the league. In 10 years with Washington, Talbert had at least five sacks seven times and at least 10 sacks three times. He put up a career high 12.5 sacks in 1976. Paul Lipscomb was named to four Pro-Bowls, but he only spent five seasons with the Redskins.

Honorable Mentions

  1. Paul Lipscomb (1950-1954) | 2 Int | 6 FR | 4x Pro-Bowl (50, 51, 52, 53)

  2. Bob Toneff (1959-1964) | 9 FR | 6.5 Sk | 3x Pro-Bowl (59, 60, 61)

  3. Joe Rutgens (1961-1969) | 6 FR | 40 Sk | 2x Pro-Bowl (63, 65)

  4. Bill Brundige (1970-1977) | 5 FR | 49.5 Sk

  5. Darryl Grant (1981-1990) | 2 Int | 11 FR | 27 Sk


LB: Chris Hanburger (1965-1978)

19 Int | 17 FR | 45.5 Sk | 9x Pro-Bowl (66, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76) | 4x All-Pro (69, 72, 73, 75) | Hall of Fame Class 2011


Chris Hanburger is one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. He spent 14 years in Washington, intercepting 19 passes and racking up 45.5 sacks. Hanburger had at least five sacks in four seasons and twice picked off four passes in the same season. He was named to a whopping nine Pro-Bowls and four All-Pro Teams and was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.


LB: Ryan Kerrigan (2011-2020)

3 Int | 26 FF | 4 FR | 95.5 Sk | 454 Tackles | 119 TFL | Led League in FF 2014 (5) | Led League in TFL 2016 (18) | 4x Pro-Bowl (12, 16, 17, 18)

Ryan Kerrigan has quietly been one of the better linebackers in the NFL for the past decade. During his 10 seasons in Washington, Kerrigan forced 26 fumbles and racked up 95.5 sacks, which are the second most in franchise history. He had at least 10 sacks in four different seasons and led the league in forced fumbles and tackles for loss in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Kerrigan was named to the Pro-Bowl in 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2018.


LB: London Fletcher (2007-2013)

12 Int | 9 FF | 5 FR | 11.5 Sk | 956 Tackles | 37 TFL | Led League in Tackles 2011 (166) | 4x Pro-Bowl (09, 10, 11, 12)

The final linebacker position goes to the great London Fletcher. He only spent seven seasons with Washington, but still compiled just under 1,000 tackles. Fletcher had at least 110 tackles in all seven seasons with the Redskins and even led the league in tackles in 2011 with 166. He was voted to four straight Pro-Bowls from 2009-2012 and there's a case to be made that he's worthy of a bust in Canton. Most notably he's second only to Ray Lewis in tackles in NFL history.

Honorable Mentions

  1. Chuck Drazenovich (1950-1959) | 15 Int | 9 FR | 4x Pro-Bowl (55, 56, 57, 58)

  2. Rod Breedlove (1960-1964) | 9 Int | 5 FR | 10.5 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (62)

  3. Sam Huff (1964-1969) | 12 Int | 6 FR | 14.5 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (64) | Hall of Fame Class 1982

  4. Harold McLinton (1969-1978) | 4 Int | 6 FR | 4 Sk

  5. Brad Dusek (1974-1981) | 4 Int | 16 FR | 14 Sk

  6. Rich Milot (1979-1987) | 13 Int | 5 FR | 20.5 Sk

  7. Neal Olkewicz (1979-1989) | 6 Int | 15 FR | 13.5 Sk

  8. Monte Coleman (1979-1994) | 17 Int | 14 FR | 49.5 Sk | 1,002 Tackles | Led League in Tackles 1980 (118)

  9. Kurt Gouveia (1987-1994, 1999) | 7 Int | 1 FR | 3.5 Sk | 588 Tackles

  10. Wilber Marshall (1988-1992) | 12 Int | 13 FF | 7 FR | 24.5 Sk | 621 Tackles | 1x Pro-Bowl (92) | 1x All-Pro (92)

  11. Ken Harvey (1994-1998) | 1 Int | 13 FF | 6 FR | 41.5 Sk | 391 Tackles | 4x Pro-Bowl (94, 95, 96, 97)

  12. LaVar Arrington (2000-2005) | 3 Int | 6 FF | 7 FR | 22.5 Sk | 401 Tackles | 43 TFL | Led League in FF 2003 (6) | 3x Pro-Bowl (01, 02, 03)

  13. Marcus Washington (2004-2008) | 1 Int | 10 FF | 5 FR | 19.5 Sk | 382 Tackles | 37 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (04)

  14. Brian Orakpo (2009-2014) | 1 Int | 6 FF | 3 FR | 40 Sk | 255 Tackles | 45 TFL | 3x Pro-Bowl (09, 10, 13)


CB: Darrell Green (1983-2002)

54 Int | 5 FF | 10 FR | 1 Sk | 1,202 Tackles | 7 TFL | 7x Pro-Bowl (84, 86, 87, 90, 91, 96, 97) | 1x All-Pro (91) | 1996 Walter Payton Man of the Year | Hall of Fame All-1990s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2008


Darrell Green is famously one of the fastest players in NFL history. He is one of the greatest corners ever and spent an insane 20 seasons with the Redskins. Green intercepted a franchise record 54 passes during those 20 seasons and also compiled over 1,200 tackles. He was named to seven Pro-Bowls, one All-Pro Team, the Hall of Fame All-1990s Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.


CB: Joe Lavender (1976-1982)

29 Int | 4 FR | 2x Pro-Bowl (79, 80)


This spot could have gone to Lemar Parrish or Champ Bailey, but both of them are already starters on other All-Time Teams. That leaves this spot to Joe Lavender. Lavender intercepted just under 30 passes during his seven seasons in Washington. He had at least four interceptions in five seasons and intercepted a career high eight passes in 1976. Lavender was also named to the Pro-Bowl in both 1979 and 1980. Pat Fischer would be next up here.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Dick Alban (1952-1955) | 16 Int | 2 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (54)

  2. Pat Fischer (1968-1977) | 27 Int | 8 FR | 1x Pro-Bowl (69) | 1x All-Pro (69)

  3. Mike Bass (1969-1975) | 30 Int | 6 FR | 0.5 Sk

  4. Lemar Parish (1978-1981) | 21 Int | 3 FR | 2x Pro-Bowl (79, 80) | 1x All-Pro (80)

  5. Barry Wilburn (1985-1989) | 19 Int | 2 FF | 4 FR | 216 Tackles | Led League in Int 1987 (9) | 1x All-Pro (87)

  6. Champ Bailey (1999-2003) | 18 Int | 2 FF | 5 FR | 1 Sk | 332 Tackles | 10 TFL | 4x Pro-Bowl (00, 01, 02, 03) | Hall of Fame All-2000s Team | Hall of Fame Class 2019

  7. DeAngelo Hall (2008-2017) | 23 Int | 8 FF | 9 FR | 1 Sk | 510 Tackles | 17 TFL | 1x Pro-Bowl (10)


S: Ken Houston (1973-1980)

24 Int | 10 FR | 4 Sk | 7x Pro-Bowl (73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79) | 2x All-Pro (75, 78) | Hall of Fame All-1970s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1986


One of the greatest safeties of all time, Ken Houston, is first up here. Houston intercepted 24 passes during his eight seasons with the team. He was named to seven straight Pro-Bowls from 1973-1979 and was also named to the All-Pro Team in both 1975 and 1978. Houston was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1970s Team and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.


S: Mark Murphy (1977-1984)

27 Int | 6 FR | 2 Sk | Led League in Int 1983 (9) | 1x Pro-Bowl (83) | 1x All-Pro (83)


There's a case to be made for a bunch of players here. Sammy Baugh is more known for his quarterback play, but he was also a great safety and even led the league in interceptions in 1943. Paul Krause spent his first four seasons with the Redskins but is obviously a member of the All-Time Vikings and of course Sean Taylor was well on his to a great career before he was tragically killed after just four seasons in the league. With all that being said, I'm going with Mark Murphy. Murphy spent eight seasons in Washington and intercepted 27 passes. He had over five interceptions in three seasons and led the league in interceptions in 1983 with nine. He was also named to his only Pro-Bowl and All-Pro Team in 1983.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Sammy Baugh (1937-1952) | 31 Int | 21 FR | Led League in Int 1943 (11) | 6x Pro-Bowl (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 51) | 4x All-Pro (37, 40, 42, 43) | Hall of Fame All-1940s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1963

  2. Paul Krause (1964-1967) | 28 Int | 8 FR | 2 Sk | Led League in Int 1964 (12) | 2x Pro-Bowl (64, 65) | 2x All-Pro (64, 65) | Hall of Fame Class 1998

  3. Brig Owens (1966-1977) | 36 Int | 10 FR | 1 Sk

  4. Tony Peters (1979-1985) | 11 Int | 3 FR | 1 Sk | 1x Pro-Bowl (82)

  5. Sean Taylor (2004-2007) | 12 Int | 8 FF | 1 FR | 2 Sk | 305 Tackles | 6 TFL | 2x Pro-Bowl (06, 07)


K: Mark Moseley (1974-1986)

66.2 FG% | 55 Long | 1,206 Points | Led League in Points 1982 (161) | Led League in FGM 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1982 (22, 21, 25, 20) | Led League in Long 1977 and 1978 (54, 52) | Led League in FG% 1982 (95.2%) | 2x Pro-Bowl (79, 82) | 1x All-Pro (82) | 1982 MVP

Mark Moseley is the only pure kicker to ever be named NFL MVP. On that alone he could be worthy of the Hall of Fame, but he was also simply a great kicker for 13 seasons. He made over 65% of field goals and is the franchise leader in points with 1,206. Moseley led the league in points once, field goals made four times, longest field goal twice and field goal percentage once. In addition to his 1982 MVP season, he was also voted to the Pro-Bowl twice and the All-Pro Team once.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Sam Baker (1953-1959) | 56.3 FG% | 49 Long | 265 Points | Led League in Points 1957 (77) | 1x Pro-Bowl (56) | Led League in FGM 1956 (17)

  2. Curt Knight (1969-1973) | 57.7 FG% | 52 Long | 475 Points | Led League in FGM 1971 (29) | 1x Pro-Bowl (71)

  3. Chip Lohmiller (1988-1994) | 71.4 FG% | 56 Long | 787 Points | Led League in Points 1991 (149) | Led League in FGM 1991 and 1992 (31, 30) | Led League in Long 1990 and 1994 (56, 54) | 1x Pro-Bowl (91)

P: Sammy Baugh (1939-1952)

15,245 Punt Yds | 85 Long | 45.1 Yds/Punt | Led League in Punt Yds 1943 (2,295) | Led League in Long 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944 (85, 75, 74, 81, 76) | Led League in Yds/Punt 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1945 (51.4, 48.7, 48.2, 45.9, 43.3) | 6x Pro-Bowl (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 51) | 4x All-Pro (37, 40, 42, 43) | Hall of Fame All-1940s Team | Hall of Fame Class 1963


Sammy Baugh will start at quarterback and punter for this All-Time Team. He averaged over 45 yards per punt during a time when punters struggled to average over 40 yards. He would be a great punter today and he last played 70 years ago. Baugh led the league in total punt yards once, longest punt five times and yards per punt five times as well. He averaged an absurd 51.4 yards per punt in 1940 and this is still the all-time record some 80 years later.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Mike Bragg (1968-1979) | 35,746 Punt Yds | 74 Long | 39.9 Yds/Punt | Led League in Long 1979 (74)

  2. Matt Turk (1995-1999) | 16,981 Punt Yds | 69 Long | 43.8 Yds/Punt | 3x Pro-Bowl (96, 97, 98) | 1x All-Pro (96)

  3. Tress Way (2014-Present) | 26,791 Punt Yds | 79 Long | 47 Yds/Punt | Led League in Long 2019 (79) | Led league in Yds/Punt 2014 and 2019 (47.5, 49.6) | 1x Pro-Bowl (19)


Returner: Brian Mitchell (1990-1999)

3,476 Punt Rt Yds | 7 Punt Rt TD | 11.0 Yds/Punt Rt | 9,586 Kick Rt Yds | 2 Kick Rt TD | 22.8 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Punt Rt Yds 1991 (600) | Led League in Punt Rt TD 1991, 1994 and 1995 (2, 2, 1) | Led League in Yds/Punt Rt 1994 (14.1) | Led League in All Purpose Yds 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998 (2,477, 2,348, 1,995, 2,357) | 1x Pro-Bowl (95) | 1x All-Pro (95)


Brian Mitchell is one of the greatest returners of all-time. He has a great case to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but unfortunately voters seem reluctant to induct a player solely on return ability. Mitchell compiled just under 13,000 return yards with the Redskins and took seven punts and two kicks back for touchdowns. He led the league in punt return yards once, punt return touchdowns three times, yards per punt once and all-purpose yards four times. Mitchell is the NFL's all-time leader in punt return and kick return yards and is also third in career punt return touchdowns. He was named to one Pro-Bowl and one All-Pro Team and is more than deserving of a bust in Canton.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Mike Nelms (1980-1984) | 1,948 Punt Rt Yds | 2 Punt Rt TD | 9.2 Yds/Punt Rt | 4,128 Kick Rt Yds | 23.6 Yds/Kick Rt | Led League in Yds/Kick Rt 1981 (29.7) | 3x Pro-Bowl (80, 81, 82) | 1x All-Pro (83) | Hall of Fame All-1980s Team

Head Coach: Joe Gibbs (1981-1992, 2004-2007)

Regular Season: 154-94 | 62.1 W-L% | Playoffs: 17-7 | 1982 and 1983 Coach of the Year | 1982, 1987 and 1991 Super Bowl Champion | 1983 NFC Champion | Hall of Fame Class 1996


Joe Gibbs is the clear choice at head coach. He's one of the greatest coaches of all-time and most famously won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. Gibb's is the franchise record holder in wins with 154 and led the team to 12 winning seasons and 10 playoff appearances. The Redskins appeared in four Super Bowls under Gibbs, winning three of them. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996. Ray Flaherty and George Allen are both other Hall of Fame coaches who spent large portions of their careers with the team.


Honorable Mentions

  1. Ray Flaherty (1936-1942) | Regular Season: 54-21-3 | 72.0 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-2 | 1937 and 1942 NFL Champion | 1936 and 1940 NFL Championship Appearance | Hall of Fame Class 1976

  2. Dutch Bergman (1943) | Regular Season: 6-3-1 | 66.7 W-L% | Playoffs: 1-1 | 1943 NFL Championship Appearance

  3. Dudley DeGroot (1944-1945) | Regular Season: 14-5-1 | 73.7 W-L% | Playoffs 0-1 | 1945 NFL Championship Appearance

  4. George Allen (1971-1977) | Regular Season: 67-30-1 | 69.1 W-L% | Playoffs: 2-5 | 1971 Coach of the Year | 1972 NFC Champion | Hall of Fame Class 2002

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