No Washington Commander will ever wear No. 44 again.
The NFL franchise announced Thursday that it will retire the jersey in honor of Hall of Fame running back John Riggins during a home game against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 8.
Riggins is the seventh player in team history to have his number retired, joining Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Sean Taylor, Sonny Jurgensen, Darrell Green and Art Monk.
No player has rushed for more yards or touchdowns in a Washington uniform than Riggins. He compiled 7,472 yards on the ground with 79 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Redskins from 1976-85.
The Kansas product, affectionately known to fans and teammates as “Diesel” or “Riggo,” was the focal point of a lethal Washington running game under Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs.
Riggins helped lead the Redskins to their first Super Bowl triumph when they beat the Miami Dolphins in January 1983. He was named the game’s MVP, largely thanks to one of the most legendary runs in league history.
On a fourth down in the final quarter, Gibbs called on Riggins. The power back rushed 43 yards for a touchdown to give Washington a 20-17 lead. He finished with 166 rushing yards in the 27-17 victory.
Riggins was already inducted into Washington’s Ring of Honor in 1990. However, under former owner Dan Snyder, the franchise was reticent to retire numbers.
Riggins becomes the third player to have his jersey retired since owner Josh Harris bought the franchise in 2023. Green and Monk received the honor in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
“There are certain players whose impact goes far beyond statistics, championships and accolades; they become woven into the identity of a franchise,” Mr. Harris said in a statement. “John Riggins is one of those players. ‘Riggo,’ as many know him, helped define one of the most successful eras in our history. He played the game with a rare combination of physicality, fearlessness, and personality that captivated fans and inspired his teammates.”
Riggins ended his career with 11,352 rushing yards and 116 total touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
When he retired after the 1985 season, Riggins ranked fourth in NFL history in rushing yards, trailing only Walter Payton, Jim Brown and Franco Harris. Only Brown had more touchdowns than Riggins at the time.
Riggins started his career with a five-season stint with the New York Jets. Ever the entertainer, Riggins said in a video released by the Commanders that during a game early in his career, he closed his eyes when the crowd honored Joe Namath and pretended the ovation was for him.
“It was paramount to me that I put a smile on their faces if I could because I was always seeking their approval,” Riggins said of his relationship with fans. “I operated out of fear and not wanting to disappoint people.”
Even when a contract dispute kept Riggins from playing in 1980, he was a fan favorite.
When Washington honored Riggins in the Ring of Honor, he suited up in his old jerseys and pads, much to the delight of the Redskins diehards at RFK Stadium.
“I had to hear the fans one more time,” the Hall of Famer said in Thursday’s video.
“Our fans not only admired him, they identified with him,” Josh Harris said. “He is authentic, unapologetically himself and deeply connected to the people around him.”
Riggins was, for a time, estranged from the franchise during Snyder’s tenure as owner.
Now, Mr. Harris and team President Mark Clouse are repairing any ruptured relationships with players.
“These are guys that represent the foundation of the greatest era of football that our franchise has played,” Clouse said on 106.7 “The Fan” of Riggins, Monk and Green. “That Redskins history is such an important part to celebrate even as we build the Commanders brand. Recognizing our roots has been paramount.”
Riggins, 76, attended at least one of Washington’s offseason workouts, where he shared stories and tips with the entire squad, with a focus on the running backs.
“It was amazing. The guys were glued. Everybody understands the significance of John Riggins and how he played the game and what he represented,” Clouse said. “It’s right down the middle of the fairway with what [coach Dan Quinn] is trying to do in building culture.”
After time with players this offseason, Riggins will get to revive his love affair with Washington’s devoted supporters during his jersey retirement ceremony in November.
“I say this with all sincerity. The fans were my oxygen,” he said.
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