Top 10 Moments in Washington Redskins History
By Ed Sheahin ,
In what has been a down decade-and-a-half for Redskins fans, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on the history of the organization.
With three Vince Lombardi trophies proudly displayed at Redskins Park in Ashburn, Virginia, this once proud organization needs to reflect back to a time that left us in a state of sheer unadulterated euphoria (as the late Jack Kent Cooke once emphatically described his emotions toward this team’s success).
Over the next 10 slides, I will provide my 10 "Greatest Moments in Redskins History" and would welcome your suggestions to add to the list.
February 13, 1937
The NFL officially approves the transfer of the Boston Redskins to Washington, and the Washington Redskins are born.
On December 12, 1937, on a frozen, ice-slicked field, Sammy Baugh passes for 355 yards as the Redskins defeat the Chicago Bears 28-21.
February 1962
The Redskins acquire running back Bobby Mitchell from Cleveland for Ernie Davis. Mitchell becomes the first African-American to play for the Redskins.
April 1964
Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen is acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for Norm Snead.
Later, the Redskins would acquire linebacker Sam Huff from the New York Giants for Dick James. Both players would play key roles in building a strong foundation for the team.
To this day (some 45 years later) they still work for the organization as game day announcers.
December 31, 1972
The Washington Redskins "Over the Hill Gang" beat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship in Washington, 34-24. The victory sent the Redskins to Super Bowl Vll, but they lost to the undefeated Miami Dolphins 14-7.
January 13, 1981
Little known San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator is hired as the Redskins head coach. Gibbs promptly starts his NFL coaching career by losing his first five games and the rest is history.
August 2, 2008
Wide Receiver Art Monk and Cornerback Darrell Green enter the NFL Hall of Fame.
January 26, 1992
Quarterback Mark Rypien wins the Super Bowl MVP award, passing for 292 yards as the Redskins defeat the Bills 37-24.
Redskins coach Joe Gibbs wins his third Super Bowl title with his third different quarterback.
January 31, 1988
The Redskins win their second Vince Lombardi trophy in five years. Led by Doug Williams, the first African-American quarterback to win a Super Bowl, the Redskins rallied from a 10-point deficit to score 35 unanswered second quarter points and earn a 42-10 victory.
Rookie Tim Smith rushed for a Super Bowl record 204 yards.
January 22, 1983 and January 30, 1983
RFK Stadium shakes as Redskins fans chant "We Want Dallas," inspiring the team to defeat the Cowboys 31-17 in the NFC Championship game.
The Redskins would exact revenge on Don Shula and his Dolphins ten years after the two teams met in Super Bowl Vll. The Redskins would beat the Dolphins 27-17, sparked by running back John Riggins 43-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-one in the fourth quarter.
