Commanders Retire John Riggins' No. 44 Jersey
Riggins, the seventh player to receive the honor in Commanders history, had his number retired at halftime of a game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football
The Washington Commanders retired John Riggins' No. 44 jersey at halftime of a game against the Los Angeles Rams. Riggins is the seventh player in franchise history to have his number retired.
Why it matters
The ceremony honors one of the franchise's most decorated running backs and places him alongside other retired-number players in team history. It also marks the third jersey retirement since Josh Harris bought the franchise in 2023.
Riggins compiled 7,472 rushing yards and 79 touchdowns during nine seasons with the Redskins from 1976-85. His Super Bowl XVII performance included 166 rushing yards and a 43-yard fourth-quarter touchdown in a 27-17 win over Miami.
The players
John Riggins
Former Redskins running back who was named Super Bowl XVII MVP and played college football at Kansas before his professional career.
Joe Theismann
Former Redskins quarterback who introduced Riggins at the jersey retirement ceremony.
Josh Harris
Owner of the Washington Commanders franchise since his purchase of the team in 2023.
The details
The No. 44 jersey was retired at halftime, with a No. 44 flag unveiled atop the stadium and Joe Theismann introducing Riggins. Riggins was previously inducted into the Commanders Ring of Honor in 1990 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Timeline
January 1983: Redskins win their first Super Bowl over the Miami Dolphins, with Riggins named MVP.
1976-85: Riggins plays nine seasons with the Redskins.
November 8, 2026: Riggins' No. 44 jersey is retired at halftime.
Season Trajectory
Riggins becomes the third player whose jersey has been retired since Josh Harris bought the franchise in 2023, extending a recent pattern of honoring former stars under current ownership. The ceremony places Riggins among the franchise's seven retired-number honorees, a group that includes players tied to the team's championship history.
The jersey retirement adds Riggins to the list of seven Commanders players whose numbers no longer will be issued, affecting how the franchise honors its history at future home games. Fans attending Commanders home games can expect the No. 44 flag and retired-number display to remain part of the stadium's ceremonial lineup.
The takeaway
Riggins' jersey retirement recognizes a Super Bowl-winning running back whose career totals rank among the franchise's most productive, and it keeps his contributions visible in the team's ongoing history.
Further reading
For more on the franchise's history, see Football coverage of Washington's teams and players.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washington Times.
