Washington Commanders

Washington’s franchise was founded in 1932 in Boston and moved to the nation’s capital in 1937. After retiring its longtime name in 2020, the team played two seasons as the Washington Football Team before becoming the Commanders in 2022. Washington competes in the NFC East.

Championship history

Washington won NFL championships in 1937 and 1942 behind quarterback Sammy Baugh. Under coach Joe Gibbs and the famed offensive line known as “The Hogs,” the franchise won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks: Super Bowl XVII with John Riggins as MVP, Super Bowl XXII with Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, and Super Bowl XXVI with Mark Rypien.

Best players in franchise history

• Sammy Baugh – Hall of Fame quarterback, punter and defensive back who helped popularize the forward pass.
• Darrell Green – Hall of Fame cornerback who played 20 seasons in Washington.
• Art Monk – Hall of Fame receiver from the Joe Gibbs title teams.
• John Riggins – Hall of Fame running back and Super Bowl XVII MVP.
• Doug Williams – Super Bowl XXII MVP after a record-setting second quarter.
• Joe Theismann – 1983 NFL MVP and quarterback of the Super Bowl XVII champions.
• Sonny Jurgensen – Hall of Fame quarterback known for his pure passing ability.
• Charley Taylor – Hall of Fame receiver who retired as the NFL’s career receptions leader.
• Sean Taylor – Hard-hitting safety whose No. 21 was retired by the franchise.

Biggest rivalries

The Dallas Cowboys are Washington’s biggest rival, with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants rounding out one of the NFL’s most historic divisions.