More than four decades after cementing his place in Washington Commanders history, the franchise has announced the retirement of Riggins' No. 44 jersey. The Commanders posted a statement on July 9 via the team's official X account from Managing Partner Josh Harris about the same.

“There are certain players whose impact goes far beyond statistics, championships, and accolades: They become woven into the identity of a franchise,” the Commanders' X post read. “John Riggins is one of those players. John has meant so much to this franchise, our fans, and the game of football. That's why we're proud to retire his No. 44 on November 8 and honor a legacy that will forever be a part of our history."

Riggins' No. 44 jersey will be retired by the Commanders on November 8, during halftime of the franchise's home game against the Los Angeles Rams.

"Riggo,' as many know him, helped define one of the most successful eras in our history," the Commanders' X post read. "He played the game with a rare combination of physicality, fearlessness, and personality that captivated fans and inspired his teammates."

His memorable 166-yard rushing performance, highlighted by a 43-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the Commanders' 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins on January 30, 1983, earned him the Super Bowl MVP honors.

He is the franchise's all-time leading rusher with 7,472 yards for 1,988 carries and 79 touchdowns (rushing), and led the team to a Super Bowl XVII title in 1982. Riggins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

"Our fans not only admired him, they identified with him," the Commanders' X post read. "He is authentic, unapologetically himself, and deeply connected to the people around him. John has meant so much to this franchise, our fans, and the game of football.”

Riggins also becomes the third player to be honored since Josh Harris became the managing partner of the franchise. Furthermore, he became the seventh player in the franchise's history to have his number retired, joining Sean Taylor (21), Darrell Green (28), Sammy Baugh (33), Bobby Mitchell (49), Sonny Jurgensen (9), and Art Monk (81).

Commanders finally retire John Riggins' no. 44, drawing praise from fans

The announcement of his jersey retirement met with praise from fans, many of whom called it a well-deserved honor.

One fan wrote that the recognition was long overdue for the two-time NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1983-84)

"Long overdue! This ownership group just gets it!" one fan wrote.

The jersey number retirement was indeed long overdue, as Riggins retired in 1985. It's been 4 decades since then.

Another fan commented that the Commanders should retire Riggins' jersey as a Washington Redskins (the franchise's former name) member, not as a Commander.

"Better be a Redskin Jersey that is retired," another fan commented.

One fan questioned the franchise for taking a long time to retire the legendary jersey.

"Honestly, why wasn't this already retired? I would have fully believed it already was," one fan wrote.

Another fan said the retirement of the legendary No. 44 was long-awaited.

"About time! Diesel #44!!!!!!" another fan wrote.

One fan remembered his historic play (27-17) against the Dolphins during the Super Bowl run.

"This is awesome- well deserved! That Super Bowl run is one of the most iconic plays in franchise history," one fan commented.

In Super Bowl XVII, John Riggins executed a legendary 43-yard touchdown run on 4th-and-1, breaking a tackle to secure Washington’s 27-17 victory.

What are your thoughts on Riggins' No. 44 retirement?

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi