Alright, Seattle faithful, listen up! You know how much we respect a franchise legend, someone who carved out their place in history, right? Well, over in the other Washington, the Commanders just dropped a bombshell announcement that’s gonna make you think about legacies. They're officially retiring the iconic No. 44 jersey for their Hall of Fame running back, John Riggins, during the 2026 season. That number, the one he wore while winning a Super Bowl, will never grace a Washington player's back again.
Riggo's Untouchable 1,347 Yards and 24 TDs
After kicking off his pro journey with the Jets for five seasons, Riggo made the move as a free agent, landing in Washington, where he absolutely cemented his legend. He spent the *rest* of his incredible career there, putting up not one, not two, but *four* seasons where he bulldozed past the 1,000-yard mark! His absolute peak? That came in 1983, when he ripped off a career-best 1,347 yards on the ground. Seriously, picture that kind of production! But he didn't stop there. That same year, he shattered a franchise record, which, get this, is still tied for sixth *in NFL history* for single-season rushing touchdowns, with a mind-blowing 24 scores! And then, just for good measure, he tacked on another six touchdowns in the postseason. Talk about leaving it all out there! This dude was a force of nature. In the 1982 playoffs, he piled up four touchdowns, including a legendary 43-yard score in the fourth quarter of their Super Bowl XVII win against the Dolphins. That run was pure, unadulterated grit and power, exactly what you’d expect from a player who still holds franchise records with a staggering 7,472 rushing yards and 79 rushing touchdowns. Commanders owner Josh Harris summed it up perfectly, saying, “Riggo, as many know him, helped define one of the most successful eras in our history. He played with a rare combination of physicality, fearlessness and personality that captivated fans and inspired his teammates.”Mark Your Calendars: Halftime Ceremony is Set
So, when's this whole thing going down? The Commanders are planning a special ceremony to honor Riggins at halftime of their Week 9 game against the Rams during the 2026 season. It’s a chance for their fans to celebrate a true legend, a guy who truly embodied everything it means to be a game-changer. This kind of recognition for a player who literally rewrote the record books is awesome to see. It makes you think about our own legends, doesn't it? As we're here early in the season, watching our guys fight every week, it’s a reminder of the kind of lasting impact players can have. Let’s keep bleeding green and blue, and keep an eye on our own future legends making their mark! Go Hawks!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.