Commanders to Retire No. 44 in Honor of John Riggins

The Washington Commanders will retire No. 44, the number worn by Pro Football Hall of Famer John Riggins, the organization announced Thursday. The ceremony is scheduled for the 2026 season, formally enshrining the franchise's all-time rushing leader more than four decades after his defining performance in Super Bowl XVII. The move makes Riggins one of the few players in franchise history to receive the honor.

Why This Number Carries Historic Weight

Riggins spent 11 of his 14 NFL seasons in Washington, rushing for 7,472 of his career 11,352 yards with the franchise, according to ESPN NFL records. His singular moment came on January 30, 1983, when he took a fourth-and-one handoff against the Miami Dolphins, shed a cornerback tackle, and sprinted 43 yards for a touchdown that turned Super Bowl XVII. Washington won 27-17. Riggins finished with 166 rushing yards on 38 carries and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. That performance cemented his standing not just in franchise lore but in the broader history of the sport. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. For context, NFL.com lists Riggins among the 30 greatest players in league history.

What the Retirement Means for the Commanders Franchise

This decision carries significance beyond ceremony. The Commanders have spent recent years attempting to rebuild both roster and reputation following years of organizational turbulence under previous ownership. Formally honoring Riggins connects the current regime to a championship era that resonates deeply with a fan base that has watched the team make two Super Bowl appearances since that 1983 title but win neither. Retiring No. 44 is a deliberate act of institutional memory, signaling that the franchise understands what its identity was built on. It also applies pressure -- however symbolic -- to produce results that justify standing alongside that legacy. You can follow the team's 2026 season performance through our live scores page as the year unfolds.

Reaction From Around the League

Commanders ownership released a statement calling Riggins the embodiment of the franchise's toughness and competitive identity. Former teammates, according to multiple reports, expressed that the honor was long overdue given that Riggins retired in 1985 and waited more than four decades for the number to be formally taken out of circulation. Several NFL analysts noted the unusual length of the delay, pointing out that most franchises retire numbers within a decade of a player's Hall of Fame induction.

What to Watch as the Season Approaches

The Commanders have not confirmed a specific game date for the retirement ceremony, but the organization is expected to stage it during a high-profile home matchup in the first half of the 2026 season. Fans planning to attend should check the team schedule and our streaming guide for broadcast details. The larger question heading into the season is whether Washington can pair this act of historical recognition with on-field progress -- something the franchise has struggled to sustain since Riggins himself was carrying the ball.