The Washington Commanders are celebrating a former player during the 2026 NFL season. The team will officially retire the jersey belonging to former running back John Riggins.
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According to a press release, the team will retire the No. 44 during halftime of the Week 9 game against the Los Angeles Rams. This game will take place at 1 p.m. ET.
"There are certain players whose impact goes far beyond statistics, championships, and accolades; they become woven into the identity of a franchise," team managing partner Josh Harris said in a statement. "John Riggins is one of those players.
"'Riggo' as many know him, helped define one of the most successful eras in our history. He played the game with a rare combination of physicality, fearlessness, and personality that captivated fans and inspired his teammates."
A first-round pick in the 1971 NFL Draft, Riggins spent the first five seasons of his career with the New York Jets. He earned one trip to the Pro Bowl and rushed for 3,880 yards with 25 touchdowns.
The future Hall of Famer took his career to another level when he joined Washington in 1976. He kicked off a nine-year tenure that featured him delivering in multiple ways for the franchise.
Riggins rushed for more than 1,000 yards four times in eight years played — he missed the 1980 season due to a contract dispute. He led the NFL with 24 rushing touchdowns in 1983 and 14 rushing touchdowns in 1984.
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The Kansas native made a major impact during the 1982 playoffs. He led the league with 136 rushing attempts, 610 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and 34 first downs. He also led the NFL with an average of 152.5 yards per game in four playoff games.
The shining moment of this playoff run came in Super Bowl 17. Riggins rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown as Washington defeated Miami 27-17 at the Rose Bowl. He earned Super Bowl MVP for his efforts.
While Riggins only played in eight seasons for Washington, he still set records. He is the all-time leader in rushing yards (7,472), rushing touchdowns (79), and rushing attempts (1,988).
The veteran running back remained associated with the NFL after his retirement in 1985. He began appearing on and co-hosting radio shows. This includes contributing to Redskins Report and hosting The John Riggins Show.
Most recently, he joined former championship-winning coach Joe Gibbs and former quarterback Doug Williams for an event in Washington, D.C., focusing on the team's future stadium site.
