Across the franchise's history as the Redskins, the Football Team, and now the Commanders, the greatest Washington Commanders players of all time include pioneering passers, Super Bowl heroes, and Hall of Fame defenders. This list honors the legends who built three Super Bowl titles and decades of tradition in the nation's capital. These are the names every Washington fan displays proudly in their fan cave.
1. Sammy Baugh (QB · 1937-1952)
'Slingin' Sammy' revolutionized the passing game and led Washington to two NFL championships in 1937 and 1942. A six-time passing champion who also starred as a punter and defensive back, he was a charter member of the Hall of Fame in 1963.
2. Darrell Green (CB · 1983-2002)
One of the fastest and most durable cornerbacks ever, Green played all 20 seasons in Washington and won two Super Bowls. A seven-time Pro Bowler, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
3. Art Monk (WR · 1980-1993)
A precise, reliable receiver, Monk set an NFL single-season record with 106 catches in 1984 and won three Super Bowls in Washington. He was the franchise's all-time leading receiver and reached the Hall of Fame in 2008.
4. John Riggins (RB · 1976-1985)
A bruising power back, Riggins was the MVP of Super Bowl XVII, where his iconic fourth-down touchdown run sealed the title. He posted an NFL-record 24 rushing touchdowns in 1983 and entered the Hall of Fame in 1992.
5. Sonny Jurgensen (QB · 1964-1974)
One of the purest passers of his generation, Jurgensen led the NFL in passing yards multiple times during his Washington years. A Hall of Famer in 1983, he ranks among the franchise's all-time passing leaders.
6. Sean Taylor (S · 2004-2007)
A ferocious, game-changing safety, Taylor was a two-time Pro Bowler whose hard-hitting style made him one of the most feared defenders of his era. His career was tragically cut short, and his number 21 is retired by the franchise.
7. Charley Taylor (WR · 1964-1977)
The 1964 Rookie of the Year, Taylor retired as the NFL's all-time leader in receptions. An eight-time Pro Bowler who spent his entire career in Washington, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.
8. Russ Grimm (G · 1981-1991)
The leader of the legendary 'Hogs' offensive line, Grimm was a four-time Pro Bowler who paved the way for three Super Bowl titles. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
9. Joe Theismann (QB · 1974-1985)
The franchise's all-time passing yardage leader, Theismann was the 1983 NFL MVP and quarterbacked the Super Bowl XVII champions. A two-time Pro Bowler, he defined the offense of Washington's first title era.
10. Dexter Manley (DE · 1981-1989)
A dominant pass rusher, Manley recorded a franchise-record 18.5 sacks in 1986 and earned All-Pro honors. His relentless edge pressure was a key part of Washington's championship defenses of the 1980s.
Honorable Mentions
Joe Jacoby ('Hogs' tackle, three Super Bowls), Chris Hanburger (Hall of Fame linebacker, nine Pro Bowls), Ken Houston (Hall of Fame safety, hard hitter), Gary Clark (Explosive Super Bowl-era receiver), Mark Moseley (1982 MVP placekicker), Bobby Mitchell (Hall of Fame receiver and back), London Fletcher (Durable tackling-machine linebacker)
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