The Washington Redskins have been on the field for almost sixty years and have provided fans with some of the most heralded players in football. From Sammy Baugh, the legendary quarterback, to John Riggins, almost as much fun to watch off the field as on, Washington has filled the Hall of Fame with some spectacular players. The famous Vince Lombardi coached the Redskins before dying of cancer in 1970. George Allen coached the team from 1971-1978 and brought them an NFC championship in 1972. Joe Gibbs, named NFL Coach of the Year in 1982, was inducted into the Hall in 1996 and is something of a hero to current Redskins’ fans.
Redskins’ fans will not forget the likes of Sam Huff, inducted in 1982, and who epitomized toughness at the linebacking position. Sonny Jurgenson, the great Duke star and outstanding Redskins quarterback, was elected in 1983. John Riggins, known for his straight up the middle ball carrying, and sometimes for his escapades, was inducted in 1992.
Of more recent vintage, Art Monk, the Redskins receptions leader, played for the team from 1980-1993, while Joe Theismann, the great Notre Dame quarterback, threw strikes from 1974-1985. No Redskins fan, nor anyone near to a television at the time, will ever forget the gruesome injury Theismann sustained, breaking his lower leg during a play but coming back after surgery to lead the Redskins again.
There are simply too many great players to mention adequately when waltzing down memory lane with the Redskins. The Hall of Fame inductees are a large family who share the honor with their longtime fans.
