As a part of the Washington Redskins’ 80th anniversary the team called upon a blue-ribbon panel combined with the first ever fan vote, to come up with a list of 10 of the greatest Washington Redskins.
Players and coaches with a minimum of 3 seasons with the Redskins were eligible. Active players were also eligible, but had to be a Redskin’ for at least 10 years.
The 80 Greatest Redskins of All Time will be honored at the homecoming game between the Redskins and Carolina Panthers on Nov. 4. The anniversary is also being commemorated with alternate uniforms, which will be worn at two home games this season.
Here are the newest additions to the Greatest Redskins’ list with text from the Redskins’ introductory video:
LAVAR ARRINGTON:
“LaVar Arrington “leaped” into the NFL as the second overall pick in 2000. He immediately made an impact, as the Redskins defense finished in the Top-10, five-of-the-next-six years. Explosive and powerful, Arrington could run sideline to sideline to take down an opponent, as the Cowboys’ Troy Aikman and many others found out over the years.”
BOBBY BEATHARD:
“As the Redskins general manager, Bobby Beathard was the architect behind the Redskins Super Bowl success. He and head coach Joe Gibbs Presided over one of the most successful eras in D.C. sports history. Beathard drafted, among others, future Hall of Famers Art Monk, Darrell Green and Russ Grimm, also signing undrafted rookies such as Joe Jacoby and veterans like Doug Williams.”
JOE BUGEL:
“Legendary assistant coach Joe Bugel was the architect behind the Redskins’ dominant offensive lines in the ‘80’s. The physical and synchronized play of his “Hogs” dominated his opponents with power and precision. Returning to the Redskins for a second stint in 2004, Bugel developed a new generation of outstanding linemen. “Buges” Joe Bugel…one of a kind.”
TERRY HERMELING
“Terry Hermeling was signed as a free agent in 1970. For the next 10 years, he would anchor the offensive line, playing in 120 games as a Redskin. Clearing a path for running backs from Larry Brown to John Riggins, Hermeling was a reliable blocker and a member of the Redskins’ first Super Bowl team.”
JON JANSEN:
“Jon Jansen anchored the right side of the offensive line for almost 10 years. Helping pave the way for a ground-and-pound running attack, standing at six-foot-six and over 300 pounds, Jansen was a physical and steady Redskins. A true leader on and off the field!”
ROY JEFFERSON
“Becoming a Redskin in 1971, Jefferson wasted no time in making an impact, leading the team in receptions. As clutch a receiver as there was in the NFL, Roy was a three-time Pro Bowler in the burgundy and gold, helping the team to an NFC Championship and it’s first ever Super Bowl appearance.”
RICHIE PETITBON:
“After a playing career as an All-Pro safety, Petitbon etched his name with the all-time greats as the defensiveguru of the Redskins’ Super Bowl teams. Creating Washington’s reputation for defensive excellence, he’s one of only three Redskins to participate in all five of the team’s Super Bowl appearances.”
CLINTON PORTIS:
“Running back Clinton Portis broke free on a 64-yard touchdown run on his very first carry as a Redskin, foreshadowing his career in the burgundy and gold. Portis was a hard runner and ferocious blocker. He holds the team’s all-time single season rushing record, and ended his Redskins career as the second-leading rusher in franchise history.”
CHRIS SAMUELS:
“Chris Samuels was a six-time Pro Bowler with the Washington Redskins, and a mainstay at left tackle for 10 seasons. A consummate pro, he was physical, reliable, responsible and accountable. A credit to the burgundy and gold and all that those colors represent.”
SEAN TAYLOR:
“A hard-hitting safety out of the University of Miami, No. 21 could cover the entire field, and when he reached the point of attack…that’s just what he would do. While his career was tragically cut short just as he was reaching his prime, Taylor’s memory in the hearts of Redskins fans will live on forever.”
This is a great list of players and coaches who will forever be remembered as Redskins greats. The only player not on the list that Redskins’ fans may have liked to see is – Stephen Davis. Having a Miami U presence with recent retiree Clinton Portis and the great – late, Sean Taylor is extremely pleasant to see. Not to mention a few legends in Redskins history – Bobby Beathard, Joe Bugel, and Richie Petitbon.
