Thanksgiving football with a cornucopia
Thanksgiving football (Photo by Dan Thornberg on Shutterstock)
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Best Commanders Players Of All Time: Top 7 Washington Athletes, According To Fans

November 23, 2023
by Matthew Sherdan

The professional football team in the nation’s capital is one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL). The team was originally named the Washington Redskins, but after many years of controversy surrounding the team’s name, ownership officially changed the name to the Washington Commanders. The franchise has won three Super Bowls and lost two more, bringing their total appearances in the big game to five. Undoubtedly, there have been some legends in Washington, but only a few can be called the best Commanders players of all time. 

Before we dive into the list of the best players in Washington franchise history, let’s take a moment to appreciate the passion and dedication of sports fans. Fans are so dedicated to their team that many of them are superstitious come game day. In fact, a recent study suggests that over half of sports fans are superstitious. A survey of 2,400 American sports fans found that 62 percent of fans have blamed themselves for their team’s loss. Furthermore, nearly 40 percent of those fans feel like a family member is bad luck and have even asked that person to leave on game days.

If throwing friends and family out of the house on game day isn’t enough proof that sports play a big role in our culture, then consider another recent study that found that sports fans are willing to end friendships over sports. A survey of 2,000 American football fans found that a staggering 52 percent of respondents are willing to call it quits with a friend because that person cheers for a rival football team. Furthermore, the study found that when their team loses, it can take fans as many as three days to get over the loss. 

Win or lose, which players are considered the greats in franchise history? StudyFinds did some digging, consulting 10 sports and football-related websites in an effort to bring you a list of the best Commanders players of all time. Our list comprises the seven most frequently listed players from across these sites. Do you think our experts missed one of your top Commanders of all time? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below! 

FedEx Field, home of the Washington Commanders
FedEx Field, home of the Washington Commanders (Photo by Anders Brownworth on Shutterstock)

The List: Best Commanders Players, According to Experts

1. Darrell Green

The top spot on the list of the best players in Washington Commanders’ history belongs to Darrell Green. Green is easily one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history and he’s an all-time great Washington football player. 

“Darrell Green is No. 1 on this list for many reasons. One of those reasons is that he is the longest-tenured Redskins of all time (20 seasons). Green also has the most career interceptions in team history. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and was also named to the NFL’s all-decade team in the 1990s. He is not only one of the best Redskins of all time, but also one of the best cornerbacks of all time,” explains Bleacher Report. 

Green played nearly 20 years with the Washington franchise and he was one of the fastest players in the NFL during his illustrious career. Green infamously ran a sub 4.40 40-yard dash on his 50th birthday. 

“The Redskins selected Darrell Green with the last pick in the 1st round in 1983 despite being a relatively unknown prospect out of Texas A&I (now known as Texas A&M Kingsville). The pick ended up being possibly the best draft pick the Redskins have ever made. Green would go on to play 20 seasons in the NFL, all of which were with the Redskins. He was considered by many to be the fastest man in the NFL during his career and even ran a 4.43 40-yard dash to celebrate his 50th birthday,” adds Lineups. 

Green’s durability, consistency, and overall dedication to being a great cornerback led him to a Hall of Fame career in Washington. In fact, as one expert explains, Green’s career stats should be even better than they are today. 

“The cornerback spent 20 seasons in the NFL, all of them with Washington. Even in the end, Green was a formidable foe for any wide receiver. And still considered the fastest player in the NFL. In his 20 years, Green posted some absurd numbers. He ended with 54 interceptions and 33 pass deflections. Oh, the pass deflections seem low? That’s because that was not a stat until his 17th season. He started 26 games in those final four years. Imagine how many pass deflections Green would have had if it was a stat his entire career,” furthers Clutch Points. 

2. Sammy Baugh

Next up on the list of the best Washington Commanders players of all time is legendary quarterback Sammy Baugh. He played in Washington during the early days of professional football, before the merger, but that doesn’t take away from his legacy. 

“Sammy Baugh is one of those legendary NFL players who played in the league pre-merger. He played tailback and quarterback for the Redskins between 1937 and 1952. He was the No. 6 overall pick in the 1937 draft out of TCU. Baugh led the league in passing yards four times and touchdowns twice. He was a six-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro selection and two-time NFL champion,” explains Fox News. 

Baugh may have played in an era of run-first NFL offenses but he could throw the ball with the best quarterbacks. However, Baugh was a football player first and quarterback second. He could do it all on the football field and he’s a legendary figure in the history of professional football. 

“To this day, the club’s all-time leader in touchdown passes (187) belongs to a man who was one of the most versatile football players in history and a part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s introductory class of 1963. ‘Slingin’ Sammy’ Baugh was a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro who was one of the league’s first great stars and a performer who brought the aerial game to the forefront. Over 16 seasons, he led the league in passing yards four times and in TD throws twice. He was also a superior punter, averaging 45.1 yards per kick for his career,” writes Fansided. 

Baugh could punt, throw, and even cover wide receivers. Still, he is remembered for his ability to play quarterback and his legacy on the team.

“Over 16 years with the Redskins, Baugh won two NFL Player of the Year awards and led his team to two NFL Championships; one in 1937 and one in 1942. Even today, Baugh is remembered for his accolades. His No. 33 is the only number to be officially retired by the Redskins, and it’s easy to understand why,” adds Riggo’s Rag. 

3. Art Monk

The third spot on the list of the top players in Washington franchise history belongs to none other than Art Monk. He is a legendary wide receiver and he’s widely regarded as one of the top pass catchers in league history. 

“Art Monk was a highly talented wide receiver who played for the Washington Commanders for over a decade between 1980 and 1993. He was selected in the first round of the 1980 NFL Draft, where the Commanders used the 18th overall pick to draft Monk. Over the course of his lengthy career with the team, Monk had the rare honor of being involved in all three of their Super Bowl wins,” writes Rookie Road. 

Monk was an acrobatic wide receiver who could jump over defenders to snag a long throw. He played with his fair share of quarterbacks and always delivered. “Monk was consistent over a long period of time as a Redskin. He was drafted by the Redskins in 1980 and immediately played himself onto the NFL All-Rookie Team, just to name one of his notable accomplishments: 12,026 yards, 888 receptions, and 65 touchdowns. He helped lead the Skins to multiple Super Bowl Titles,” writes The Grueling Truth. 

12,000 receiving yards, over 850 catches, and more than 60 touchdowns make Monk one of the most productive receivers in franchise history. Monk didn’t play his entire career in Washington but his legacy remains as one of the franchise’s top players of all time. 

“Coming in at number two is Art Monk. Widely considered the greatest wide receiver in franchise history — and for great reason. Monk spent 14 of his 16 years in the NFL with Washington. In that time, the wide receiver racked up 888 receptions for 12,026 yards and 65 touchdowns. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro in 1984. Monk was also a member of all three Super Bowl-winning Redskins teams,” adds Clutch Points. 

4. John Riggins

John Riggins is one of the most powerful running backs in the history of the league and he’s beyond loved by fans of the Washington Commanders. “In nine years with the Redskins, John Riggins made an impact that was unrivaled by most players. Not only was he a force on the field, but his personality off the field is part of what made him a great fit with the burgundy and gold. One of several famous plays from ‘The Diesel’ was a run he had in Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins. With 10 minutes left in the game, Riggo ran 43 yards on 4th-and-1 to put the Redskins up 17-13, a lead they would not surrender,” writes Bleacher Report. 

Riggins was a power runner who had no problem running through tackles or over defenders on his way to the endzone. He wasn’t the fastest back in the league, but his desire to gain every available yard on every carry jumped off the TV screen and endeared him to Washington fans. 

“He was never necessarily the best player at his position in the league. In fact, he was originally the sixth overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New York Jets and earned Pro Bowl honors with that franchise in 1975. But Pro Football Hall of Fame running back John Riggins spent his final nine seasons in the league with the Washington Redskins and became a legend for that club. And in 1982, he embarked on one of the greatest four-game postseason runs (literally) in NFL history,” explains Fansided. 

Riggins is remembered for what he did in a Washington uniform, not for his time with the Jets franchise. Riggins was actually listed as a fullback, but he received the bulk of his team’s carries and his hulking frame made him nearly impossible to tackle late in games when defenses were tired and wore down. 

“Riggo may have been one of the most outlandish personalities in NFL history, but he was also one of the game’s best rushers. In his 14-year career, John Riggins used his size and power to run over his opponents. He was a bruising fullback who scored plenty of TDs throughout his career. His best season came in 1983 when he rushed for 1,347 yards and an absurd 24 rushing TDs. ‘The Diesel’ ranks 7th all-time in rushing TDs with 104, was huge in the Redskins’ first Super Bowl win in 1982 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992,” adds Lineups. 

5. Chris Hanburger

Next up on the list of the best players in Washington franchise history is legendary linebacker Chris Hanburger. During his time in the league, Hanburger was one of the top linebackers in the entire league and he’s an easy choice for one of the best Washington players of all time. 

“This very underrated all-time great linebacker played all 14 of his seasons with the Redskins. In those 14 seasons with the Redskins Hamburger was voted to nine Pro Bowls, six All-Pro selections, eight All-Conference first-team honors, and was the 1972 NFL 101 NFC Defensive Player of the Year, a season in which he helped lead the Redskins to their first Super Bowl appearance,” explains The Grueling Truth. 

Hanburger’s ability to roam the middle of the field as a pass defender was highly underrated during his time. Most NFL offenses were focused on running the ball over throwing passes, but Hanburger could defend both aspects of the game. 

“In 14 seasons, Hanburger tallied nine Pro Bowls and four All-Pro first-team selections. Hanburger also intercepted an impressive 19 passes in his career. Just to put that in perspective, that’s more interceptions than both Junior Seau and Lawrence Taylor. Hanburger was a beast,” writes Bleacher Report. 

Hanburger wasn’t highly touted coming out of college, but that all changed once he got to Washington. He immediately solidified himself as one of the game’s premiere defensive players, and his hard work later paid off as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. 

“Chris Hanburger might get the edge over some other worthy players on this Mount Rushmore because of some of his accolades. Hanburger, a linebacker nicknamed ‘The Hangman’ for his ability to clothesline opposing players, joined the Redskins in 1965. He was an 18th-round draft pick. He ended up playing 14 seasons with Washington before calling it quits in 1978. He earned nine Pro Bowl appearances and six First-Team All-Pro selections during his career. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011,” adds Fox News. 

6. Joe Theismann

Joe Theismann led the Washington franchise to a lot of victories and he’s widely regarded as one of the top signal-callers in franchise history. “Joe Theismann is one of the most recognizable names in all of professional football, which is a result of his excellence with the Washington Commanders. Theismann was drafted into the NFL with the 99th overall pick, but he eventually found his stride, winning some of the most important awards that the NFL has to offer. For one, he helped the Commanders win a Super Bowl in 1982. That season saw Theismann complete a career-high 63.9% of his passes. In the Super Bowl, he threw for two touchdowns,” writes Rookie Road.

In 1982, Theismann led one of the top offenses in the entire league and hoisted the Lombardi Trophy later that season. He played his college football career at Notre Dame at was even the runner-up for the coveted Heisman Trophy in 1970. 

“Theismann was not a Hall of Fame Quarterback, but his 1983 season was epic as the Redskins broke the league record for points scored as Theismann lead one of the most prolific offenses the NFL has ever seen,” explains The Grueling Truth. 

Unfortunately, a lot of NFL fans remember Theismann for suffering a massive hit from Lawrence Taylor on Monday Night Football. Taylor broke Theismann’s leg on national television and subsequently changed the course of the league forever. 

“Joe Theismann is the best quarterback the Redskins have had in franchise history. He spent his entire 12-year career there, making two Pro Bowls, a league MVP award, and a Super Bowl Championship in 1982. Theismann is the career leader in franchise history for yards and game-winning drives. Unfortunately, Theismann’s career was cut short when he suffered a severe leg injury in a game against the NY Giants. Nonetheless, Theismann is still a Redskins legend,” adds Lineups. 

7. Sean Taylor

Rounding out the list of the best players in Washington franchise history is none other than all-pro safety Sean Taylor. Unfortunately, Taylor’s legacy is defined by his tragic death in 2007 in which he was killed by thieves trying to rob his home in South Florida. Taylor was taken from us far too early and NFL fans were never able to witness the full extent of his greatness.  

“Sean Taylor was one of the best up-and-coming talents the league had ever seen. The 6’2 safety out of Miami was an athletic freak, being able to cover the whole field and deliver some of the hardest hits in NFL history. In his four years with the Redskins, Taylor made two Pro Bowls and was considered one of the best safeties in the game. Unfortunately, Taylor was tragically killed in 2007 after trying to defend his Florida home from robbers. Although his career in the NFL was short-lived, Sean Taylor’s legacy lives on in the NFL, as many players wear Taylor’s #21 in his honor to this day,” explains Lineups. 

Taylor was an amazing football player and one of the most talented young defensive stars the NFL world has ever seen. He played his college career at the University of Miami and continued his greatness in the NFL. 

“Possibly the greatest hitter in team history, Sean Taylor was a legend in the making. In just 55 games in the league, Taylor had 299 tackles, eight forced fumbles and 12 interceptions. His career was cut short halfway through the 2007 season when he was shot and killed by an intruder in his Miami home. Although his NFL story is left unwritten, it is not unfair to say that he would have easily gone down as one of the greatest Redskins of all time, and that is why he makes this list,” adds Bleacher Report. 

Taylor was destined to follow in the footsteps of all-time greats such as Ronnie Lott and Ed Reed. Washington fans were witnessing greatness before Taylor’s tragic murder and he’ll always be remembered for his hard work, dedication, and sheer talent. 

“Sean Taylor wasn’t afforded the time that other players on this list were. But it doesn’t matter. This is a list of the Redskins’ top players in franchise history. And there might never be a player like Taylor again. Taylor quickly rose through the football ranks, using a 10-interception campaign in college to leverage a reputation as a generational talent. Taylor’s 6-foot-3 frame, length and sheer relentlessness on the field made it impossible for the Redskins to pass on him with the No. 5 overall selection. It didn’t take long for Taylor to live up to his draft status. He wreaked havoc on opposing wide receivers, making the middle of the field a deadly place,” furthers Riggo’s Rag. 

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