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The Washington Redskins are one of the oldest and most established franchises in NFL history. In constructing a ranking of the 10 most significant figures in Redskins history, neither raw statistics nor personal achievements were a factor. The key was the overall impact each had in the history of the team. You didn't have to be a player to be included on this list.
Here is how I rank them.
1. Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs 1981-1992, 2004-present
The most important figure in Redskins history. Gibbs was formerly an offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers during the days of Don Coryell. After a 0-5 start his first year in 1981, Gibbs went on to coach Washington to three Super Bowl titles with three different starting quarterbacks. Gibbs, known for his organizational skills and work ethic was able to adjust game strategies on the fly and lead the Redskins organization to the class of the NFL. Gibbs is in the fourth year of his second coaching tenure in Washington where he hopes to mold and shape his team with his winning formula while relating to the new millenium athlete.
2. Sammy Baugh 1937-1952
Sammy Baugh was the first Redskins superstar and one of the best players of his day. Baugh led Washington to two NFL titles in 1937 (as a rookie), and 1942. Baugh won six passing titles during his career along with a 45.1 career punting average. The later was the second best in NFL history. His single season punting average of 51.4 still stands.
3. Head Coach George Allen 1971-1977
From his days as defensive coordinator for the 1963 NFL Champion Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Allen brought to the Redskins a tough, spirited, competitive mentality. Allen, well known as an innovator of defensive schemes, built Washington in the early 1970's with veteran players known as the "Over the hill gang." Allen's motto was "The Future is Now." Allen did more than anybody to create the modern day Redskins-Cowboy rivalry.
4. Sonny Jurgensen 1964 -1974
Sonny was known as the finest pure passer of his day. Jurgenson was a five time Pro Bowl selection and won three NFC passing titles. His stats were over 2,400 completions for 32,224 yards and 255 touchdowns. Jurgensen was quoted as saying he could throw the football 80 yards in his prime.
5. Jack Kent Cooke 1985-1997
The media mogul who purchased the Redskins from Edward Bennet Williams, was the central figure in bringing the team to its elite status in the league in the early 1980s. Cooke wanted a winner and knew what it took. Cooke brought in Bobby Beathard and Gibbs, the cornerstones in the Redskins Super Bowl teams in the 80's.
6. Bobby Beathard 1978-1989
General manager of the Redskins brought in Gibbs and was instrumental in drafting the famed Hogs offensive lineman of Jeff Bostic, Russ Grimm, Mark May and Joe Jacoby. Beathard and Gibbs built the Redskins with character players. The result was three Super Bowl appearances in the 80's and a legacy of Hall of Fame players.
7. John Riggins- 1976-1985
Riggins was brought in from the NY Jets in 1976. "The Diesel" was the central figure in the Redskins offense in the early 1980s. The attributes for Riggins where his strength and speed. Riggins is most widely known for his MVP performance in Super Bowl XVII where he rushed for 166 yards and a 46 yard touchdown on fourth and one to seal the victory for Washington. Riggins is also known as "personality" and was the face of the Skins franchise for many years.
8. Joe Theismann 1974-1985
Theismann guided the Redskins to two Super Bowl appearances in 1982 and 1983. Theismann was named to the Pro Bowl in 1982 and 1983. Theismann's acheivements are unfortunately overshadowed by the horrific leg injury at the hands of Giants Linebacker Lawrence Taylor on Monday Night Football in 1985.
9. Bobby Mitchell 1962-1968
Mitchell was the first black player in Redskins history. Mitchell, who played the running back position for the Cleveland Browns, was brought to Washington because the late owner George Preston Marshall was dismayed at seeing opposing teams' black players have their way with the Redskins teams of the early 1960s.
10. Doug Williams 1986-1989
Williams' significance comes down to Super Bowl XXII in 1988. Williams put on the performance of his life as the Redskins dominated the Broncos 42-10. Before Williams, no black quarterback had ever started in the Super Bowl. Williams played only two more years after that game, but his importance in Redskin history is undeniable.
If you have any comments about the order or anyone missing please send your comments
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