John Riggins: The Legendary Running Back of the Washington Redskins
John Riggins, born on August 4, 1949, in Seneca, Kansas, is one of the most iconic and celebrated running backs in NFL history. Known for his bruising running style, toughness, and clutch performances, Riggins played a pivotal role in leading the Washington Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XVII, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. His remarkable career with the Redskins, combined with his colorful personality and on-field dominance, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Collectors and fans treasure John Riggins autographed Washington Redskins jerseys and helmets, celebrating his contributions to the Redskins' success and his place among the NFLās all-time greats.
Early Life and High School Career
John Riggins grew up in Seneca, Kansas, where his athletic talent was evident from a young age. At Centralia High School, Riggins excelled in multiple sports, including football, track, and basketball. His combination of size, speed, and toughness made him a standout athlete, and he quickly became one of the top high school football players in Kansas. Rigginsā success on the football field earned him a scholarship to play college football at the University of Kansas, where he would further develop into a future NFL star.
College Career at the University of Kansas
John Riggins attended the University of Kansas, where he played for the Jayhawks from 1967 to 1970. As a running back, Riggins quickly established himself as one of the top players in the Big Eight Conference. His powerful running style, coupled with his speed, made him a dominant force in the Kansas offense.
Success at Kansas
Rigginsā college career was highlighted by his ability to consistently grind out tough yards and break tackles, making him one of the most productive running backs in the nation. He finished his college career as the Jayhawksā all-time leading rusher with 2,659 yards. Riggins was also named the Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year in 1970, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best running backs in college football.
For fans and collectors, John Riggins autographed University of Kansas memorabilia, such as jerseys and helmets, are highly prized items that celebrate his early success and his contributions to Kansas football.
NFL Career with the New York Jets and Washington Redskins
Draft and Early NFL Career with the New York Jets
John Riggins was selected by the New York Jets with the sixth overall pick in the 1971 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impact with the Jets, becoming their leading rusher in his rookie season. Riggins spent five seasons with the Jets, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 1975 after rushing for over 1,000 yards. Despite his success in New York, Riggins would find his greatest success later in his career with the Washington Redskins.
The Move to Washington and Super Bowl Success
In 1976, John Riggins signed with the Washington Redskins, a move that would define the remainder of his career. Known for his bruising running style and ability to wear down defenses, Riggins became the focal point of the Redskinsā ground game. His combination of power and determination made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the teamās success during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The highlight of Rigginsā career came during the 1982 NFL season, when he led the Redskins to a Super Bowl XVII victory. During the strike-shortened season, Riggins rushed for 610 yards in four playoff games, setting an NFL postseason record. His legendary performance in Super Bowl XVII, where he rushed for 166 yards on 38 carries, including a game-changing 43-yard touchdown run, earned him Super Bowl MVP honors.
Rigginsā Super Bowl XVII touchdown run, where he famously broke free from Miami Dolphins defender Don McNeal, remains one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. His performance in the game helped the Redskins secure a 27-17 victory, and Riggins cemented his legacy as one of the greatest postseason performers in NFL history.
For fans and collectors, John Riggins autographed Washington Redskins jerseys and helmets from the Super Bowl era are highly coveted items, symbolizing his role in the teamās championship success.
Continued Success and Legacy
Riggins continued to be a key player for the Redskins throughout the early 1980s, consistently producing on the ground and setting records along the way. In 1983, Riggins set an NFL record with 24 rushing touchdowns in a single season, further showcasing his dominance in short-yardage situations. His ability to grind out tough yards in the later stages of his career earned him the nickname "The Diesel," a testament to his punishing running style.
By the time he retired in 1985, Riggins had rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns, making him one of the most productive running backs in NFL history. His career was defined by his toughness, durability, and ability to perform in the biggest moments.
John Riggins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, solidifying his place among the NFLās all-time greats. His No. 44 jersey was also retired by the Washington Redskins, further honoring his contributions to the franchiseās success.
Life After Football
Since retiring from football, John Riggins has remained a beloved figure in the Washington D.C. area and the wider NFL community. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Riggins has enjoyed a successful career in broadcasting, providing insightful commentary on NFL games and sharing his experiences as a Hall of Fame player. He has also been active in various charitable endeavors and public appearances, continuing to engage with fans and give back to the community.
Rigginsā impact on the game of football, both as a player and a personality, has left a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with fans to this day.
Collecting John Riggins Autographed Memorabilia
For fans and collectors, John Riggins autographed Washington Redskins jerseys and helmets are highly sought-after collectibles that celebrate his incredible career and lasting legacy. These items are more than just memorabilia; they are symbols of Rigginsā contributions to the Redskinsā Super Bowl success and his status as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Washington Redskins Collectibles
- Autographed Jerseys: A John Riggins signed Washington Redskins jersey is a must-have for any fan, symbolizing his legendary performance in Super Bowl XVII and his role as one of the most beloved players in franchise history. These jerseys are ideal for display in homes, offices, or sports collections, celebrating Rigginsā contributions to the Redskinsā championship success.
- Autographed Helmets: John Riggins autographed Redskins helmets commemorate his impact on the teamās Super Bowl victory and his status as one of the NFLās all-time great running backs. These helmets are perfect for collectors who want to honor Rigginsā legacy and display his iconic No. 44 in their collections.
John Rigginsā journey from a standout player at the University of Kansas to a Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Fame running back with the Washington Redskins is a story of toughness, leadership, and clutch performances. His ability to dominate the game with his bruising running style and perform under pressure has left an indelible mark on the sport of football.
For fans and collectors, John Riggins autographed Washington Redskins jerseys and helmets offer a tangible connection to one of the most exciting and successful periods in franchise history. These items not only commemorate Rigginsā achievements on the field but also serve as lasting tributes to a player whose influence and legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Whether you are a die-hard Redskins fan, a collector of football memorabilia, or someone inspired by Rigginsā story, these autographed items provide a meaningful way to celebrate the legacy of a player who made an indelible mark on the game.
Ā