The wait is over. More than four decades after John Riggins thundered through the Miami Dolphins defense on the biggest stage in football, no Washington player will ever wear No. 44 again.
The Commanders made it official on Thursday, July 9, 2026, announcing the retirement of Riggins' jersey. The number joins the short list of honored digits in franchise history, arriving with a significance that goes far beyond ceremony. This is Washington finally paying its full debt to the man who carried the franchise to its first Super Bowl title.
No. 44 will not simply be out of circulation for the 2026 season--it will never be issued again, period. The team's franchise rushing leader, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and the MVP of Super Bowl XVII finally receives the permanent recognition that should have come years ago.
The timing matters. The announcement comes more than 40 years after the moment that sealed Riggins' legend: fourth-and-one at the Miami 43-yard line in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XVII. Riggins took a handoff, shrugged off Dolphins cornerback Don McNeal at the line of scrimmage, and rumbled 43 yards untouched into the end zone. It remains the most iconic run in Washington history. The stiff arm, the relentless stride, the image of a 230-pound back outrunning an entire defense to put Washington ahead for good.
That play didn't just win a Super Bowl; it cemented Riggins as the face of the franchise's first golden era under coach Joe Gibbs. For a fan base that has endured decades of ownership drama, name changes, and on-field mediocrity, honoring Riggins is a way to reconnect with the franchise's best self.
Riggins retired after the 1985 season with 7,472 rushing yards as a Washington player. His ten seasons with the team produced the franchise's all-time rushing record, a mark that still stands 40 years later. No one is close. The nearest running back on Washington's all-time list is Clinton Portis at 6,824 yards. Riggins' combination of power and longevity, especially considering he didn't join the team until his eighth NFL season, is extraordinary.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Super Bowl MVP trophy has borne his name since January 1983. Yet the jersey retirement took an additional 34 years.
This recognition was overdue by at least a decade. Franchise legends customarily have their numbers retired. Washington has a complicated history with such honors. Sammy Baugh's No. 33 and Bobby Mitchell's No. 49 are retired, while several other early-era numbers have been honored but not fully retired. Riggins' No. 44 deserved to join that elite group long ago.
The current regime, led by General Manager Adam Peters and Head Coach Dan Quinn, understood the importance. They addressed a long-standing gap in franchise heritage recognition, sending a clear message that the team values its history--a critical pillar for building a sustainable culture. You cannot forge a new identity while ignoring the past. Riggins represents the past that warrants celebration.
The jersey retirement ceremony is expected during the 2026 regular season, most likely at a mid-season home game at Northwest Stadium. Training camps have just opened, and the preseason schedule is set. The event promises to be a poignant moment for the fan base--an opportunity to relive the franchise at its peak.
Practically, this move is symbolic and non-disruptive. No current player on Washington's 90-man roster wore No. 44 during OTAs or minicamps. The retirement does not cause any jersey conflicts or replacements.
The symbolism is paramount. Washington has been striving to distance itself from a legacy of dysfunction and mismanagement. Honoring Riggins signals that the true, enduring greatness of the franchise belongs to everyone, transcending recent controversies.
Riggins, now 77, remains a fixture in Washington's alumni events. Known as "The Diesel," the back was famous for his rugged playing style and indomitable spirit--often seen with loosely buckled shoulder pads--and for his unforgettable tuxedo photograph at a White House dinner, wearing a top hat. He was never the typical NFL star but a charismatic champion and larger-than-life character.
His franchise rushing record is unlikely to be approached by any current player. The Commanders' quarterback Jayden Daniels and running backs Rachaad White and Jerome Ford do not fit the profile of a career-long workhorse back. Riggins' record remains secure, and the No. 44 retirement immortalizes its permanence.
For the Commanders, heading into training camp, this moment serves as an identity reset. The team aims to honor its championship past while building toward a championship future. Retiring Riggins' number sets a standard in the locker room: greatness in Washington is not forgotten. It reminds the fan base who paved the way.
The 2026 season carries real promise. Jayden Daniels, entering his third year, has shown glimpses of franchise quarterback potential. The defense has bolstered its playmakers. The offensive line has added stability. The NFC East divisions appear within reach. And now, even before a preseason snap is taken, the franchise has reminded everyone of the standard it aspires to uphold.
John Riggins set that standard. Fourth-and-one. 43 yards. Super Bowl champion. Franchise rushing leader. Hall of Famer.
No. 44 belongs in the rafters. It always did.
And finally, the Commanders agree.
For a franchise that has often faltered in making the big calls, this one is exactly right.