Washington Redskins

 

The Washington Redskins were established very early on in 1932, when the NFL was just starting its debut and has played over 1,000 games since then. When the AFL and NFL merger occurred, the Redskins were placed in and have been playing in the NFC East ever since 1970. The team is headquartered in Redskins Park located in Ashburn Virginia, but they actually play their home game at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Their team colors are Burgundy, Gold, and White, and do not have an official mascot, but they were the first team in the NFL to have a fight song; which is “Hail to the Redskins”. With their extensive history, the Redskins have now become the second most valuable franchise, behind the Dallas Cowboys, being valued at around $1.55 billion.

 

Redskins Brief Team History

Before the Redskins became the Redskins, they were an independent football team named the Duluth Eskimos that went on from 1923 – 1927, but then in 1832 were named the Boston Braves. During the first three years of their NFL franchise, they used the name Boston Redskins, but later changed it to the Washington Redskins. The Redskins struggled in their early years, but it paid off as they went to six playoffs, won six Division championships (while they were in the NFL East), and won the two NFL Championships in 1937 and 1942 before the NFL – AFL merger happened in 1970.

Once the merger happened, the Redskins continued to have period of success. They went to five playoffs in the 1970’s and won the NFC conference in 1972, but were unable to win the Super Bowl that decade. This did not stop them as they continued to their success spree in the 1980’s, going to another five playoffs, but this time they won three NFC titles, and managed to win the Super Bowl in 1982 and 1987. They were pretty successful during the beginning of the 1990’s as well, making it to the 1991 Super Bowl and beating the Buffalo Bills 37 – 24. Once the Redskins hit the 2000’s, they entered into period of struggle and disarray, as they have only made two playoff appearances in 2005 and 2007, and have been unable to get a Division championship since 1999.

 

Notable Redskins Figures

The Washington Redskins have had a long run and the franchise has become one of the best in the NFL, as well as the top grossing franchises, and it is all thanks to the many different players and coaches that made it possible.

 

Past Redskins Figures

 

Sammy Baugh was a quarterback for the Redskins from 1937 to 1952, during which time he led the team to their two NFL Championship victories in 1937 and 1942, where in both instances they beat rival team, the Chicago Bears. When he retired in 1952, he left with 1,693 pass completions, 21,886 passing yards, and 187 touchdowns.

 

“The Hogs” was the nickname for the offensive line that the Redskins had during the 1980’s and 1990’s. They were known for being able to control the line of scrimmage and were responsible for getting the Redskins their three Super Bowl victories in 1982, 1987, and in 1991. The Hogs were led by center Jeff Bostic, left guard Russ Grimm, right guard Mark May, left tackle Joe Jacoby, right tackle George Starke, along with tight end’s Don Warren and Rick Walker.

 

Darrel Green was a cornerback for the Redskins from 1983 until he retired in 2002. During his time with the Redskins he was crucial for their victories during the 1987 and 1991 Super Bowls; he was part of the Hogs lineup. He managed to get at least 1 interception for 19 seasons and ended his career with 1,159 tackles and 59 interceptions.

 

Present Redskins Figures

 

Robert Griffin III is the starting quarterback for the Redskins, and he just started this 2012 season. So far, he has shown incredible skill at being a quarterback, throwing 133 completions, for 1,601 yards and 7 touchdowns. That isn’t the only reason he is an amazing offensive player, as he is also a superb running back. He has already been able to get over 400 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. He makes everything look so easy on the field, and with these impressive stats, it wouldn’t surprise me if he won the 2012 Rookie of the Year award.

 

Alfred Morris is the official running back for the Redskins and it is also his first year playing for the team, as he was acquired during the 2012 NFL draft. During the 2012 season, he has already managed to rush for more than 650 yards and get 5 touchdowns. He is extremely fast and agile when on the field, being able to run around the opposing team’s defence.

 

Wide receiver Santana Moss and tight end Fred Davis have been crucial to the Redskins passing offense. They have provided QB Griffin with plenty of opportunities to throw to them. Davis has given the team great yardage, moving them down the field in order to score, while Moss has been the finisher, being able to make the receptions and score; Moss has 4 touchdowns so far this 2012 season.

 

Present Team Personnel

The current owners of the Washington Redskins are Daniel Snyder, who is the majority owner, and Dwight Schar, who is a part-owner. Snyder is much vested in the Redskins, as he is also the owner of Dick Clark Productions, and has used his resources in order to provide the Redskins with everything they need. The current head coach for the Redskins is Mike Shanahan, who took over the job in 2010. He was the head for the Denver Broncos, as well as a few other professional football teams, and he is using his experience to try and remold the Redskins into Super Bowl champions.