The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, are a storied NFL franchise with a history of both triumphs and controversies. Founded in 1932, the team has undergone multiple rebrandings, relocations, and leadership changes while still being one of the league’s most recognizable teams. From championship glory in the 1980s and early 1990s to a modern era marked by ownership controversies and cultural shifts, the Washington Commanders have a journey that embodies resilience and reinvention.
The Early Years and Founding in Boston
The franchise was originally founded as the Boston Braves in 1932 by George Preston Marshall. The team initially shared Braves Field with baseball’s Boston Braves (now the Atlanta Braves) before moving to Fenway Park and changing its name to the Redskins in 1933. Marshall moved the team to Washington, D.C., in 1937, where they played at Griffith Stadium. This relocation proved pivotal, as it gave Washington, D.C., its first professional football team and allowed the team to build a passionate fanbase.
In their first season in Washington, the Redskins won their first NFL Championship, led by quarterback Sammy Baugh, one of the greatest players of the era. The team’s success established them as a contender, and they won another NFL Championship in 1942. However, this early era of success would be followed by decades of ups and downs as the franchise searched for its identity.
1960s and 1970s: Building a Legacy
The Washington team struggled through much of the 1950s and early 1960s, but things began to change with the hiring of head coach Vince Lombardi in 1969. Lombardi, a coaching legend, had already made history with the Green Bay Packers, but unfortunately, he passed away from cancer after just one season with Washington. However, his brief presence in Washington created a legacy of determination and competitive spirit that would influence the team’s future.
In the 1970s, Washington found new success under head coach George Allen. Allen brought the team to the Super Bowl in 1972, where they faced the Miami Dolphins, who completed their perfect season by defeating Washington in Super Bowl VII. Although the team lost, their competitive performance made a mark, and Allen’s tenure would set the stage for the team’s golden years in the 1980s.
The Golden Era: The Gibbs Dynasty and Super Bowl Success
The 1980s and early 1990s were the golden years for Washington. Under the guidance of legendary head coach Joe Gibbs, the team became one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. Gibbs, who was hired in 1981, brought a meticulous and innovative coaching style that led Washington to three Super Bowl victories with three different quarterbacks — a feat no other team has accomplished.
- 1982 Season: Washington captured its first Super Bowl title in the 1982 season, defeating the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII. Running back John Riggins’ iconic 43-yard touchdown run was a defining moment of the game, symbolizing the team’s grit and determination.
- 1987 Season: In Super Bowl XXII, quarterback Doug Williams made history as the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. Williams’ performance, including four touchdown passes in the second quarter alone, led Washington to a decisive victory over the Denver Broncos.
- 1991 Season: Washington capped off its golden era with a victory in Super Bowl XXVI, defeating the Buffalo Bills. Led by quarterback Mark Rypien, the team finished the season with a 14-2 record and dominated in the playoffs, cementing their place as one of the most formidable teams of the early 1990s.
These years under Gibbs turned Washington into a football powerhouse, with strong defenses, a commitment to running the ball, and innovative strategies that shaped modern football. The franchise became known for its loyal fanbase, sellout crowds at RFK Stadium, and an electrifying game-day atmosphere that remains unmatched.
The Struggles of the 2000s: Ownership Changes and Decline
The franchise’s success waned in the late 1990s, and in 1999, Dan Snyder purchased the team. Snyder, a lifelong Washington fan, was determined to restore the franchise to its former glory but was met with numerous challenges. His ownership was marked by frequent coaching changes, inconsistent team management, and a number of high-profile controversies that negatively impacted the franchise.
The 2000s and 2010s were difficult years for Washington. Coaches came and went with little stability, and the team struggled to maintain competitiveness. Despite occasional playoff appearances, Washington was unable to recapture the sustained success it had enjoyed under Gibbs in the 1980s. Gibbs returned to coach from 2004 to 2007, but the team couldn’t replicate its former glory. Issues within the front office, strained relationships with fans, and controversies surrounding Snyder’s management further complicated the team’s efforts to rebuild.
The Name Change and the Washington Football Team Era
For many years, the team’s original name, the Redskins, faced criticism due to its racial connotations and negative impact on Native American communities. Although Snyder initially resisted calls for a name change, the combination of social pressure, corporate sponsor demands, and a shifting cultural landscape led the franchise to retire the name in 2020. The team temporarily rebranded as the Washington Football Team, embracing a clean and simplified look while planning for a new identity.
Despite the turbulent circumstances, the Washington Football Team found some success during the 2020 season, winning the NFC East with an impressive defense led by rookie Chase Young. Although the team lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, the season showed promise for a new direction, with head coach Ron Rivera at the helm. Rivera, known for his strong leadership and commitment to player development, became a steadying influence during the period of transition.
The Commanders Era and a New Chapter
In 2022, the team officially unveiled its new name, the Washington Commanders, along with a fresh identity that pays homage to the military and the team’s strong ties to the nation’s capital. The Commanders name symbolizes strength, leadership, and unity — qualities the franchise hopes will define its future.
While the rebranding marked a new beginning, challenges remained, especially surrounding Snyder’s ownership. Facing accusations of a toxic workplace culture, financial misconduct, and poor team management, Snyder came under investigation by both the NFL and Congress. In 2023, Snyder finally agreed to sell the Commanders to a group led by Josh Harris, a move that many fans saw as the dawn of a new era.
Looking Forward: Hope, Resilience, and the Path to Redemption
With new ownership, a fresh identity, and a passionate fanbase, the Washington Commanders are on a journey to restore their former glory. Josh Harris and his ownership group have pledged to rebuild trust with fans, invest in the team’s infrastructure, and create a culture of transparency and respect. The hiring of experienced front office staff, coupled with Rivera’s steady coaching, has created optimism for a revival on the field.
The Commanders’ immediate focus is on building a winning team. With young talent such as Chase Young, Terry McLaurin, and a promising defense, the Commanders have the foundation to be competitive in the coming seasons. Additionally, the franchise continues to explore the possibility of a new stadium to replace FedEx Field, aiming to create a modern home that captures the excitement and energy of RFK Stadium in its prime.
Conclusion
The journey of the Washington Commanders is one of resilience, transformation, and reinvention. From their early championships in Washington to their Super Bowl dynasty under Joe Gibbs, and from the controversies of recent years to the hopeful promise of a new era, the Commanders’ story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the franchise and its fans. As the Commanders embark on this new chapter, their history reminds them of both the challenges they’ve overcome and the potential they have to become one of the NFL’s elite franchises once again. With a fresh vision and the support of a dedicated fanbase, the Washington Commanders are poised to reclaim their legacy and build a brighter future.
