Washington Redskins Quarterback History: Legends & Stats
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The history of the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders, is a rich tapestry woven with legendary performances, unforgettable moments, and a legacy of remarkable quarterbacks. As one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, the journey of their quarterbacks offers insights into the team's evolution, its triumphs, and its challenges. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the quarterbacks who have donned the burgundy and gold, their stats, achievements, and the impact they've had on the franchise.
The Early Years: Beginnings of a Legacy
The Washington Redskins were established in 1932, and their quarterback history began with a series of notable players who laid the groundwork for the future.
Sammy Baugh: The Pioneer 🎩
One of the most iconic figures in Redskins history is Sammy Baugh. Baugh played for the team from 1937 to 1952 and is often credited with revolutionizing the quarterback position.
- Career Highlights:
- 2× NFL Champion (1937, 1942)
- 5× Pro Bowler
- 1947 NFL MVP
- Known for his exceptional passing and punting abilities.
Baugh's stats are impressive for his era, throwing for over 21,000 yards and 187 touchdowns, cementing his place as a legend in the sport.
The 1970s: The Rise of the Redskins
As the franchise moved into the 1970s, the team saw more stability at the quarterback position, leading to successful seasons and playoff appearances.
Billy Kilmer: The Tough Competitor 💪
Billy Kilmer was the Redskins' starting quarterback from 1971 to 1978 and was known for his toughness and resilience on the field.
- Career Highlights:
- 2× Pro Bowler
- Key player in the 1972 NFC Championship team.
Kilmer's leadership helped guide the team to significant success, including a playoff appearance in 1971. His career stats reflect his gritty style, throwing for over 21,000 yards and 155 touchdowns.
The 1980s: Championship Glory
The 1980s marked a golden era for the Redskins, culminating in three Super Bowl victories and memorable quarterback performances.
Joe Theismann: The Ultimate Playmaker 🎖️
Joe Theismann became the face of the franchise during the 1980s, leading the team to two Super Bowl appearances and securing a victory in Super Bowl XVII.
- Career Highlights:
- 2× Pro Bowler
- 1983 NFL MVP
- Super Bowl XVII Champion
Theismann's playing style combined charisma with precision, as seen in his impressive statistics: over 25,000 passing yards and 160 touchdown passes. His ability to read defenses and execute plays made him a pivotal figure in the Redskins' success.
Doug Williams: A Historic Triumph 🏆
Doug Williams made history as the first African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl, leading the Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XXII.
- Career Highlights:
- Super Bowl XXII Champion
- MVP of Super Bowl XXII
Williams' performance in the Super Bowl was legendary, where he threw for four touchdowns in one quarter, showcasing his talent on the biggest stage. His legacy is not only defined by his stats, but also his role in breaking barriers.
The 1990s and 2000s: Transitioning Eras
As the Redskins moved into the 1990s, the franchise faced challenges in maintaining its previous successes.
Mark Rypien: The Reluctant Star 🌟
Mark Rypien led the Redskins to their second Super Bowl win in 1992 and was named Super Bowl XXVI MVP.
- Career Highlights:
- Super Bowl XXVI Champion
- 1991 Pro Bowler
Rypien’s tenure with the team saw highs and lows, with career stats including over 18,000 passing yards and 113 touchdowns, marking him as a notable figure during a transitional period.
The Turn of the Century: Searching for Consistency
The early 2000s brought an influx of quarterbacks for the Redskins, but few left a lasting legacy.
Patrick Ramsey: The Ups and Downs ⚖️
Patrick Ramsey had a tumultuous career with the Redskins, characterized by flashes of brilliance and struggles with consistency.
- Career Highlights:
- 2002 first-round draft pick
Ramsey’s time with the team saw him start various games, but his stats, including over 6,000 passing yards, reflect the difficulty of finding stability in the position during this era.
The Return to Glory: RG3 and the New Era
In 2012, the Redskins welcomed Robert Griffin III (RG3), who instantly became a fan favorite with his electrifying playstyle.
Robert Griffin III: The Phenomenon 🔥
RG3 was drafted second overall and made an immediate impact, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2012.
- Career Highlights:
- 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
- 3× Pro Bowler
In his rookie season, Griffin threw for over 3,200 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also rushing for 815 yards, showcasing a dual-threat ability that excited fans. However, injuries hampered his career, leading to a decline in performance.
Recent Quarterbacks: New Challenges
As the team continued to evolve, they faced the task of finding their next franchise quarterback.
Dwayne Haskins: A Promising Start 🎓
Dwayne Haskins was drafted in 2019 and was seen as a potential leader for the future.
- Career Highlights:
- 2018 Heisman finalist
Unfortunately, Haskins' time with the Redskins was marred by inconsistency and off-field issues, resulting in his release in 2020.
Legacy and Stats: The Quarterback Table
The following table highlights the key quarterbacks in Redskins history and their notable statistics:
<table> <tr> <th>Quarterback</th> <th>Years Active</th> <th>Passing Yards</th> <th>Touchdowns</th> <th>Super Bowl Wins</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Sammy Baugh</td> <td>1937-1952</td> <td>21,886</td> <td>187</td> <td>2</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Joe Theismann</td> <td>1974-1985</td> <td>25,206</td> <td>160</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Doug Williams</td> <td>1986-1989</td> <td>16,998</td> <td>100</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mark Rypien</td> <td>1986-1994</td> <td>18,473</td> <td>113</td> <td>1</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Robert Griffin III</td> <td>2012-2015</td> <td>8,983</td> <td>40</td> <td>0</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Dwayne Haskins</td> <td>2019-2020</td> <td>2,804</td> <td>12</td> <td>0</td> </tr> </table>
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
The Washington Redskins quarterback history is a saga filled with legendary performances, groundbreaking moments, and significant contributions to the franchise's identity. From the pioneering days of Sammy Baugh to the electrifying talent of RG3, each quarterback has left an indelible mark on the team's history.
As the franchise moves forward, the hopes and aspirations for future quarterbacks remain high, with the expectation that they will uphold the legacy built by their predecessors. The story of Redskins quarterbacks is far from over, and the next chapter is waiting to be written on the field.