The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins and Washington Football Team, have a storied history with several notable running backs who have left a lasting legacy. Over the decades, the franchise has produced some of the finest talents in NFL history. Below are the top five running backs in the history of the Washington Commanders franchise.
### 1. **John Riggins (1976–1985)**
Without question, John Riggins is the most iconic running back in Washington’s history. Known as “The Diesel,” Riggins epitomized power running and toughness. He is perhaps best known for his heroic performance in Super Bowl XVII, where he rushed for 166 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries, helping Washington to a 27-17 victory and earning Super Bowl MVP honors. During his time with the team, Riggins rushed for over 7,472 yards and scored 79 touchdowns. He was a workhorse who could wear down defenses with his relentless running style. His ability to step up in big games and his personality off the field made him a beloved figure in Washington. Riggins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
### 2. **Clinton Portis (2004–2010)**
Clinton Portis was a dynamic force for the Washington franchise after being acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Denver Broncos. Portis quickly established himself as one of the most reliable and versatile backs in the league, capable of breaking tackles, catching passes out of the backfield, and providing leadership on the field. Over the course of his six seasons with Washington, Portis rushed for 6,824 yards and 46 touchdowns, becoming the second all-time leading rusher in franchise history. His toughness and willingness to play through injury further cemented his legacy as a true warrior for the franchise.
### 3. **Larry Brown (1969–1976)**
Larry Brown was the first star running back in Washington’s history, playing during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Brown’s hard-nosed style of play made him one of the most feared runners of his era. In 1972, Brown won the NFL MVP award, rushing for 1,216 yards and 8 touchdowns while leading Washington to Super Bowl VII. He was the first Washington player to rush for over 5,000 career yards, finishing with 5,875 rushing yards and 35 rushing touchdowns. Brown’s legacy is marked by his four Pro Bowl appearances and his contributions during Washington’s first Super Bowl run.
### 4. **Stephen Davis (1996–2002)**
Stephen Davis was a key player during the late 1990s and early 2000s for Washington, bringing a combination of size, speed, and consistency. Davis led the NFC in rushing in 1999 with 1,405 yards and 17 touchdowns, a performance that earned him Pro Bowl honors. He followed that up with another stellar season in 2000, rushing for 1,318 yards and 11 touchdowns. In total, Davis rushed for 5,790 yards and 45 touchdowns during his time in Washington, and his physical running style made him a fan favorite.
### 5. **Alfred Morris (2012–2015)**
Alfred Morris may not have had the longevity of others on this list, but his impact during his short stint in Washington was profound. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Morris burst onto the scene with a franchise-record 1,613 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns as a rookie, helping lead Washington to the playoffs. Morris was known for his vision, toughness, and ability to get tough yards. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons, finishing his Washington career with 4,713 yards and 29 touchdowns.
### Conclusion
The Washington Commanders have a rich history of dominant running backs who have contributed to the franchise’s success over the decades. From the power of John Riggins to the consistency of Clinton Portis and the MVP season of Larry Brown, these backs left their mark on the franchise and the NFL.
