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Redskins All-Time Team
REDSKINS ALL-TIME TEAM
As Selected by Jim Gaines, Christmas 2008
Staff & Management
Owner: Jack Kent Cooke (1974-97) – Spent all that was asked and then stayed out of the way to let the football people he had hired make the best football decisions. Cooke’s ownership style should serve as the template. Earns this mark of distinction over George Preston Marshall who presided over the Redskins from 1932-69, introduced the team name, band, fight song and moved the club to D.C. Unfortunately, Marshall also micromanaged the team and refused integration until 1962 when the government demanded it.
General Manager: Bobby Beathard (1978-89) – The best at consistently utilizing the draft and finding talent in its later rounds. Had an eye for spotting the talent that formed the core of four Super Bowl teams. Orchestrated 1981 draft, best in team history and, possibly, among top five in league annals. Talent haul that year included OL Mark May, OG Russ Grimm, DE Dexter Manley, WR Charlie Brown, DT Darryl Grant and H-B Clint Didier with OT Joe Jacoby signed as free agent. Other notable Redskins drafted under Beathard include WR Art Monk, CB Darrell Green, DE Charles Mann and WR Gary Clark.
Head Coach: Joe Gibbs (1981-92, 2004-08) – Three Super Bowl victories with three different starting quarterbacks. No other coach has duplicated such a feat.
Offensive Coordinator: Ray Flaherty (1936-42) – Hall of Fame member won two NFL Championships as head man in D.C. Introduced a screen pass behind the line of scrimmage and a radical for the times two-platoon offensive system.
QB’s Coach: Ted Marchibroda (1972-74) – Hamstrung by conservative game plans he has proven to be a true, high-octane innovator.
Receivers Coach: Dan Henning (1981-82, 1987-88) – Brilliant mind earns nod over Charley Taylor (1981-93) who already has spot on team as player.
Running Backs: Don Breaux (1981-93, 2004-07) – Helped develop some of the most powerful rushing attacks in league history.
Offensive Line: Joe Bugel (1981-89, 2004-08) – Gets nod over Jim Hanifan (1990-96). Developed the Hogs into one of the all-time great units.
Defensive Coordinator: George Allen (1971-77) – Hall of Fame member was an intense player’s coach who perfected the blitz and introduced nickel (5 DB’s) and quarter (5 DL) packages to the defensive side.
Defensive Line: Greg Blache (2004-08) – Has knack for getting everything possible out of a defensive lineman and molding great units.
Linebackers: LaVern “Torgy” Torgeson (1959-61, 1971-77, 1981-93) – Also made the Pro Bowl twice playing LB in D.C. 1955-57.
Defensive Backs: Richie Petitbon (1978-93) – A four-time All-Pro Safety, Petitbon also developed intricate and masterful schemes in Washington as Defensive Coordinator. Close call over Emmitt Thomas (1986-94).
Special Teams: Marv Levy (1971-72) – With the support of Allen, Levy became the NFL’s first true Special Teams Coach.
Strength & Conditioning: Dan Riley (1982-99) – Joe Gibbs credits him with the conditioning program of championship teams and a football dynasty.
Athletic Trainer: Bubba Tyer (1971-2003, 2004-08) – 37 years as a Redskin and 602 regular season games. Served as president of the Pro Football Athletic Trainers Society and is a Ring of Fame inductee (2003) and NFL Trainer of the Year (2000). Native Texan who despised Dallas!
Halftime Motivational Speaker: Vince Lombardi (1969) – NFL’s greatest coach would have a much greater role on this team if his time in D.C. had not been cut short.
Offense
QB: Sonny Jurgensen 6-0, 202 (1964-74) – Along with the two Dans – Marino & Fouts – ‘ol #9 is among the top three touch passers of all-time. Jurgensen also possessed a commanding presence that made him a great leader and a boldness and audacity in his playing style that made him dangerous for opposing defenses. Despite all that he earns nod barely over Slingin’ Sammy Baugh (1937-52).
TB: John Riggins 6-2, 240 (1976-79, 1981-85) – Organization’s all-time leading rusher. Big back with power and speed as evidenced by his 66-yard sprint, outracing DB’s down the sideline of Texas Stadium at the end of the ’79 season. Beats out 1972 NFL MVP Larry Brown (1969-76) for spot.
FB: Erny Pinckert 6-0, 197 (1932-40) – The premier lead blocker in football’s thirties. Gets nod over Charlie Harraway (1969-73).
2nd/3rd & Long RB: Clinton Portis 5-10, 212 (2004-08) – Couple of years ago Portis knocked out three different Pro Bowl blitzing LB’s while in pass protection. Gets nod over Kelvin Bryant (1986-88, 1990) whom none other than Joe Gibbs said was the best ever as a pass receiver out of the backfield.
WR: Charley Taylor 6-3, 215 (1964-77) – Hall of Fame member who played in eight Pro Bowls. Concluded career by being league’s all-time leader in receptions.
WR: Art Monk 6-3, 210 (1980-93)—Adored by fans as he was voted best player in team history. Like his bookend and mentor Taylor, Monk retired as the league’s all-time leader in career receptions, was a college RB and possessed the complete package at WR – precise route runner, dangerous after the catch, devastating blocker downfield or cracking down on LB’s and a warrior who led through his actions.
3-WR Package & Situational Deep Threat: Hugh “Bones” Taylor 6-4, 190 (1947-54) – Scored 58 TD’s and holds team records for career yards per reception average (19.2) and season yards per reception average (23.4). This first true Split End in NFL history was called the “best ever” by Sammy Baugh. Gets nod over current game-breaker and Cowboy demoralizer Santana Moss (2005-08).
TE: Don Warren 6-4, 245 (1979-92) – Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated recognized Warren’s contribution as a blocker when he named him 1st Team All-Pro.
H-Back: Jerry Smith 6-3, 208 (1965-77) – Smith was born to be an H-Back and it’s a shame he never got the chance in the ultra-conservative 70’s Redskins offense.
LOT: Jim Lachey 6-6, 300 (1988-95) – Best in the league at his peak from 1989-92. Gets the nod over current stud Chris Samuels (2000-08) who may earn two to three more trips to Honolulu, giving him the most ever for a Redskins lineman. Even so, he’ll never be the truly dominant force Lachey was over a three-year period of manhandling opposing defensive linemen.
ROT: Turk Edwards 6-2, 265 (1932-40) – Considered one of the first true big tackles he was also fast, a leader and even kicked off. Hall of Famer gets the nod over former Hog Joe Jacoby (1981-93).
OG: Russ Grimm 6-3, 275 (1981-91) – Drafted for the need to combat and neutralize Dallas’ Randy White, he did just that.
OG: Dick Stanfel 6-3, 230 (1956-58) – A 1st Team All-Pro all three seasons in D.C. Earns the nod over Ring of Fame member Vince Promuto (1960-70).
C: Len Hauss 6-2, 235 (1964-77) – Played 196 games despite numerous injuries. This savvy coach on the field was named All-Pro seven times.
Defense
DE: Gene Brito 6-2, 230 (1951-53, 1955-58) – Named 1st Team All-Pro four straight years and played in five Pro Bowls as the most beloved Redskin of the decade.
DE: Dexter Manley 6-3, 257 (1981-89) – Holds Redskin all-time sack record with 97.5. Colorful personality added to Dallas rivalry in eighties.
DT: Dave Butz 6-7, 315 (1975-88) – Most immovable force the Redskins have ever had on the interior. Also contributed 59.5 sacks, good for 3rd all-time in organization and 1st among defensive tackles.
DT: Bob Toneff 6-3, 270 (1959-64) – 1st three years in D.C. named 1st Team All-Pro and never missed a game. Gets nod over Paul Lipscomb (1950-54).
2nd/3rd & Long Pass Rushing DT: Diron Talbert 6-5, 255 (1971-80) – Mastered head slap as pass rusher, accumulating 56 sacks, 4th on all-time Redskins list and 2nd among DT’s. Long-term production here earns spot over Jumpy Geathers (1990-92).
OLB: Wilbur Marshall 6-1, 231 (1988-92) – Ornery and athletic, a true heat-seeking missile who enjoyed most dominant year of any Skins defender ever in ’91 Super Bowl season.
MLB: Chuck Drazenovich 6-1, 225 (1950-59) – Easiest of calls for this four-time Pro Bowler believed to be the NFL’s first-ever MLB in a 4-3 defense.
OLB: Chris Hanburger 6-2, 218 (1965-78) – Signature play was a nasty clothesline tackle. Nine Pro Bowls, the most in team history, should’ve had him in the Hall long ago.
2nd/3rd & Long LB: Monte Coleman 6-2, 242 (1979-94) – 4th all-time in sacks with 43.5 and the best nickel coverage backer to ever lace ‘em up for Washington. Played in 216 games, all in the nation’s capital, also excelling on special teams.
CB: Pat Fischer 5-9, 170 (1968-77) – Many credit him with inventing ‘bump-and-run’ coverage. Tough as nails, he played 213 games at CB, upon his retirement the most ever by a player at arguably the game’s most demanding position.
CB: Darrell Green 5-8, 170 (1983-2002) – The oldest corner to ever play in the NFL, Green is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played with 295 (nearly eighty games ahead of #2 Monte Coleman) and interceptions with 54 (Brig Owens is #2 with 36). The four-time NFL’s Fastest Man also has seven Pro Bowls on his resume and excelled as a situational punt returner.
SS: Ken Houston 6-3, 200 (1973-80) – Thought by his peers to be the best football player on the team, Houston was named to ten straight Pro Bowls in his career. He’ll forever be a mainstay of Redskins lore with his goal-line tackle of Walt Garrison, preserving a win against the hated Cowboys.
FS: Sean Taylor 6-2, 230 (2004-07) – Best combination of athletic skill and football talent to ever don a Skins uniform. In his short stay in D.C., this vicious hitter racked up 12 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 43 passes defensed and 2 TD’s. In 2006 returned blocked field goal into Dallas territory to set up game-winning field goal as time expired.
Nickel Back: Joe Lavender 6-4, 185 (1976-82) – Became what Barry Wilburn (1985-89) could’ve been – a big corner with a durable, productive career. Size (6-4) and wingspan complement Fisher and Green well as a third corner. His 29 interceptions are 4th all-time for Skins. Earns roster spot over Champ Bailey (1999-2001) who would’ve been best ever in D.C., but instead decided he didn’t want to be a Redskin.
Special Teams
PK: Mark Moseley 6-0, 205 (1974-86) – Clutch kicker was 1982 NFL MVP and is franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
P: Sammy Baugh 6-3, 185 (1937-52) – Holds NFL records with all-time career average of 45.1 and season average of 51.4. Baugh also excelled with the franchise at QB where he revolutionized the passing game and FS where he is still third all-time in interceptions with 31.
KR: Bobby Mitchell 6-0, 195 (1962-68) – Capable of scoring from anywhere on the field at any time. Speedy and elusive big-play threat. Hall of Famer gets nod over Mike Nelms (1980-84).
PR: Brian Mitchell 5-10, 220 (1990-99) – Ultra-confident and brazen performer who holds sixteen Redskins special teams records.
Punt Block Specialist: Bill Malinchak 6-1, 200 (1970-74, 1976) – Blocked four punts in an era where it was hardly done.
Kick Block Specialist: Ron McDole 6-4, 265 (1971-78) – In 1975 alone, the “Dancing Bear” blocked three field goals and two extra point attempts.
Wedge Buster: Rusty Tillman 6-2, 230 (1970-77) – “King of the Special Teams” repeatedly sacrificed his body in taking on the game’s most dangerous assignment. Earns nod over Pete Wysocki (1975-80).
Long Snapper: Ethan Albright 6-5, 248 (2001-08) – Money every time.
Place Holder: Joe Theismann 6-0, 192 (1974-85) – Perfect at skill and always a threat with both his arm and his legs.
“Mr. Versatility”: Dick Todd 5-11, 172 (1939-42, 1945-48) – This HB-DB rushed for 1,573 yards, hauled in 119 receptions for 1,826 yards, corralled 16 interceptions, returned kicks and punts, and also kicked extra points. Ready to fill in for anyone as needed. Earns competitive spot over other Redskins greats Andy Farkas (1938-44), Dick James (1956-63) and Wilbur Moore (1939-46).
Criteria for Selection
Today, in 2008, NFL rosters are comprised of 53 players and with practice squad and injured reserve you end up with over 60 athletes at any one time in an organization. This particular roster, including the staff and management section, includes 54 names deemed worthy of a place on the Redskins All-Time Team. How were these men chosen?
1. With such a large available talent pool and the intent to fill out a complete roster, I assigned a player to only one position/spot – his best.
2. A player was not downgraded for competing in an earlier (i.e. less “athletic”) era – it’s his dominance and impact in his era that counts for consideration and inclusion.
3. Contributions made to the Redskins and NFL in general (i.e. innovations) during the player’s Redskins tenure is what counts. Accolades (i.e. Pro Bowl honors) earned while performing for other organizations mean nothing in terms of being selected for this team.
4. It is a combination of quantity (length of career/years of service to the Redskins) + quality of performance that merits selection.
5. If one possesses the charisma, personality and talent to heat up the Redskins-Dallas rivalry then that deserves and rightly earns special consideration!
Redskins History Websites
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/
http://www.redskinshistorian.com/index.htm
As Selected by Jim Gaines, Christmas 2008
Staff & Management
Owner: Jack Kent Cooke (1974-97) – Spent all that was asked and then stayed out of the way to let the football people he had hired make the best football decisions. Cooke’s ownership style should serve as the template. Earns this mark of distinction over George Preston Marshall who presided over the Redskins from 1932-69, introduced the team name, band, fight song and moved the club to D.C. Unfortunately, Marshall also micromanaged the team and refused integration until 1962 when the government demanded it.
General Manager: Bobby Beathard (1978-89) – The best at consistently utilizing the draft and finding talent in its later rounds. Had an eye for spotting the talent that formed the core of four Super Bowl teams. Orchestrated 1981 draft, best in team history and, possibly, among top five in league annals. Talent haul that year included OL Mark May, OG Russ Grimm, DE Dexter Manley, WR Charlie Brown, DT Darryl Grant and H-B Clint Didier with OT Joe Jacoby signed as free agent. Other notable Redskins drafted under Beathard include WR Art Monk, CB Darrell Green, DE Charles Mann and WR Gary Clark.
Head Coach: Joe Gibbs (1981-92, 2004-08) – Three Super Bowl victories with three different starting quarterbacks. No other coach has duplicated such a feat.
Offensive Coordinator: Ray Flaherty (1936-42) – Hall of Fame member won two NFL Championships as head man in D.C. Introduced a screen pass behind the line of scrimmage and a radical for the times two-platoon offensive system.
QB’s Coach: Ted Marchibroda (1972-74) – Hamstrung by conservative game plans he has proven to be a true, high-octane innovator.
Receivers Coach: Dan Henning (1981-82, 1987-88) – Brilliant mind earns nod over Charley Taylor (1981-93) who already has spot on team as player.
Running Backs: Don Breaux (1981-93, 2004-07) – Helped develop some of the most powerful rushing attacks in league history.
Offensive Line: Joe Bugel (1981-89, 2004-08) – Gets nod over Jim Hanifan (1990-96). Developed the Hogs into one of the all-time great units.
Defensive Coordinator: George Allen (1971-77) – Hall of Fame member was an intense player’s coach who perfected the blitz and introduced nickel (5 DB’s) and quarter (5 DL) packages to the defensive side.
Defensive Line: Greg Blache (2004-08) – Has knack for getting everything possible out of a defensive lineman and molding great units.
Linebackers: LaVern “Torgy” Torgeson (1959-61, 1971-77, 1981-93) – Also made the Pro Bowl twice playing LB in D.C. 1955-57.
Defensive Backs: Richie Petitbon (1978-93) – A four-time All-Pro Safety, Petitbon also developed intricate and masterful schemes in Washington as Defensive Coordinator. Close call over Emmitt Thomas (1986-94).
Special Teams: Marv Levy (1971-72) – With the support of Allen, Levy became the NFL’s first true Special Teams Coach.
Strength & Conditioning: Dan Riley (1982-99) – Joe Gibbs credits him with the conditioning program of championship teams and a football dynasty.
Athletic Trainer: Bubba Tyer (1971-2003, 2004-08) – 37 years as a Redskin and 602 regular season games. Served as president of the Pro Football Athletic Trainers Society and is a Ring of Fame inductee (2003) and NFL Trainer of the Year (2000). Native Texan who despised Dallas!
Halftime Motivational Speaker: Vince Lombardi (1969) – NFL’s greatest coach would have a much greater role on this team if his time in D.C. had not been cut short.
Offense
QB: Sonny Jurgensen 6-0, 202 (1964-74) – Along with the two Dans – Marino & Fouts – ‘ol #9 is among the top three touch passers of all-time. Jurgensen also possessed a commanding presence that made him a great leader and a boldness and audacity in his playing style that made him dangerous for opposing defenses. Despite all that he earns nod barely over Slingin’ Sammy Baugh (1937-52).
TB: John Riggins 6-2, 240 (1976-79, 1981-85) – Organization’s all-time leading rusher. Big back with power and speed as evidenced by his 66-yard sprint, outracing DB’s down the sideline of Texas Stadium at the end of the ’79 season. Beats out 1972 NFL MVP Larry Brown (1969-76) for spot.
FB: Erny Pinckert 6-0, 197 (1932-40) – The premier lead blocker in football’s thirties. Gets nod over Charlie Harraway (1969-73).
2nd/3rd & Long RB: Clinton Portis 5-10, 212 (2004-08) – Couple of years ago Portis knocked out three different Pro Bowl blitzing LB’s while in pass protection. Gets nod over Kelvin Bryant (1986-88, 1990) whom none other than Joe Gibbs said was the best ever as a pass receiver out of the backfield.
WR: Charley Taylor 6-3, 215 (1964-77) – Hall of Fame member who played in eight Pro Bowls. Concluded career by being league’s all-time leader in receptions.
WR: Art Monk 6-3, 210 (1980-93)—Adored by fans as he was voted best player in team history. Like his bookend and mentor Taylor, Monk retired as the league’s all-time leader in career receptions, was a college RB and possessed the complete package at WR – precise route runner, dangerous after the catch, devastating blocker downfield or cracking down on LB’s and a warrior who led through his actions.
3-WR Package & Situational Deep Threat: Hugh “Bones” Taylor 6-4, 190 (1947-54) – Scored 58 TD’s and holds team records for career yards per reception average (19.2) and season yards per reception average (23.4). This first true Split End in NFL history was called the “best ever” by Sammy Baugh. Gets nod over current game-breaker and Cowboy demoralizer Santana Moss (2005-08).
TE: Don Warren 6-4, 245 (1979-92) – Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated recognized Warren’s contribution as a blocker when he named him 1st Team All-Pro.
H-Back: Jerry Smith 6-3, 208 (1965-77) – Smith was born to be an H-Back and it’s a shame he never got the chance in the ultra-conservative 70’s Redskins offense.
LOT: Jim Lachey 6-6, 300 (1988-95) – Best in the league at his peak from 1989-92. Gets the nod over current stud Chris Samuels (2000-08) who may earn two to three more trips to Honolulu, giving him the most ever for a Redskins lineman. Even so, he’ll never be the truly dominant force Lachey was over a three-year period of manhandling opposing defensive linemen.
ROT: Turk Edwards 6-2, 265 (1932-40) – Considered one of the first true big tackles he was also fast, a leader and even kicked off. Hall of Famer gets the nod over former Hog Joe Jacoby (1981-93).
OG: Russ Grimm 6-3, 275 (1981-91) – Drafted for the need to combat and neutralize Dallas’ Randy White, he did just that.
OG: Dick Stanfel 6-3, 230 (1956-58) – A 1st Team All-Pro all three seasons in D.C. Earns the nod over Ring of Fame member Vince Promuto (1960-70).
C: Len Hauss 6-2, 235 (1964-77) – Played 196 games despite numerous injuries. This savvy coach on the field was named All-Pro seven times.
Defense
DE: Gene Brito 6-2, 230 (1951-53, 1955-58) – Named 1st Team All-Pro four straight years and played in five Pro Bowls as the most beloved Redskin of the decade.
DE: Dexter Manley 6-3, 257 (1981-89) – Holds Redskin all-time sack record with 97.5. Colorful personality added to Dallas rivalry in eighties.
DT: Dave Butz 6-7, 315 (1975-88) – Most immovable force the Redskins have ever had on the interior. Also contributed 59.5 sacks, good for 3rd all-time in organization and 1st among defensive tackles.
DT: Bob Toneff 6-3, 270 (1959-64) – 1st three years in D.C. named 1st Team All-Pro and never missed a game. Gets nod over Paul Lipscomb (1950-54).
2nd/3rd & Long Pass Rushing DT: Diron Talbert 6-5, 255 (1971-80) – Mastered head slap as pass rusher, accumulating 56 sacks, 4th on all-time Redskins list and 2nd among DT’s. Long-term production here earns spot over Jumpy Geathers (1990-92).
OLB: Wilbur Marshall 6-1, 231 (1988-92) – Ornery and athletic, a true heat-seeking missile who enjoyed most dominant year of any Skins defender ever in ’91 Super Bowl season.
MLB: Chuck Drazenovich 6-1, 225 (1950-59) – Easiest of calls for this four-time Pro Bowler believed to be the NFL’s first-ever MLB in a 4-3 defense.
OLB: Chris Hanburger 6-2, 218 (1965-78) – Signature play was a nasty clothesline tackle. Nine Pro Bowls, the most in team history, should’ve had him in the Hall long ago.
2nd/3rd & Long LB: Monte Coleman 6-2, 242 (1979-94) – 4th all-time in sacks with 43.5 and the best nickel coverage backer to ever lace ‘em up for Washington. Played in 216 games, all in the nation’s capital, also excelling on special teams.
CB: Pat Fischer 5-9, 170 (1968-77) – Many credit him with inventing ‘bump-and-run’ coverage. Tough as nails, he played 213 games at CB, upon his retirement the most ever by a player at arguably the game’s most demanding position.
CB: Darrell Green 5-8, 170 (1983-2002) – The oldest corner to ever play in the NFL, Green is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played with 295 (nearly eighty games ahead of #2 Monte Coleman) and interceptions with 54 (Brig Owens is #2 with 36). The four-time NFL’s Fastest Man also has seven Pro Bowls on his resume and excelled as a situational punt returner.
SS: Ken Houston 6-3, 200 (1973-80) – Thought by his peers to be the best football player on the team, Houston was named to ten straight Pro Bowls in his career. He’ll forever be a mainstay of Redskins lore with his goal-line tackle of Walt Garrison, preserving a win against the hated Cowboys.
FS: Sean Taylor 6-2, 230 (2004-07) – Best combination of athletic skill and football talent to ever don a Skins uniform. In his short stay in D.C., this vicious hitter racked up 12 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 43 passes defensed and 2 TD’s. In 2006 returned blocked field goal into Dallas territory to set up game-winning field goal as time expired.
Nickel Back: Joe Lavender 6-4, 185 (1976-82) – Became what Barry Wilburn (1985-89) could’ve been – a big corner with a durable, productive career. Size (6-4) and wingspan complement Fisher and Green well as a third corner. His 29 interceptions are 4th all-time for Skins. Earns roster spot over Champ Bailey (1999-2001) who would’ve been best ever in D.C., but instead decided he didn’t want to be a Redskin.
Special Teams
PK: Mark Moseley 6-0, 205 (1974-86) – Clutch kicker was 1982 NFL MVP and is franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
P: Sammy Baugh 6-3, 185 (1937-52) – Holds NFL records with all-time career average of 45.1 and season average of 51.4. Baugh also excelled with the franchise at QB where he revolutionized the passing game and FS where he is still third all-time in interceptions with 31.
KR: Bobby Mitchell 6-0, 195 (1962-68) – Capable of scoring from anywhere on the field at any time. Speedy and elusive big-play threat. Hall of Famer gets nod over Mike Nelms (1980-84).
PR: Brian Mitchell 5-10, 220 (1990-99) – Ultra-confident and brazen performer who holds sixteen Redskins special teams records.
Punt Block Specialist: Bill Malinchak 6-1, 200 (1970-74, 1976) – Blocked four punts in an era where it was hardly done.
Kick Block Specialist: Ron McDole 6-4, 265 (1971-78) – In 1975 alone, the “Dancing Bear” blocked three field goals and two extra point attempts.
Wedge Buster: Rusty Tillman 6-2, 230 (1970-77) – “King of the Special Teams” repeatedly sacrificed his body in taking on the game’s most dangerous assignment. Earns nod over Pete Wysocki (1975-80).
Long Snapper: Ethan Albright 6-5, 248 (2001-08) – Money every time.
Place Holder: Joe Theismann 6-0, 192 (1974-85) – Perfect at skill and always a threat with both his arm and his legs.
“Mr. Versatility”: Dick Todd 5-11, 172 (1939-42, 1945-48) – This HB-DB rushed for 1,573 yards, hauled in 119 receptions for 1,826 yards, corralled 16 interceptions, returned kicks and punts, and also kicked extra points. Ready to fill in for anyone as needed. Earns competitive spot over other Redskins greats Andy Farkas (1938-44), Dick James (1956-63) and Wilbur Moore (1939-46).
Criteria for Selection
Today, in 2008, NFL rosters are comprised of 53 players and with practice squad and injured reserve you end up with over 60 athletes at any one time in an organization. This particular roster, including the staff and management section, includes 54 names deemed worthy of a place on the Redskins All-Time Team. How were these men chosen?
1. With such a large available talent pool and the intent to fill out a complete roster, I assigned a player to only one position/spot – his best.
2. A player was not downgraded for competing in an earlier (i.e. less “athletic”) era – it’s his dominance and impact in his era that counts for consideration and inclusion.
3. Contributions made to the Redskins and NFL in general (i.e. innovations) during the player’s Redskins tenure is what counts. Accolades (i.e. Pro Bowl honors) earned while performing for other organizations mean nothing in terms of being selected for this team.
4. It is a combination of quantity (length of career/years of service to the Redskins) + quality of performance that merits selection.
5. If one possesses the charisma, personality and talent to heat up the Redskins-Dallas rivalry then that deserves and rightly earns special consideration!
Redskins History Websites
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/
http://www.redskinshistorian.com/index.htm
4 Comments
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Comment by Jim Gaines on January 21, 2009 at 8:18am -
Good stuff Jimmy. I think you hit them all really well. The only “adjustment” I would make is bouncing Portis….i cannot look at him as a “true” Redskin because he is so selfish and self serving. Yes, he plays hard…..but is it all about him or about the team? Also, what about Joe Washington as the third down back. I agree…not sure he can push Bryant out. Glad you put Lachey front and center. Huge athletic guy who was the best in his prime. Fun to look at all those names.
I hope to see you up on the fields this spring. Happy New Year.
John Duffy
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Comment by Jim Gaines on January 21, 2009 at 8:19am
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Jim –
I checked out your all-time team. You’re on target with most of your selections. I was pleased to see you selected players like Bill Malinchak, Rusty Tillman and Ethan Albright on Special Teams. They are solid players who don’t get the recognition those on offense and defense normally do. Also, why did you name Ray Flaherty as offensive coordinator and George Allen as defensive coordinator? They were brilliant on those respective sides of the ball, but they were head coaches. Perhaps you could leave Flaherty as the OC, but I would have selected Ritchie Petitbon as my DC. Petitbon put forth outstanding defensive schemes during the Skins’ glory years in the 1980s and early-1990s. Also, as I point out in The Redskins Encyclopedia, Marv Levy and Dick Vermeil are considered the first true special teams coaches in the NFL.
Thanks again for your e-mail. I appreciate your interest.
Take Care,
Mike
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Comment by Jim Gaines on January 21, 2009 at 8:21am
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Great list, Jim. I do have to quibble about Sonny over Baugh at QB, though. As I said in a recent article I wrote for Warpath magazine:
"Opinions can be debated and discussed. Facts are, well, facts.
It's a fact that Sammy Baugh is the greatest Redskins player of all time."
Rich Tandler
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I read your article. Liked it very much. Good selections. I would have given a mention to Larry Brown and I like the fact that you mentioned Wilburn. I liked that guy and thought he was better than people gave him credit for. I think they tried to make him a safety and it didn't work. I also would have mentioned Edward Bennett Williams. He brought in both Vince Lombardi and George Allen. And he tried to get Paul "Bear" Bryant to coach the Skins.
Would you be interested in contributing to my Redskins blog once it goes up?
Robert Janis