Washington Redskins Tickets

Washington Redskins Games

• Redskins vs. San Francisco 49ers
• Redskins vs. Chicago Bears
• Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys
• Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles
• Redskins vs. New York Giants
• Redskins vs. New York Jets
• Redskins vs. Detroit Lions
• Redskins vs. New England Patriots

No one likes it when labor disputes result in work stoppages except for fans of the Washington Redskins. In both 1982 and 1987, the players of the National Football League went on strike. In both those years the Redskins won the Super Bowl.

The Redskins play in the NFC East along with their three fierce rivals the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants.

The History of the Redskins

The Redskins have played in the NFL since 1932. They’ve won two NFL Championships and three Super Bowls. As of 2008, they’ve made 22 playoff appearances.

The Redskins are the league’s second most valuable franchise (behind the Cowboys) with an estimated price tag of more than $1.5 billion. The Redskins are the NFL’s top earning team. In 2007, the franchise grossed a league best $327 million, not surprising since the Redskins annually break their own single-season attendance record.

The Redskins, owned by George Preston Marshall, entered the league as the Boston Braves. Their inaugural team of 1932 featured two hall of famers, Cliff Battles and Turk Edwards.

After playing in Braves Field for a year, the team moved to Fenway Park and changed their name to the Redskins. The change of scenery and the new nickname did nothing to help attendance.

The Redskins Move to Washington D.C.

With Boston fans seemingly indifferent to the Redskins, Marshall packed up his team and moved them to Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C.

The Redskins first year in the nation’s capital was also the rookie year of their exciting new quarterback from TCU, “Slingin’ Sammy” Baugh.

During that time in the NFL, the forward pass had yet to develop into the offensive weapon it is today. The forward pass was generally used in desperate situations at the end of a game when a team was trailing.

Coach Vince Lombardi

In 1969, the Redskins hired legendary coach Vince Lombardi. He directed the team to a respectable 7-5-2 record. Sadly, the namesake of the Super Bowl trophy died of cancer shortly before the 1970 season.

Also passing away during this time was the team’s owner George Preston Marshall. Upon his death, the team was sold to attorney Edward Bennett Williams.

Coach George Allen

The Redskins of the 1970’s were highlighted by head coach George Allen and his “Over-the-Hill Gang.” Allen preferred veterans to rookies and young players so much so that he adopted the slogan “the future is now.”

In Allen’s seven years as head coach of the Redskins, his team made the post season five times.

Coach Joe Gibbs

In 1981, Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke (he became majority owner in 1974) hired a new coach that would forever change the history of the franchise. That coach was former offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers, Joe Gibbs.

In his two stints with the Redskins (1981-1992 and 2004-2008), Gibbs had just three losing seasons.

Perhaps Gibbs’ greatest accomplishment was winning three championships with such a diverse group of players.

The Redskins in the Super Bowl

His first two Super Bowl appearances featured quarterback Joe Theismann, running back John Riggins and receiver Art Monk—all three are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In Super Bowl XVII, Riggins produced one of those memorable moments that have been immortalized by NFL Films. The play was called “70 Chip.” It was intended to move the sticks on a crucial 4th and inches play, but Riggins wasn’t keen on just gaining a yard or two. He rumbled all the way into the end zone for the go ahead touchdown.

The Redskins had the lead for good and eventually defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-17. Due to the strike-shorten season, the playoffs leading up to the big game featured 16 teams (eight from each conference) and no byes.

Super Bowl XXII featured African-American Doug Williams under center for the Redskins. Williams would become the first black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, perhaps somewhat vindicating the Redskins for being the last team to integrate.

Jack Kent Cooke Stadium

The same year Cooke passed away the Redskins moved into their new home, Jack Kent Cooke Stadium. Its naming rights were eventually sold by Snyder and now the stadium is called FedExField.

Snyder has been a controversial owner. Despite being a lifelong Redskins fans he has made some odd decisions (such as selling the naming rights to the stadium). Under his relatively short watch, the team has employed six head coaches. This list includes legendary college coach Steve Spurrier who at best floundered in the NFL.

The name Redskins has been the target of several activist groups who claim the appellation is disrespectful to Native Americans. However polls have indicated that the overwhelming majority of American Indians find the name acceptable.