The History of the WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

by Evelyn D. Shah on April 24, 2023

The History of the WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in Washington, D.C. The group was founded in 1932 and is a National Football League (NFL) member in the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division. 

Founding and Early Years

The Washington Commanders have a long and storied history that dates back to their founding in 1932. Originally known as the Boston Braves, the team played home games at Braves Field in Boston, Massachusetts. The following year, the group changed its name to the Boston Redskins and moved to Fenway Park. In 1937, the couple relocated to Washington, D.C., and became the Washington Redskins, where they have remained ever since.



The team's early years in Washington were marked by success and struggle. In their first season in Washington, the Redskins went 8-3 and finished in second place in the Eastern Division of the NFL. The team's success continued in 1937 when they won their first NFL championship by defeating the Chicago Bears 28-21 in the championship game. The team's victory was mainly due to the efforts of quarterback Sammy Baugh, who threw for three touchdowns in the game.


The Redskins continued to experience success in the following years but struggled to maintain consistency. In 1940, the team finished the season with a record of 9-2 and again advanced to the championship game but was defeated by the Bears 73-0. The loss remains the most lopsided defeat in NFL history.


The Redskins returned from the defeat in 1940 and won their second NFL championship in 1942. The team's victory was mainly due to the efforts of Baugh, who had an outstanding season and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player.


The Redskins continued to be a competitive team throughout the 1940s but struggled in the following decade. The couple lost a record in six out of ten seasons between 1950 and 1959 and did not make the playoffs.


Despite their struggles in the 1950s, the Redskins remained a favorite team and continued to draw large crowds to their home games. In 1956, the couple moved to the newly constructed D.C. Stadium, which would later be renamed RFK Stadium. The stadium would be the team's home field for the next 36 seasons.


The Redskins continued to be a competitive team in the 1960s but could not win a championship. The group hired Vince Lombardi as head coach in 1969; Lombardi was diagnosed with cancer shortly after he arrived in Washington and passed away in 1970.


Despite Lombardi's brief tenure in Washington, he left a lasting impact on the team. He implemented a new offensive system and emphasized discipline and teamwork, which helped lay the foundation for the team's success in the years to come.


Overall, the founding and early years of the Washington Commanders were marked by both success and struggle. The team experienced periods of great success, including two NFL championships in 1937 and 1942, but also faced periods of inconsistency and work. Nevertheless, the group remained a popular and beloved franchise in Washington, D.C., and laid the groundwork for the team's success in the years to come.

The Lombardi Era


Numerous eras of greatness mark the Washington Commanders' history, and one of the most notable is the Lombardi Era. Vince Lombardi is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, and his brief tenure with the Commanders left an indelible mark on the franchise.


Lombardi was hired as head coach of the Washington Commanders in 1969, just a year after the team had finished with a record of 5-9. The team struggled then, and Lombardi was brought in to turn things around.


Despite his reputation as a disciplinarian and a hard-nosed coach, Lombardi was well-liked by his players. He had a unique ability to motivate and inspire his team, and he emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity.


Under Lombardi's leadership, the Commanders implemented a new offensive system focused on the running game. The team's star running back, Larry Brown, thrived in Lombardi's plan and had one of the best seasons of his career in 1969. Brown rushed for 1,216 yards and scored eight touchdowns, and he was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player.


Despite the team's improvement under Lombardi, his tenure with the Commanders was tragically short-lived. In June 1970, just months after he had been hired as head coach, Lombardi was diagnosed with cancer. He continued to coach the team during his treatment, but his condition worsened, and he passed away on September 3, 1970.


Despite his brief tenure with the Commanders, Lombardi left a lasting legacy on the team. He instilled a sense of discipline and teamwork that helped the team to improve, and he implemented a new offensive system that the team would use for years to come. He also inspired his players and earned their respect, which helped to build a strong foundation for the team's success in the years to come.


In conclusion, the Lombardi Era of the Washington Commanders' history was marked by a brief but impactful tenure by one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Vince Lombardi's emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and a solid running game helped to improve the team and lay the groundwork for future success. Despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on in the Commanders franchise and the annals of NFL history.

The Gibbs Era


The Washington Commanders have had many great eras throughout history, but none more successful than the Gibbs Era. From 1981 to 1992, Joe Gibbs served as head coach of the Commanders and led the team to three Super Bowl victories and four conference championships.


Gibbs had previously worked as an assistant coach for the Commanders and was promoted to head coach in 1981. He inherited a team that had gone 6-10 the previous season but quickly turned things around.


Under Gibbs' leadership, the Commanders developed a dominant offensive line called "The Hogs." The team's offense was built around a solid running game, and Gibbs emphasized the importance of a balanced attack.


One of the key players during the Gibbs Era was quarterback Joe Theismann. Theismann had been with the team since 1974 but thrived under Gibbs' system. In 1983, Theismann had one of the best seasons of his career, throwing for 3,714 yards and 29 touchdowns.


The Commanders' offense was also bolstered by the emergence of running back John Riggins. Riggins had previously played for the New York Jets, but he joined the Commanders in 1976 and became a key player during the Gibbs Era. In 1983, Riggins rushed for 1,347 yards and 24 touchdowns, and he was named the Super Bowl MVP after leading the Commanders to victory in Super Bowl XVII.


The Commanders continued to enjoy success throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1987, the team won its second Super Bowl under Gibbs, and in 1991, the team won its third. The team's defense was also strong during this time, and its players became known for their aggressive and physical play.


Despite the team's success, Gibbs stepped down as head coach following the 1992 season. Richie Petitbon replaced him, but Petitbon could not replicate Gibbs' success and was fired after just one season.


In conclusion, the Gibbs Era of the Washington Commanders' history was marked by sustained success and dominance. Joe Gibbs' emphasis on a solid running game and balanced offense, combined with the team's aggressive and physical defense, helped the Commanders to win three Super Bowl championships and establish themselves as one of the top teams in the NFL. The legacy of the Gibbs Era lives on in the Commanders franchise and remains one of the most successful periods in the team's history.

The Post-Gibbs Years


After the departure of Joe Gibbs in 1992, the Washington Commanders struggled to maintain the success they had enjoyed during the Gibbs Era. The team underwent several coaching changes and needed help finding consistency on the field.


One of the first coaches to replace Gibbs was Richie Petitbon. Petitbon had been the team's defensive coordinator during the Gibbs Era, but he needed help to replicate Gibbs' success as head coach. The team finished the 1993 season with a 4-12, and Petitbon was fired after just one season.


The Commanders then hired Norv Turner as head coach in 1994. Turner was previously an offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and was seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. Under Turner, the Commanders improved and made the playoffs in 1999. However, they could not advance past the divisional round of the playoffs.


Turner was fired after the 2000 season, and the Commanders hired Marty Schottenheimer as head coach. Schottenheimer had previously coached the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Diego Chargers, and he was seen as a solid choice to lead the Commanders back to success.


Under Schottenheimer, the Commanders improved to a record of 8-8 in 2001, but he was fired after just one season. The team then hired Steve Spurrier as head coach in 2002. Spurrier had been a successful college coach at the University of Florida, but he needed help to adapt to the NFL.


The Commanders struggled under Spurrier, and he resigned after the 2003 season. The team hired Joe Gibbs for a second stint as head coach in 2004. However, Gibbs could not replicate his previous success with the Commanders, and the couple had a losing record in each of his four seasons back as head coach.


Following Gibbs' departure in 2007, the Commanders underwent several more coaching changes. The team hired Jim Zorn as head coach in 2008, but he was fired after two seasons. The group hired Mike Shanahan as head coach in 2010, but he was fired after four seasons.


Despite the coaching changes, the Commanders continued to struggle on the field. The team had just two winning seasons between 1993 and 2019, and they made it to the playoffs five times during that span.


In conclusion, the Post-Gibbs Years of the Washington Commanders' history was marked by a struggle and inconsistency period. The team went through several coaching changes and could not replicate the success they had enjoyed during the Gibbs Era. Despite the team's struggles, the Commanders remained a popular and beloved franchise in Washington, D.C., and there is hope for a brighter future under the current leadership.

Controversies and Rebranding


The Washington Commanders have been embroiled in controversies about their team name and management in recent years. These controversies have led to a rebranding effort and a renewed commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse team culture.


Their team name is one of the most contentious issues surrounding the Commanders. The team was initially known as the Boston Braves when it was founded in 1932, and the name was changed to the Boston Redskins the following year. The team moved to Washington, D.C., in 1937 and became the Washington Redskins, a name they kept for over 80 years.


The team's name became controversial in the 21st century, with critics arguing that "Redskins" was offensive and racist towards Native Americans. In 2013, the Oneida Indian Nation launched a campaign calling for the team to change its name, and other groups and individuals joined in the call for a rebranding effort.


After years of pressure, team owner Dan Snyder announced in July 2020 that the team would retire its name and logo. The group spent the next several months conducting a thorough rebranding effort, and in February 2021, they announced that they would be known as the Washington Football Team for the 2021 season.


In addition to the controversy surrounding the team's name, the Commanders have faced criticism for their management and team culture. In July 2020, The Washington Post published an article detailing allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct within the team's front office.


The article prompted an investigation by the NFL, which found that the Commanders had "unprofessional conduct" in the workplace. The team's longtime radio announcer, Larry Michael, resigned shortly after the allegations were made public, and several other high-ranking executives were either fired or resigned.


The Commanders have since addressed these issues and created a more inclusive and diverse team culture. In August 2020, the team hired Julie Donaldson as its senior vice president of media, making her the highest-ranking female executive in the organization's history. The team has also brought on new leadership in the form of head coach Ron Rivera, who has emphasized the importance of creating a culture of respect and accountability within the team.


In conclusion, the Washington Commanders have faced controversies about their team name and management in recent years. The team has responded to these challenges with a commitment to rebranding and creating a more inclusive and diverse team culture. While there is still work to be done, the Commanders are taking steps in the right direction and remain a beloved and essential franchise in the NFL.

Recent Years and the Future


The Washington Commanders have undergone significant changes on and off the field in recent years. The team has tried to address past controversies and improve the organization's overall culture while focusing on building a competitive team for the future.


In recent years, one of the most significant changes for the Commanders was the retirement of their long-time team name and logo. After years of criticism and pressure from fans and advocacy groups, the team announced in 2020 that they would be retiring the name "Redskins" and logo featuring a Native American caricature. The team is currently operating under the temporary name of the Washington Football Team as they continue the rebranding process.


In addition to the name change, the Commanders have undergone significant changes in their front office and coaching staff. In 2020, the team hired Ron Rivera as head coach, who has been praised for his leadership and emphasis on accountability and respect within the organization. The team has also hired Jason Wright as team president, making him the first Black team president in NFL history.


The Commanders have also changed their roster and playing style on the field. In 2019, the team traded for quarterback Alex Smith, who had suffered a devastating leg injury in 2018. Smith made a remarkable comeback in 2020, leading the team to the playoffs and being named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.


Despite their success in 2020, the Commanders still have areas of improvement heading into the future. The team's offensive line has struggled in recent years, and there are questions about the long-term viability of Smith as the team's starting quarterback.


The team has also emphasized the importance of building a strong culture and fostering community within the organization. This includes efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the team and initiatives to give back to the local community.


The Commanders have a bright future with a promising roster and strong leadership. The team's focus on building a positive culture and a competitive team bodes well for their success in the coming years. The rebranding effort will bring renewed energy and enthusiasm to the fanbase.


In conclusion, the Washington Commanders have undergone significant changes in recent years, including a rebranding effort, changes in the front office and coaching staff, and a focus on building a solid team culture. While there are still areas of improvement, the team has a bright future ahead with a promising roster and a commitment to success both on and off the field.

Conclusion


The Washington Commanders have a rich and storied history in the NFL, marked by numerous eras of success and challenges. From the early days of the franchise as the Boston Braves to the recent controversies and rebranding efforts, the Commanders have remained a beloved and essential franchise in the league.


The Commanders have had some of the most iconic players in NFL history, including Sammy Baugh, Sonny Jurgensen, John Riggins, and Joe Theismann. The team has also had some of the greatest coaches in NFL history, including Vince Lombardi and Joe Gibbs.


Despite their success on the field, the Commanders have also faced challenges and controversies off the field. The team's name and logo were criticized as offensive and racist towards Native Americans, and the team's management faced allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.


However, the Commanders have responded to these challenges with a commitment to change and improvement. The team retired its controversial name and logo and has taken steps to address issues of diversity and inclusion within the organization. The team has also changed its front office and coaching staff, with a renewed focus on creating a positive team culture and building a competitive team for the future.


The Commanders have a bright future with promising young players and strong leadership in place. The team's rebranding effort has brought renewed energy and enthusiasm to the fanbase, and there is a sense of optimism about the team's prospects in the coming years.


In conclusion, the Washington Commanders have a long and storied history in the NFL, marked by eras of success, challenges, and growth. The team has faced controversies and criticisms but has committed to change and improvement. With strong leadership and a renewed focus on creating a positive team culture, the Commanders are poised for success both on and off the field in the coming years.

FAQs

What is the history of the Washington Redskins?

The Washington Redskins were a professional American football team based in Washington, D.C. The group was founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, and they changed their name to the Boston Redskins the following year after moving to Boston. The couple moved to Washington, D.C., in 1937 and became the Washington Redskins, a name they kept for over 80 years. The Redskins had a long and storied history in the NFL, with several eras of success and some of the greatest players and coaches in league history. In the franchise's early days, the team was led by legendary quarterback Sammy Baugh, who helped the team win two NFL championships in 1937 and 1942. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Redskins were led by Hall of Fame coach George Allen, who built a dominant team that made it to the Super Bowl in 1972. The team also had several iconic players during this time, including quarterback Sonny Jurgensen and running back Larry Brown. The Redskins' most successful era came in the 1980s and early 1990s under head coach Joe Gibbs. Gibbs led the team to three Super Bowl victories in 1983, 1988, and 1992, and the team was known for its strong running game and dominant defense. The team's roster during this time featured some of the greatest players in NFL history, including quarterback Joe Theismann, running back John Riggins, and cornerback Darrell Green. However, in the 21st century, the team faced controversy and criticism about its team name and management. The team's name and logo featuring a Native American caricature were criticized as offensive and racist towards Native Americans, and advocacy groups called for a rebranding effort. After years of pressure, team owner Dan Snyder announced in 2020 that the team would retire its name and logo. The team is currently undergoing a rebranding effort and operating under the temporary name of the Washington Football Team. The team has also faced criticism for allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct within the organization, leading to changes in leadership and a renewed focus on creating a positive team culture. In conclusion, the Washington Redskins had a long and storied history in the NFL, marked by eras of success and challenges. While the team faced criticism and controversy recently, the franchise remains an essential and beloved part of the league's history.

When did Washington turn to commanders?

The Washington Commanders is the current temporary name for the NFL team formerly known as the Washington Redskins. The team announced in July 2020 that they would retire the controversial Redskins name and logo and operate under a temporary name until a new permanent name is chosen. The decision to retire the Redskins name and logo came after years of criticism and pressure from fans and advocacy groups, who argued that "Redskins" was offensive and racist towards Native Americans. The team conducted a thorough rebranding effort, including consultation with Native American groups and fans. In February 2021, they announced they would be known as the Washington Football Team for the 2021 season. The team has yet to announce when they will choose a new permanent name, but team officials have said they want to take the time to make a thoughtful and respectful decision. The team has also emphasized the importance of creating a more inclusive and diverse team culture, with a renewed focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within the team and in the broader community.

What were the other names for the Washington Commanders?

The Washington Commanders is the current temporary name for the NFL team formerly known as the Washington Redskins. The team announced in July 2020 that they would retire the controversial Redskins name and logo and operate under a temporary name until a new permanent name is chosen. After retiring the Redskins name, the team began a thorough rebranding effort and consulted with fans, Native American groups, and branding experts to determine a new permanent name. The team has not yet announced a new permanent character, but several potential options have been floated in the media and by fans, including the following: Washington Warriors: This name has been suggested to honor the team's military connections and history. Washington Red Wolves: This name has been suggested as a nod to the team's former name while incorporating a new animal mascot. Washington Hogs: This name has been suggested as a nod to the team's dominant offensive line in the 1980s and early 1990s. Washington Presidents: This name has been suggested to honor the team's location in the nation's capital while incorporating a new and inclusive mascot. The team has yet to confirm any of these potential names, and it remains to be seen what the new permanent name will be.

Evelyn D. Shah

Evelyn D. Shah is a seasoned sports blogger with 15 years of experience covering the NFL. Throughout her career, she has established herself as a reliable news source and analysis for football fans worldwide. Her passion for the sport is evident in her writing, as she delivers insightful and engaging content on various topics related to the NFL. With her extensive knowledge and expertise, Evelyn is a trusted voice in the world of sports journalism, and she continues to be a go-to resource for all things NFL. 

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