Top 50 Washington Redskins Players of All Time

Born and raised just outside of Washington, D.C., I have been a huge Redskins fan my entire life. From winning the NFC East with RGIII in 2012 to watching us go 3-13 this season, I have been with the ‘Skins through thick and thin. Although the Redskins haven’t enjoyed much success in recent years, they are still a historic NFL franchise that has had many all-time great football players play for the team. In this article, I’m going to be ranking who I think are the best 50 players ever to don the burgundy and gold. I’m taking into account play on the field and how much of an impact each player had on the Redskins franchise. Without further ado, here is my list of the top 50 Redskins players of all time.

1. Sammy Baugh

Sammy Baugh revolutionized the game of football. He was the 1st drop-back style quarterback in NFL history and paved the way for so many great quarterbacks after him. In 16 seasons with the Redskins, “Slingin’ Sammy” made six Pro Bowls, made 1st Team All-Pro four times, and won two NFL Championships. However, Baugh wasn’t just a quarterback. He also started at safety and punter for the Redskins and excelled in all of his positions. He is the only player in NFL history to lead the league in interceptions and passing yards during his career. Baugh was a member of the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame class in 1963 and in my eyes is the greatest Washington Redskin of all time.

2. Darrell Green

The Redskins selected Darrell Green with the last pick in the 1st round in 1983 despite being a relatively unknown prospect out of Texas A&I (now known as Texas A&M Kingsville). The pick ended up being possibly the best draft pick the Redskins have ever made. Green would go on to play 20 seasons in the NFL, all of which were with the Redskins. He was considered by many to be the fastest man in the NFL during his career and even ran a 4.43 40-yard dash to celebrate his 50th birthday. Green made seven Pro Bowls in his career, made 1st Team All-Pro once, and was a two-time Super Bowl Champion. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

3. John Riggins

“Riggo” may have been one of the most outlandish personalities in NFL history, but he was also one of the game’s best rushers. In his 14-year career, John Riggins used his size and power to run over his opponents. He was a bruising fullback who scored plenty of TDs throughout his career. His best season came in 1983 when he rushed for 1,347 yards and an absurd 24 rushing TDs. “The Diesel” ranks 7th all-time in rushing TDs with 104, was huge in the Redskins’ first Super Bowl win in 1982 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

4. Art Monk

The best receiver in Redskins history, Art Monk spent 14 seasons in the burgundy and gold. Monk was a true #1 WR, recording over 1,000 five times in his career. In his career, Monk made three Pro Bowls, won three Super Bowls, and was 1st Team All-Pro in 1984 when he led the league in receptions. Monk is the all-time leading receiver in Redskins history with 12,026 career yards. At the time of his retirement, Monk was the all-time leading receiver in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

5. Sean Taylor

Sean Taylor was one of the best up-and-coming talents the league had ever seen. The 6’2 safety out of Miami was an athletic freak, being able to cover the whole field and deliver some of the hardest hits in NFL history. In his four years with the Redskins, Taylor made two Pro Bowls and was considered one of the best safeties in the game. Unfortunately, Taylor was tragically killed in 2007 after trying to defend his Florida home from robbers. Although his career in the NFL was short-lived, Sean Taylor’s legacy lives on in the NFL, as many players wear Taylor’s #21 in his honor to this day.

6. Charley Taylor

Charley Taylor began his career as a running back for the Redskins, making the Pro Bowl in each of his first four seasons. He was more of a positionless offensive weapon, as he racked up rushing and receiving yards in his first three years. It wasn’t until his fourth season that he became a true wide receiver, leading the NFL in catches. Taylor made eight Pro Bowls in his career and was named 1st Team All-Pro in 1967. He spent his entire 14-year career in Washington and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

7. Dexter Manley

When discussing the best pass rushers of the 1980s, the name most people point to is Lawrence Taylor. However, Dexter Manley also deserves to be put on that list. In nine seasons in Washington, Manley registered 91 sacks, good for the most in franchise history. During his tenure with the ‘Skins, Manley made one Pro Bowl, had one 1st Team All-Pro Selection, and was a two-time Super Bowl Champ. His best season came in 1986 when he put up an insane 18.5 sacks.

8. Chris Hanburger

Chris Hanburger was one of the most consistent players in Redskins history. The linebacker played in Washington for 14 seasons, starting every game he played in from 1966 to 1976. Hanburger was selected to nine Pro Bowls in his career and was a four-time 1st Team All-Pro selection. He is a member of the Redskins Ring of Fame and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

9. Russ Grimm

In the 1980s and early ‘90s, the heart and soul of the Redskins was their offensive line. Known as “The Hogs” for their intimidating size and stature, the ‘Skins offensive line was the best in the league for a decade. Russ Grimm was the leader and best player of those “Hogs” units. The guard played 11 seasons in Washington, making three Pro Bowls, three 1st Team All-Pro nods, and three Super Bowl Championships. Grimm was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 and is the only “Hog” to make it to Canton.

10. Joe Theismann

Joe Theismann is the best quarterback the Redskins have had in franchise history. He spent his entire 12-year career there, making two Pro Bowls, a league MVP award, and a Super Bowl Championship in 1982. Theismann is the career leader in franchise history for yards and game-winning drives. Unfortunately, Theismann’s career was cut short when he suffered a severe leg injury in a game against the NY Giants. Nonetheless, Theismann is still a Redskins legend.

11. Sonny Jurgensen

After winning an NFL championship during his first seven years in the league, Sonny Jurgensen became a Redskins legend. He would spend the final 11 seasons of his career in Washington, where he led the league in passing three times and helped the Redskins reach Super Bowl VII. Jurgensen went on to be a longtime radio announcer for the Redskins until he finally retired from broadcasting before the 2019 season.

12. Joe Jacoby

Another one of the famed “Hogs” offensive lineman of the ‘80s, Jacoby played all 13 of his NFL seasons as a Washington Redskin. Jacoby was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time 1st Team All-Pro Selection during his years in Washington. Like several of his other “Hog” teammates, Jacoby was a member of all three Super Bowl Champion Redskins teams under Joe Gibbs.

13. Monte Coleman

Drafted in 1979 by the Redskins, Monte Coleman played the entirety of his 16-year NFL career in the nation’s capital. He never made a Pro Bowl or consistently started for the team during those 16 years. Coleman was an ace on special teams and would also be inserted as an inside linebacker on defense. He was the ultimate team player and was rewarded by being apart of all three Redskins Super Bowl victories.

14. Ken Houston

Ken Houston played his first six seasons with the Oilers before spending the final eight seasons of his Hall of Fame career with the Redskins. In his eight seasons in Washington, Houston recorded 24 interceptions, was a seven-time Pro Bowler and was named 1st Team All-Pro twice. Houston started every game he ever played in for Washington except for his last season, where he played in a reserve role.

15. Charles Mann

Charles Mann was a staple of the Redskins’ defense in the 1980s and early ‘90s. Mann played 11 of his 12 NFL seasons in Washington, winning two Super Bowls and making four Pro Bowls with the team. His best season with the team came in 1985 when he tallied 14.5 sacks on the season. He is the 3rd on the Redskins’ all-time sack list with 82 sacks in his career.

16. Ryan Kerrigan

Since being drafted by the Redskins in the 1st round in 2011, Ryan Kerrigan has been nothing but productive for the team. Kerrigan has tallied over 7.5 sacks and started all 16 games every season in his career except this year, as Kerrigan missed four games due to injury. He is a four-time Pro Bowler and has quietly been one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL over the past decade. He currently sits at 90 sacks for his career, just 1.5 away from breaking the all-time franchise sack record.

17. Santana Moss

After spending his first four seasons a member of the NY Jets, Moss was traded to the Redskins where he would spend the next ten seasons. In his ten seasons in Washington, Moss made one Pro Bowl and caught 581 passes for 7,867 yards and 47 TDs. His most significant moment for the ‘Skins came in 2005 when he scored two TDs in the final four minutes of the game to upset the Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

18. Doug Williams

Doug Williams might not have had the stats to belong on this list. However, his contributions to the Redskins and the game of football should not go unnoticed. Despite not being the full-time starter for the team in 1987, HC Joe Gibbs decided to start Williams in the postseason. This ended up being one of the smartest moves in franchise history, as Williams would go on to lead the Redskins to a Super Bowl XXII victory and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. He was the first African-American QB to start and win a Super Bowl.

19. Clinton Portis

After spending his first two seasons in Denver, Clinton Portis was traded to the Redskins for All-Pro CB Champ Bailey. In his seven seasons in the burgundy and gold, Portis became a fan favorite and one of the best running backs in the league. Portis is the 2nd all-time rusher in Redskins history and is a two-time Pro Bowler.

20. London Fletcher

London Fletcher is the quintessential NFL iron man. Fletcher played 16 seasons in the NFL and never missed a single game, a feat that very few players in NFL history can claim. He is tied for 7th all-time in consecutive starts. Fletcher spent the final seven seasons of his career in Washington, where he made the Pro Bowl four times. His best season came in 2011 at age 36 when he led the NFL with 166 total tackles.

21. Bobby Mitchell

Bobby Mitchell played in the NFL for 11 seasons, seven of which were in a Redskins uniform. He was a versatile offensive player who was an excellent pass catcher and runner of the football. He was mainly a running back in his first four seasons in Cleveland before switching to receiver once he joined the Redskins. Mitchell made the Pro Bowl his first three seasons in Washington, including 1st Team All-Pro honors in 1962. He led the NFL in receiving yards twice and, like his teammate Charley Taylor, was revolutionary in changing the wide receiver position.

22. Len Hauss

Len Hauss is perhaps one of the greatest iron men in NFL history. The center played his entire 14-year career on the Redskins and never missed a single game. He started all but two games he played in his career, and those two games came in his rookie season. Hauss was selected to five Pro Bowls during his career and is a member of the Redskins Ring of Fame.

23. Jerry Smith

Perhaps the greatest tight end in Redskins history, Jerry Smith played with the team for 13 seasons. During those 13 years, he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and one-time 1st Team All-Pro selection. He was a pioneer for the tight end position, having held the record for the most TDs for a tight end in NFL history at the time of his retirement. Sadly, Smith passed away in 1986 at the young age of 43.

24. Gary Clark

Gary Clark was a dependable slot receiver on the Redskins from 1985-1992. At only 5’9, Clark relied on his speed and route running to excel in the league. Clark was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Redskins was apart of the 1987 and 1991 Super Bowl teams. His best game came in 1991 in Super Bowl XXVI when he hauled in seven catches for 114 yards and TD.

25. Dave Butz

Standing at 6’7 295lbs, Dave Butz was a behemoth of a defensive lineman. Butz played in the NFL for 16 years, spending 14 of those years in Washington. He was a member of both the 1982 and 1987 Super Bowl Champion teams. Butz’s best season as a Redskin came in 1983 when he recorded 11.5 sacks and was named 1st Team All-Pro.

26. Larry Brown

Brown played the entirety of his eight-year NFL career with the Redskins. In his first four seasons in the league, Brown was named to the Pro Bowl each year and was named 1st Team All-Pro in two of those years. He currently sits at #3 on the Redskins’ all-time rushing list. His best season came in 1972 when he led the NFL in scrimmage yards and was named league MVP.

27. Mark Moseley

If a kicker is ranked within in the top 50 players in a franchise’s history, the odds are that kicker was one of the best of all time. Mark Mosely certainly fits that category. He played in the NFL for 17 seasons, spending 13 of them in Washington. He is the Redskins’ all-time leading scorer and a two-time Pro Bowler. His best season came in 1982 when he was named league MVP as a kicker and led the Redskins to their first Super Bowl Championship.

28. Jeff Bostic

Standing at 6’2, Jeff Bostic was the smallest player on the offensive line during the “Hogs” era. However, he certainly was no pushover in the trenches. Bostic played on the Redskins from 1980-1993, starting in 149 games for the team. Bostic made the Pro Bowl in 1983 and was a member of all three Redskins Super Bowl-winning teams.

29. Chris Samuels

The Redskins have been blessed with talented left tackles for the better part of 20 years now, and it began with Chris Samuels. Drafted in the 1st round in 2000, Samuels played his entire 10-year career in Washington. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection who started every game he ever played in the NFL. Samuels was named to the Redskins Ring of Fame in 2019.

30. Brig Owens

A member of the Redskins Ring of Fame, Brig Owens is a Redskin true and through. He played his entire 12-year career in Washington from 1966 to 1977. He played in 158 games for the franchise and was a member of the 1972 NFC Champion team. His best season came in 1968 when he intercepted eight passes in 14 games.

31. Mark Rypien

Born in Calgary, Canada, Mark Rypien’s path to becoming a Super Bowl-winning QB was all but conventional. Rypien began his NFL career in 1988 at the age of 26 in Washington due to missing his first two seasons with injuries. It was not until 1989 when he would become the Redskins’ full-time starter. In six seasons in Washington, Rypien was a two-time Pro Bowler and was named Super Bowl MVP of Super Bowl XXVI.

32. Trent Williams

Even though Trent Williams’ tenure with the Redskins ended on a sour note, his accomplishments with the team should not go unrecognized. Williams started 119 of the 120 games he played in for Washington. He also was a seven-time Pro Bowler with the Redskins, making it every year from 2012-2018. He now plays in San Francisco and is still considered one of the best offensive tackles in the game.

33. Mark May

As a member of the “Hogs”, Mark May played nine seasons in Washington. He was a staple of an offensive line that was dominant for a whole decade. In his nine seasons as a Redskin, May started 142 games and won Super Bowls in 1982 and 1987. His best season came in 1988 when he was selected to his first and only Pro Bowl.

34. DeAngelo Hall

D-Hall played 15 seasons in the NFL, 10 of which were in the burgundy and gold. Hall recorded 24 interceptions as a member of the Redskins and made the Pro Bowl with the team in 2010. As Hall got older, he remained a steady veteran presence in the locker room and even converted to safety in his final few seasons. His most memorable moment with the ‘Skins came in 2010 when he intercepted Jay Cutler four times in one game.

35. Turk Edwards

Edwards was a member of the first-ever Redskins team in 1932 and played his entire nine-year career with the team. In those nine seasons, Edwards made one Pro Bowl, earned three 1st Team All-Pro nods, and won an NFL Championship in 1937. He was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

36. Ricky Sanders

Sanders was a reliable receiver on the Redskins for eight seasons in the NFL. He recorded two 1,000 yard receiving seasons with the team was a member of the 1987 and 1991 Super Bowl Champion teams. His most significant moment came in Super Bowl XXII against Denver when he exploded for 193 yards on nine catches and two TDs in the 42-10 win.

37. Cliff Battles

Battles played six seasons in the NFL, all of which were with the Redskins. He was a member of the 1932 inaugural season when the team played in Boston. In his six seasons, the running back led the NFL in total yards three times and was named 1st Team All-Pro three times as well. He was a pioneer for the Redskins franchise and the NFL as a whole.

38. Pat Fischer

Pat Fischer played an impressive 17 seasons in the NFL, 10 of which were spent with the Redskins. From 1968-1977, Fischer played in 126 games for the Redskins, intercepting 27 passes. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, two-time 1st Team All-Pro, and ranks 18th all-time in interceptions.

39. Brian Mitchell

One of the best kick returners in NFL history, Mitchell played on the Redskins from 1990-1999. The man led the NFL in all-purpose yards four times and once in punt return yards. Although he only ever scored four kickoff return TDs in his career, Mitchell has the most kick return yards of any player in NFL history. He was also a member of the 1991 Super Bowl Champion Redskins team.

40. Ken Harvey

Harvey played in Washington for the final five seasons of his career after beginning his career with the Cardinals. Harvey made the Pro Bowl in four of those five seasons, recording 70+ tackles and 7.5+ sacks each of those years. He is a member of the Redskins Ring of Honor as well.

41. Wilber Marshall

Marshall spent 12 years in the NFL, five of which came as a member of the Washington Redskins. In those five seasons, Marshall recorded over 100 tackles each year, was named 1st Team All-Pro in 1992 and helped the Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI in 1991.

42. Vince Promuto

Promuto was a staple of the Redskins offensive line in the 1960s. He played all 11 of his seasons in the NFL with the Redskins, making the Pro Bowl two times and ultimately was selected to the Redskins Ring of Fame. Following his career in football, Promuto went on to work for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

43. LaVar Arrington

Although LaVar Arrington had a rather short-lived NFL career, he certainly made an impact in his six seasons as a Redskin. Arrington was a Pro Bowler from 2001-2003, recording over 90 tackles in each of those seasons. After playing six seasons in Washington, he signed a massive seven-year deal with Giants only to see his career cut short by an Achilles injury.

44. Chris Cooley

During his nine seasons with the Redskins, Chris Cooley was a fan favorite. I remember being at FedEx Field as a kid chanting “Cooooooooooley!” whenever the guy would make a catch. He was loved amongst fans for his exuberant personality and play on the field. Cooley made two Pro Bowls during his playing career and was apart of three Redskins teams that made the playoffs.

45. Billy Kilmer

Most quarterbacks in Washington are remembered by winning Super Bowls, but Redskins fans shouldn’t forget Billy Kilmer. Kilmer joined the team in 1971 after spending his first ten seasons in the league with the 49ers and Saints. Kilmer spent eight seasons in Washington, with his best season coming in 1972 when he led the NFL in passing TDs and helped the team reach Super Bowl VII against the undefeated Miami Dolphins.

46. Stephen Davis

Selected in the 4th round by the Redskins in 1996, Stephen Davis was one of the best running backs in franchise history. Davis spent seven seasons in Washington and made two Pro Bowls, but didn’t break out until his 4th season in the league in 1999. Davis rushed for 1,405 yards and led the NFL with 17 rushing TDs to help the ‘Skins win the NFC East title that year.

47. Earnest Byner

Remembered mostly for his costly fumble for the Browns in the AFC Championship in 1987, many NFL fans forget that Earnest Byner as also a stud on the Redskins. Byner played four seasons in Washington from 1989-1992. In those four years, Byner made the Pro Bowl twice and helped the Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI over the Bills.

48. Darryl Grant

While he wasn’t the best defensive lineman on the team during his tenure with the Redskins, Darryl Grant still deserves to be on this list. The man played ten seasons for Washington, starting in 109 games and two Super Bowl victories. His best season came in 1984 when he started 15 games and collected eight sacks.

49. Tress Way

Since joining the Redskins in 2014, Tress Way has quietly been one of the best punters in football. He has led the NFL in punting average twice and is coming off of his best season in 2019. Way averaged 49.6 yards per punt last season, good enough for the best in the league and a Pro Bowl nod. He also currently sits 6th all-time in career yards per punt average.

50. Alfred Morris

As a 6th round pick out of Florida Atlantic, expectations for Alfred Morris coming into the NFL were low. Morris shocked the league in 2012 when he rushed for 1,613 yards and 13 TDs in just his first season in the league, which was good enough for the rushing yards in a season in franchise history. In 4 seasons with the Redskins, Morris made two Pro Bowls and became the 5th highest rusher in Redskins history.

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