Overview
- The Commanders announced Thursday that they will retire John Riggins’ No. 44 during halftime of their Week 9 home game against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 8, 2026.
- Riggins is Washington’s all-time leading rusher with 7,472 yards and 79 rushing touchdowns and was the Super Bowl XVII MVP after a 166-yard performance that included a 43-yard touchdown.
- Team owner Josh Harris praised Riggins’ impact in a statement, saying he helped define one of the franchise’s most successful eras and that fans deeply connected with the player.
- Team president Mark Clouse told local media he personally informed Riggins, who was skeptical at first but then excited about the planned fan-focused ceremony.
- No. 44 will become the seventh retired number in franchise history, joining Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Sonny Jurgensen, Sean Taylor, Darrell Green and Art Monk.