The Washington Commanders are one of the National Football League’s oldest and most historically significant franchises. The organization began in Boston in 1932 as the Boston Braves, moved to Washington in 1937, and has gone through several names and eras before becoming the Washington Commanders in 2022.
Over more than nine decades, the franchise has won two NFL championships before the Super Bowl era and three Super Bowl championships, produced numerous Pro Football Hall of Famers, and become associated with legendary figures such as Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Darrell Green, John Riggins, Art Monk, Joe Gibbs and many others.
The Franchise History is Officially Recognized As
1932: Boston Braves
1933–1936: Boston Redskins
1937–2019: Washington Redskins
2020–2021: Washington Football Team
2022–present: Washington Commanders
Washington has won NFL championships in 1937 and 1942, followed by Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1987 and 1991.
The Beginning: Boston Braves
The franchise was established in 1932 when George Preston Marshall headed a group that purchased an NFL franchise in Boston. The original team was called the Boston Braves, and the club played its first season at Braves Field, the home of baseball’s Boston Braves.
After the 1932 season, the organization changed its nickname to the Redskins. The team played at Fenway Park from 1933 through 1936. In 1937, the franchise moved from Boston to Washington, D.C. The move immediately produced one of the greatest beginnings in NFL history. Washington won the NFL championship in its first season in the nation’s capital.
All Home Stadiums of the Franchise
The Washington franchise has called seven principal stadium configurations home during its history.
1. Braves Field — Boston, Massachusetts
1932
Braves Field was the original home of the franchise when it entered the NFL as the Boston Braves in 1932. It was primarily a baseball stadium and was home to the Boston Braves of Major League Baseball.
2. Fenway Park — Boston, Massachusetts
1933–1936
After the franchise changed its name to the Boston Redskins, the team moved to Fenway Park. The football team shared the famous Boston stadium with the Boston Red Sox.
3. Griffith Stadium — Washington, D.C.
1937–1960
The franchise moved to Washington in 1937 and played at Griffith Stadium. This was the site of the team’s first Washington championship season. The 1937 Redskins won the NFL championship, defeating the Chicago Bears. Washington returned to the NFL championship game in 1942 and defeated the Bears again. Griffith Stadium therefore witnessed the beginning of Washington’s championship tradition.
4. D.C. Stadium / RFK Stadium — Washington, D.C.
1961–1996
Washington moved into the new D.C. Stadium in 1961. The facility was renamed Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, commonly known as RFK Stadium, in 1969. RFK became one of the most recognizable home fields in franchise history. The stadium was home for 36 seasons and hosted Washington through the George Allen era, the early Joe Gibbs era and the first two Super Bowl championships of the modern era. The Commanders’ own history describes RFK as the team’s home for 35 seasons from 1961 through 1996.
5. Jack Kent Cooke Stadium — Landover, Maryland
1997–1999
Washington moved across the Potomac into suburban Maryland in 1997. The new stadium was named Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in honor of the longtime owner who had died earlier that year. It opened shortly after Cooke’s death.
6. FedExField — Landover, Maryland
1999–2023
The stadium was renamed FedExField in 1999 after Washington sold the naming rights.
It remained Washington’s home for 25 seasons. The stadium hosted the team throughout the majority of the Daniel Snyder ownership era and through the franchise’s transition from Redskins to Washington Football Team and then Commanders.
7. Northwest Stadium — Landover, Maryland
2024–present
The stadium became known as Northwest Stadium in 2024. It remains the Commanders’ current home. The franchise is also planning a future return to Washington, D.C., with a new stadium project at the former RFK Stadium site targeted for the future.
The Owners of the Washington Franchise
Ownership has changed several times during the franchise’s long history.
George Preston Marshall
1932–1969
George Preston Marshall was the founder of the franchise. He helped establish the Boston Braves in 1932, renamed the club the Redskins in 1933 and moved the organization to Washington in 1937. Marshall was also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor. Under Marshall, Washington won NFL championships in 1937 and 1942.
Edward Bennett Williams 1960s–1970s — President and Partial Owner
Edward Bennett Williams became one of the most important figures in the franchise during the transition from Marshall to Jack Kent Cooke. Williams served as team president and held an ownership interest. He was instrumental in the organization during the late Marshall and early Cooke years.
Jack Kent Cooke
1960–1997; Majority Owner from 1974
Cooke first purchased a minority interest in Washington in 1960. He became the franchise’s majority owner in 1974 and eventually became the sole owner. Cooke became one of the most influential owners in Washington sports history. His ownership produced the greatest sustained championship period in franchise history.
Under Cooke, Washington won:
Super Bowl XVII — 1982 season
Super Bowl XXII — 1987 season
Super Bowl XXVI — 1991 season
Cooke also oversaw the construction of the stadium that originally carried his name.
He died in 1997.
The Cooke Estate and John Cooke 1997–1999
After Jack Kent Cooke’s death, ownership passed through his estate while the franchise was being prepared for sale. His son, John Kent Cooke, served as team president and helped oversee the organization during the transition. The franchise was ultimately sold to Daniel Snyder.
Daniel Snyder 1999–2023
Daniel Snyder purchased Washington in 1999 for approximately $800 million. His purchase was then a record price for an American sports franchise. Snyder’s ownership lasted more than two decades. During this period, the organization changed its name from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team in 2020 and then to the Washington Commanders in 2022.
Josh Harris and the Harris Ownership Group
2023–present
NFL owners approved the sale of the franchise to a group led by Josh Harris in 2023.
The purchase price was approximately $6.05 billion, at the time a record for an NFL franchise. The ownership group includes Josh Harris along with partners including:
Mitch Rales, David Blitzer, Magic Johnson, Mark Ein, Lee Ainslie, Eric Holoman,
Michael Li, Marc Lipschultz, The Morgan family, Doug Ostrover, The Santo Domingo family
Michael Sapir, Eric Schmidt, and Andy Snyder. Harris became the franchise’s principal owner and managing partner.
Washington’s Pro Football Hall of Famers
The Washington franchise has had 32 former players, coaches and administrators associated with the organization inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
However, that total includes people whose Hall of Fame careers were primarily established with other teams.
For this list, the standard is narrower:
Only individuals whose Washington careers represent a significant part of their Hall of Fame legacy are included.
Sammy Baugh — Quarterback
Washington, 1937–1952
Sammy Baugh is arguably the most important player in the early history of the franchise.
“The Slingin’ Sammy” era established Washington as a national football power. Baugh was an outstanding passer, punter and defensive back and became one of the most influential players of the NFL’s early years. He was a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Cliff Battles — Running Back
Washington, 1932–1937
Battles was one of the NFL’s premier early running backs. He played for the franchise beginning with its Boston years and was an important part of the team’s rise to prominence. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968.
Turk Edwards — Tackle
Washington, 1932–1940
Edwards was one of the great offensive tackles of the early NFL. He played for the franchise from its Boston beginning through its move to Washington. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.
Ray Flaherty — Head Coach
Washington, 1937–1942
Flaherty coached Washington to its first two NFL championships. His teams won championships in 1937 and 1942. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976.
George Allen — Head Coach
Washington, 1971–1977
Allen transformed Washington into a playoff contender and created the famous Over-the-Hill Gang defense. His Washington teams made the playoffs four times and reached Super Bowl VII following the 1972 season. Allen entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
Bobby Beathard — General Manager
Washington, 1978–1988
Beathard was one of the architects of the franchise’s greatest championship era. He helped build the teams that won Super Bowls XVII and XXII. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
Joe Gibbs — Head Coach
Washington, 1981–1992; 2004–2007
Gibbs is the most accomplished head coach in Washington history. He won three Super Bowls with three different starting quarterbacks:
Joe Theismann — Super Bowl XVII
Doug Williams — Super Bowl XXII
Mark Rypien — Super Bowl XXVI
Gibbs was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.
Darrell Green — Cornerback
Washington, 1983–2002
Green spent his entire 20-year NFL career with Washington. His longevity, speed and coverage ability made him one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.
Russ Grimm — Guard
Washington, 1981–1991
Grimm was a cornerstone of Washington’s offensive line and a member of the famous “Hogs.”
He helped Washington win three Super Bowls.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
Chris Hanburger — Linebacker
Washington, 1965–1978
Hanburger was one of the most important linebackers of the George Allen era.
He was a key member of the Over-the-Hill Gang defense. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2011.
Ken Houston — Safety
Washington, 1973–1980
Houston became one of the dominant defensive backs of his generation after joining Washington. He made 12 consecutive Pro Bowls during his career.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
Sam Huff — Linebacker
Washington, 1964–1967 and 1969
Huff was already an established star when he came to Washington from the New York Giants. He became a major figure in Washington’s defense and later joined the franchise’s broadcasting tradition. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.
Sonny Jurgensen — Quarterback
Washington, 1964–1974
Jurgensen became one of the great passing quarterbacks in franchise history.
His career in Washington made him one of the most beloved players in team history.
He entered the Hall of Fame in 1983.
Wayne Millner — End
Washington, 1936–1941; 1945
Millner was an outstanding two-way player during Washington’s early championship years.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968.
Bobby Mitchell — Flanker
Washington, 1962–1968
Mitchell was one of the most explosive offensive players in franchise history.
He later became an important executive and ambassador for the organization.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.
Art Monk — Wide Receiver
Washington, 1980–1993
Monk was one of the most dependable receivers of his generation. He was a central part of the Redskins teams that won three Super Bowls. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.
John Riggins — Running Back
Washington, 1976–1979; 1981–1985
Riggins was the powerful running back at the center of Washington’s first Super Bowl championship. His performance in Super Bowl XVII became one of the defining moments in franchise history. Riggins was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.
Charley Taylor — Wide Receiver
Washington, 1964–1977
Taylor spent his entire NFL career in Washington. He began his career as a running back and later became one of the NFL’s premier receivers. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.
George Preston Marshall — Contributor
Founder and Owner
Marshall was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963 as a contributor.
His place in the franchise’s history comes from founding the organization and establishing it as an NFL franchise.
Hall of Famers Not Counted as Washington-Earned
Several Hall of Famers have played or coached in Washington but earned the overwhelming basis of their Hall of Fame recognition elsewhere.
They should not be counted when the question is specifically Hall of Famers who earned their Hall credentials as Washington players or coaches.
Notable examples include:
Deacon Jones — primarily Los Angeles Rams
Paul Krause — primarily Minnesota Vikings
Stan Jones — primarily Chicago Bears
Dave Robinson — primarily Green Bay Packers
Deion Sanders — primarily Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys
Bruce Smith — primarily Buffalo Bills
Champ Bailey — primarily Denver Broncos
Andre Reed — primarily Buffalo Bills
Jason Taylor — primarily Miami Dolphins
Dick Stanfel — primarily Detroit Lions
Vince Lombardi — primarily Green Bay Packers
Curly Lambeau — primarily Green Bay Packers
Bill Dudley — primarily Pittsburgh Steelers
Otto Graham — primarily Cleveland Browns
This distinction is important because the Washington franchise’s official Hall of Fame list contains 32 people associated with the organization, but not all of those individuals earned their Hall of Fame status principally from their Washington careers.
Washington NFL Rookie of the Year Winners
Washington has produced several major rookie award winners.
Charley Taylor — 1964
Taylor won Rookie of the Year honors in his first Washington season. He rushed for 755 yards and caught 53 passes for 814 yards. He became one of the greatest players in franchise history.
Mike Thomas — 1975
Running back Mike Thomas was Washington’s next major Rookie of the Year winner.
His rookie season established him as an important offensive weapon.
Robert Griffin III — 2012
Quarterback Robert Griffin III won the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Griffin immediately became the centerpiece of Washington’s offense and led the team to the NFC East championship in his rookie season.
Jayden Daniels — 2024
Quarterback Jayden Daniels became another major rookie award winner. He was named the 2024 PFWA Rookie of the Year and PFWA Offensive Rookie of the Year after an outstanding first season. Daniels became only the second Washington player to receive the PFWA Rookie of the Year award, joining Mike Thomas.
NFL MVP Winners as Washington Players
Washington has had three official NFL Most Valuable Player winners.
Larry Brown — 1972
Running back Larry Brown won the NFL MVP award in 1972.
Brown rushed for more than 1,200 yards and also contributed heavily as a receiver.
His performance helped Washington reach Super Bowl VII.
Mark Moseley — 1982
Mark Moseley made NFL history as the first and only placekicker to win the Associated Press NFL MVP award. He won the award during Washington’s strike-shortened 1982 season. Moseley was one of the most accurate and valuable kickers in the league and played a major role in Washington’s run to its first Super Bowl championship.
Joe Theismann — 1983
Joe Theismann won the 1983 NFL MVP award after leading Washington to a spectacular 14–2 regular season. Theismann’s MVP season came one year after Washington won Super Bowl XVII. His 1983 team returned to the Super Bowl but lost to the Los Angeles Raiders.
Washington’s Super Bowl Legacy
Washington has appeared in five Super Bowls and won three.
Super Bowl VII
1972 season
Washington lost to the undefeated Miami Dolphins.
Super Bowl XVII
1982 season
Washington defeated the Miami Dolphins. Final: Washington 27, Miami 17
John Riggins became the game’s defining offensive figure.
Super Bowl XXII
1987 season
Washington defeated the Denver Broncos. Final: Washington 42, Denver 10.
Doug Williams was named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XXVI
1991 season
Washington defeated the Buffalo Bills.
Final: Washington 37, Buffalo 24
Mark Rypien was named Super Bowl MVP.
Super Bowl XVIII
1983 season
Washington lost to the Los Angeles Raiders.
The Greatest Era: Joe Gibbs and the Redskins
The most successful period in franchise history came under head coach Joe Gibbs.
Gibbs took over in 1981 and quickly created a team built around discipline, preparation, physical offensive line play and adaptable quarterback play. Washington won three Super Bowls during Gibbs’ first tenure.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the era was that the three championship teams were led by three different quarterbacks.
Joe Theismann, Doug Williams, and Mark Rypien
The teams also featured legendary players including John Riggins, Art Monk, Darrell Green, Russ Grimm, Charles Mann, Dexter Manley, Gary Clark, Monte Coleman and many others.
The Most Outstanding Coach in Commanders History: Joe Gibbs
If one coach must be selected as the most outstanding in franchise history, Joe Gibbs stands above the rest. Gibbs won three Super Bowls with Washington and did it with three different quarterbacks. His teams also won three NFC championships and four division championships during his first tenure. What makes Gibbs particularly important to Washington’s legacy is that his success was not built around one particular style of offense or one superstar quarterback. He built teams capable of winning in different ways. Gibbs’ first Washington tenure established the organization as one of the NFL’s premier franchises during the 1980s and early 1990s. His later return to Washington produced another division championship in 2005. For championship success, longevity and influence on the franchise, Joe Gibbs is the logical choice for Washington’s most outstanding coach.
The Most Outstanding Player in Commanders History: Sammy Baugh
Selecting the greatest player in franchise history is more difficult.
Modern fans naturally think of players such as Darrell Green, John Riggins, Art Monk, Joe Theismann and Charley Taylor. But the strongest choice for the franchise’s most outstanding player is Sammy Baugh. Baugh was much more than a quarterback.
He was an elite passer, punter and defensive back at a time when players routinely played multiple positions. His impact helped transform Washington from a new franchise into an NFL championship organization. Baugh played his entire career with Washington from 1937 through 1952. He won championships, established passing records and became one of the foundational stars of professional football. His importance to Washington is reflected by the fact that he was one of the franchise’s first Hall of Famers and remains one of the most recognizable names in its history. For the combination of individual ability, longevity, championships and historical importance, Sammy Baugh is the most outstanding player in Washington franchise history.
The Legacy of the Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders’ history stretches from the early days of professional football to today’s modern NFL. The franchise has experienced several identities:
Boston Braves → Boston Redskins → Washington Redskins → Washington Football Team → Washington Commanders. It has played in historic stadiums including Braves Field, Fenway Park, Griffith Stadium, RFK Stadium and the stadium now known as Northwest Stadium.
Its history includes:
2 NFL championships
3 Super Bowl championships
5 Super Bowl appearances
32 franchise-associated Pro Football Hall of Famers
Numerous Washington-earned Hall of Fame careers
NFL MVP winners Larry Brown, Mark Moseley and Joe Theismann
Rookie of the Year winners including Charley Taylor, Mike Thomas, Robert Griffin III and Jayden Daniels
Legendary coaches such as Ray Flaherty, George Allen and Joe Gibbs
Legendary players including Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Sonny Jurgensen, John Riggins, Art Monk, Darrell Green and Charley Taylor
The franchise’s greatest championship period came under Joe Gibbs, while its earliest identity was shaped by Sammy Baugh and the championship teams of the 1930s and 1940s.
Today, the Commanders carry that long history into a new era under Josh Harris and a new generation of players.
The name may have changed several times, but the franchise’s connection to Washington football remains one of the enduring stories of the National Football League.
Source verification
The franchise’s official history confirms the Boston-to-Washington origins, championship record and current historical timeline.
The Commanders’ official Hall of Fame page lists the 32 franchise-associated Hall of Famers, while the Pro Football Hall of Fame provides the corresponding franchise history.
NFL and historical records confirm the Washington MVP winners as Larry Brown (1972), Mark Moseley (1982) and Joe Theismann (1983).
The Commanders confirm Mike Thomas, Robert Griffin III and Jayden Daniels among the franchise’s Rookie of the Year recipients, with Charley Taylor also recognized as the 1964 Rookie of the Year.
The ownership transition to Josh Harris and his ownership group was approved by NFL owners in 2023.
The franchise’s current stadium history includes the move from RFK Stadium to the Landover stadium and its current Northwest Stadium identity.
Artie Fischal
