John Riggins
Inducted:
1992
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
Born:
August 4, 1949
Seneca, Kansas, U.S.
Position:
Running back
College:
Kansas (1967–1970)
John Riggins was one of the most powerful and charismatic running backs in NFL history, known for his bruising style and relentless determination. Born in 1949, he was drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in 1971 before becoming a Washington Redskins legend. Riggins’ defining moment came in Super Bowl XVII, when his unforgettable 43-yard touchdown run sealed the Redskins’ victory and earned him the game’s MVP honors.
Over his 14-season career, Riggins rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns, combining strength, balance, and durability that made him nearly unstoppable in short-yardage situations. Nicknamed “The Diesel,” he was a fan favorite for his larger-than-life personality and old-school grit. Riggins’ postseason dominance, particularly his record-breaking 1983 playoff run, cemented his legacy as one of the game’s great power runners.
His remarkable career and championship impact earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Riggins' Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (XVII)
- Super Bowl MVP (XVII)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1978)
- First-team All-Pro (1983)
- Pro Bowl (1975)
- 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1983, 1984)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- Most rushing yards in a postseason: 610 (1982)
- Super Bowl record: 610 rushing yards in a single postseason (1982)
- Only player with 100+ rushing yards in four consecutive playoff games
- 104 career rushing touchdowns (top 10 all-time at retirement)
NFL Teams
New York Jets (1971–1975)
Washington Redskins (1976–1979; 1981–1985)
NFL Draft:
1971: 1st round, 6th overall pick
New York Jets
Number Worn:
44
NFL Stats
Seasons:
14 (1971–1985)
Games Played:
179
Game Started:
159
Rushing yards:
11,352
Rushing average:
3.9
Rushing touchdowns:
104
Receptions:
250
Receiving yards:
2,090
Receiving touchdowns:
12
