Established
1932
City
Boston - Washington D.C.
League History
1932 - Present / National Football League
Team History
2020 - Present / Washington Football Team
1937 - 2020 / Washington Redskins
1933 - 1936 / Boston Redskins
1932 / Boston Braves
Nickname
Washington Football Team - The Washington Football Team is one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. With a rich history that dates back to 1932, they are one of the oldest teams in professional football and have had some iconic nicknames over their long tenure. From “Redskins” to “Hogs,” these names have become synonymous with Washington Football and its fan base.
The team's original nickname was "Boston Braves" when it became part of the Boston-based National Football League (NFL). The name changed several times during its early years before settling on "Washington Redskins" for most of its time as an NFL franchise from 1937 until 2020. The origin behind this nickname can be traced back to George Preston Marshall, who owned and operated baseball's Boston Braves team and later Washington's NFL franchise from 1933–1946. He wanted his new football team to share a similar moniker with his beloved baseball club – hence why he chose 'Redskins'.
Washington Football Origin
During much of Joe Gibbs' coaching reign between 1981–1992, the term 'Hog' became popular among fans due mainly because it represented strength, referring not only to offensive linemen but also defensive players like Dexter Manley or Charles Mann, who were nicknamed Hogs by their teammates for being so strong on defense! This tradition has carried through today, where many members within current rosters still refer to themselves as hogs amongst each other despite no longer having any official ties with this particular moniker since changing away from Redskin branding last year in 2020.
In July 2020, after 87 years - following significant pressure, including sponsors threatening boycotts - Daniel Snyder announced that he would retire using Redskins branding, citing how modern society views such terms differently than when originally chosen by George Preston Marshall all those decades ago. Since then, the organization has been officially known simply as the ‘Washington Football Team’ while continuing to search for a more permanent replacement, potentially seeing them return with a new identity in 2021 if all goes according to plan!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
1992, 1988, 1983
NFL Championship 0
1942, 1937
Stadium
2025 - Present / Northwest Stadium
2000 - 2024 / FedEx Field
1997 - 1999 / Jack Kent Cooke Stadium
1969 - 1996 / RFK Stadium
1961 - 1968 / D.C. Stadium
1937 - 1960 / Griffith Stadium
*Boston*
1933 - 1936 / Fenway Park
1932 / Braves Field
Owner
2023 - Present / Josh Harris
1999 - 2023 / Daniel Snyder
1997 - 1999 / Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
1985 - 1997 / Jack Kent Cooke
1974 - 1985 / Jack Kent Cooke and Edward Bennett Williams
1969 - 1974 / Edward Bennett Williams
1932 - 1969 / George Preston Marshall
- July 13, 2020
- July 23, 2020
Redskins Name Controversy
In July 2020, amidst the removal of many names and images as part of the George Floyd protests, a group of investors worth $620 billion wrote letters to major sponsors Nike, FedEx, and PepsiCo encouraging pressure on the Redskins to change their name. FedEx called on the team to change its name on July 2, 2020. The same day, Nike ...-
New Temporary Name – Washington Football Team
The Washington Redskins name controversy involved the name and logo of the National Football League (NFL) franchise now temporarily referred to as the Washington Football Team. Following renewed attention to questions of racial justice after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, a letter signed by 87 shareholders and investors of the team was sent to NFL sponsors Nike, ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Washington Football History
The Washington Football history began in 1932 when the team was first established as the Boston Braves. In 1933, the name changed to the Redskins, and by 1937, the team moved to Washington, D.C. That same year, the franchise captured its first NFL championship, marking the start of a long-lasting football legacy.
During the early decades of the Washington Football history, the team secured multiple league titles. Championships came in 1937 and 1942, led by Hall of Fame quarterback Sammy Baugh. Later, Washington found great success in the Super Bowl era, claiming victories in 1982, 1987, and 1991. Legendary players such as Darrell Green, John Riggins, and Art Monk played crucial roles in those historic seasons.
In recent years, the franchise faced significant changes. Under owner Daniel Snyder, who purchased the team in 1999, the organization experienced controversy and leadership challenges. A major turning point came in 2020 when the team retired the “Redskins” name, adopting the temporary identity of the Washington Football Team before becoming the Washington Commanders in 2022. This transition marked a new era while keeping the legacy of past triumphs alive.
Washington Football Achievements
Achievements remain a key part of the Washington Football history. The team has won five league championships overall, with three Super Bowl titles and two pre-Super Bowl era NFL championships. They also hold memorable playoff victories that shaped the Washington football team reputation. Despite challenges, fans continue to show loyalty, believing their team can rise again.
With three Super Bowl wins and a strong Washington Commanders record, the franchise stands among the most historic in the NFL. From its roots in Boston to championships in Washington, the journey reflects resilience and tradition. For a full record of seasons and more detailed achievements, see the Washington Commanders Wikipedia page.
Retired Number
9 / Sonny Jurgensen
21 / Sean Taylor
28 / Darrell Green
33 / Sammy Baugh
49 / Bobby Mitchell
*Blue is this team’s history