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
Redskins -
Football fans across the country know and love the Washington Redskins, a professional football team based in our nation’s capital. But many may not be aware of the origins of their beloved team’s name. The Washington Redskins have been called by this nickname since 1933 when they first joined what is now known as the National Football League (NFL).
The origin story dates back to 1932 when George Preston Marshall purchased an NFL franchise for Boston and named it after his favorite sport - baseball's Boston Braves. When he moved his franchise to D.C., he changed its name to reflect its new home: "Redskins." The term was meant as a tribute to Native Americans who had once lived there. However, today, some consider it offensive due mainly in part because there are still native tribes living on reservations throughout North America whose cultures are often overlooked or ignored by mainstream society.
Despite criticism from specific sources about how insensitive this nickname can be perceived, many fans remain loyal supporters of their hometown heroes – regardless if they call them “Redskins” or something else entirely. After all, no matter what you call them, these players will always proudly represent Washington, DC!
Championship
Super Bowl 3
1992, 1988, 1983
NFL Championship 2
1942, 1937
Stadium
2000 - Present / 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
- 1937
- 1937
- 1974
- 1982
- 1987
- 1991
-
Move to Washington D.C.
After the disappointing 1936 NFL title game, George Preston Marshall had the team moved to his home in Washington, D.C. on February 13, 1937, retaining the name “Redskins” although it was now out of context. They then shared Griffith Stadium with the Washington Senators baseball team. -
First Marching Band
On August 9, 1937, the Redskins marching band was founded. The all-volunteer ensemble formed when Marshall brought the Redskins to Washington, with the goal of entertaining fans from the moment they walked into the stadium until the time they left it. The Redskins are now one of only two teams in the NFL with an official marching band. The other ... -
Jack Kent Cooke Owner
In 1961, Jack Kent Cooke purchased a 25 percent interest in the Washington Redskins after team owner and founder George Preston Marshall became incapacitated by a stroke, becoming majority owner in 1974 and sole owner in 1985. In 1997, Cooke completed a stadium deal near Landover, Maryland, for a new home for his team. This community was named Raljon—a name ... -
Super Bowl XVII Winner 1982
The Redskins defeated the Dolphins by the score of 27–17 to win their first Super Bowl. The game was played on January 30, 1983, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Riggins was named Super Bowl MVP. He finished the game with 2 Super Bowl records: the most rushing yards in a Super Bowl game (166), and the most rushing ... -
Super Bowl XXII Winner 1987
The Redskins defeated the Broncos by the score of 42–10, winning their second-ever Super Bowl. The game was played on January 31, 1988, at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California, the first time that the Super Bowl was played in that city. Williams, who was named the Super Bowl MVP, completing 18 of 29 passes for a Super Bowl ... -
Super Bowl XXVI Winner 1991
The Redskins defeated the Bills by the score of 37–24, becoming the fourth team after the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oakland Raiders, and the San Francisco 49ers to win three Super Bowls. The Bills became the third team, after the Minnesota Vikings (Super Bowls VIII and IX) and the Denver Broncos (Super Bowls XXI and XXII), to lose back-to-back Super Bowls. ...
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.
History of the Redskins
The Washington Redskins, previously known as the Boston Redskins, have been a team in the National Football League (NFL) since 1932, when they were founded as the Boston Braves. Since then, they have become one of the most successful teams in NFL history. With five Super Bowl appearances and three championships, there is no denying this franchise has made its mark on professional football.
Throughout their long and storied history, many great players have donned a Redskins uniform - from Sammy Baugh to Art Monk to Joe Theismann and beyond. But it’s not just about who wore what jersey; it’s also about how these men helped shape this beloved franchise into what it is today - an iconic part of American sports culture with millions of devoted fans across the country (and around the world).
The Washington Redskins, previously known as the Boston Redskins, are known for having some unique traditions over their 88 years in existence: from Hogettes tailgating at games dressed up like wild pigs to singing “Hail To The Redskins!” after every touchdown scored by home team members during pregame introductions or post-game celebrations – all while wearing burgundy & gold proudly! These fan rituals make being part of Redskin Nation something special indeed!
But even more than that – behind each player lies an incredible story full of determination and hard work which ultimately led them where they are now: playing for one of America's most famous franchises ever assembled, representing our nation's capital city with pride & passion each time out onto field... This is why we love our 'Skins so much– because despite any obstacles along the way–they never give up fighting spirit within them remains strong through thick & thin alike!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
9 / Sonny Jurgensen
21 / Sean Taylor
28 / Darrell Green
33 / Sammy Baugh
49 / Bobby Mitchell
*Blue is this team’s history