Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 47 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 47?
Let’s take a moment and mention a few players who deserve some honorable mention at No. 47.
A.J. Johnson (1989-94) was drafted by Washington in the 6th round, No. 149 overall. Johnson, in his six seasons with Washington at defensive back started 22 of his 70 games, intercepting 9 passes and returning two for touchdowns.
Jim Shorter (1964-67), in his four seasons for Washington, started 33 games intercepting 12 passes. He also recovered five fumbles, scoring one touchdown.
Dick James (1956-63), in his eight seasons for Washington, played running back and defensive back. On offense, he started 66 games, rushed for 1,741 yards and 16 touchdowns. He caught 92 passes for 1,568 and 14 touchdowns. Defensively he intercepted 12 passes and recovered 11 fumbles. James was a Pro Bowler in the 1961 season. James was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002.
1957 Topps #134 Dick James Redskins Oregon 6 – EX/MT https://t.co/66DboSaqMw pic.twitter.com/y57kW5pKJM
— SportsCardKing.com (@SportsCardKing_) February 2, 2020
Chris Cooley “Captain Chaos” (2004-12), played all nine seasons of his NFL career in Washington. Cooley was drafted by Washington out of Utah State in the third round (81 overall) in the 2004 draft. He started 103 of his 117 games, catching 429 passes for 4,711 yards (11.0 YPR) for 33 touchdowns. His receptions resulted in 251 first downs. He averaged 3.7 receptions per game and 40.3 yards per game. Cooley was a Pro Bowler in 2007 and 2008. Cooley was voted one of the top 90 players in Washington’s history in 2022.
#47 Chris 'Captain Chaos' Cooley Redskins all-time leader in receptions by a TE. #HTTR #Redskins #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/ynjImXcLLw
— The Midnight Pilot (@braves_on) June 9, 2016
