John Riggins is one of the greatest players in the rich history of the Washington NFL franchise. Riggins played 14 NFL seasons, nine of those in Washington, finished his career with over 11,000 rushing yards, 104 touchdowns, a Super Bowl champion — and MVP — and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Yet, over the years, Riggins has had a contentious relationship with the franchise with whom he is beloved. “Riggo” was one of the former players who never shied away from his disdain for former owner Dan Snyder. Riggins once said Snyder had a “dark heart.”
Buy Commanders TicketsWhen the franchise was rebranded to the Commanders in 2022, Riggins was outspoken about the name.
“I feel completely disenfranchised,” said Riggins. “I can’t understand how anyone who once played under the old franchise name could possibly want to be a part of anything to do with the Washington Commanders.”
In December, the Commanders honored “The Hogs,” the team’s legendary former offensive line in which Riggins is an honorary member. Several members of the group, including Riggins, did not attend the celebration.
However, things have changed. Snyder is gone. Yes, the Commanders’ name remains — for now — but new owner Josh Harris has made it his mission to right many of Snyder’s wrongs. One of those wrongs is the fractured relationship between the team and its alums.
On Wednesday, The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., hosted Harris and one of his partners, Mitchell Rales, for an interview. Riggins was in attendance and was seen speaking with Harris and Rales.
John Riggins talking to Mitch Rales and Josh Harris. pic.twitter.com/ZE9WYdzPkC
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) September 7, 2023
This was a big step for Riggins and the franchise. But that’s not the end. Sam Fortier of The Washington Post revealed that Riggins “is expected” to attend Washington’s season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales are here to speak at the Economic Club of Washington DC.
Notable people in attendance include DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and franchise legend John Riggins.
Riggins is expected to be at FedEx for the opener Sunday. Sign of a new era. pic.twitter.com/oEyXlmXBNr
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) September 6, 2023
The times are indeed changing.
