Washington Commanders to Retire Jersey of Centralia Legend John Riggins

The Washington Commanders will retire the No. 44 jersey of former running back and Centralia legend John Riggins during the 2026 season.

The ceremony will take place at halftime of Washington's Week 9 home game against the Los Angeles Rams, making Riggins just the seventh player in franchise history to have his number permanently retired.

Born in Seneca and raised in nearby Centralia, Riggins became a football legend long before his NFL career began. His impact on the community is still evident today, with "John Riggins Avenue" and the Centralia football field both bearing his name.

Riggins starred collegiately at the University of Kansas, where he developed into one of the greatest running backs in Jayhawks history. As a senior in 1970, he earned All-America honors after rushing for 1,131 yards and scoring 14 total touchdowns while averaging more than five yards per carry.

He finished his KU career as the program's all-time leading rusher before being selected sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 1971 NFL Draft.

After five seasons with the Jets, Riggins signed with Washington in 1976 and went on to become one of the most iconic players in franchise history.

He rushed for a franchise-record 7,742 yards and 79 touchdowns, helping lead Washington to its first Super Bowl championship following the 1982 season.

That Super Bowl victory over the Miami Dolphins featured Riggins' unforgettable 43-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-1, a play that remains one of the most iconic moments in NFL history.

His remarkable career earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

From a small town in northeast Kansas to college stardom at Kansas, a Hall of Fame NFL career, and now the ultimate franchise honor with his jersey permanently retired, John Riggins' journey remains one of the greatest success stories in Kansas sports history.