Washington Redskins Secret Weapon To A Super Bowl Return: Burgundy Pants

The Washington Redskins took an important step in their quest for a return to the Super Bowl. During the 2016 season the team brought back a traditional look from the glory days of the Joe Gibbs dynasty. Burgundy pants and white jerseys have returned.

Growing up as a kid in Maryland, the Washington Redskins have been a huge part of my family. The Burgundy and Gold runs through our veins. Prior to the 1981 season the Redskins hired a new coach. His name was Joe Gibbs. One of the first things he did to put his stamp on the team concerned uniforms.

Must Read: Washington Redskins Outlook - First Round Linebacker Is The Best Option

Gibbs decided the team would wear white jerseys and burgundy pants during home games. He wanted the fans to see the dark color jerseys of their opponents. He also saw the success of the San Diego Chargers in white uniforms at home while he was their offensive coordinator. If it worked for Dan Fouts it will work for Joe Theismann. Gibbs was absolutely correct.

More from Riggo's Rag

The first game in the combo was against the hated Dallas Cowboys. The Redskins looked clean and mean as they stormed the RFK Stadium field. Unfortunately, the Cowboys were too much for the Skins and they lost 26-10. The Gibbs era started out with five straight losses. The turnaround that followed was simply amazing.

The first victory at home in the burgundy pants came on October 25,1981 as the Redskins defeated the New England Patriots 24-22. Following that victory, the Redskins would lose only 9 games at home through the 1987 season while wearing the Gibbs uniform. Their 40-9 record includes a remarkable 7-1 record in playoff games and a perfect 3-0 record in NFC Championship Games.

During the Gibbs dynasty which stretched from 1981-1992, the team went 70-21 in home games wearing the burgundy pants. They made 8 appearances in the playoffs. The team compiled a 9-1 record at home while going undefeated in 4 NFC Championship Games. Under the bright lights of the Super Bowl, the Redskins captured 3 Lombardi Trophies in the Gibbs gear.

The Redskins have had many iconic moments in their storied history. The “We Want Dallas” playoff game in 1982 against the Vikings. Darryl Grant turning out the light against the Cowboys in the 1982 NFC Championship Game. John Riggins running over Don McNeal and the Dolphins en route to the teams first Super Bowl victory.

Next: Washington Redskins Need To Find A Disruptive Running Back

If you close your eyes and remember or search the internet for old footage you will find one thing in common for these iconic moments…burgundy pants. Joe Gibbs brought this tradition to town and it worked. The Redskins returned these uniforms to the rotation in 2016 wearing them in away games. In 2017 the Redskins should bring the burgundy pants home for home games. A new dynasty and Super Bowl victories are sure to follow for the Redskins and their fans.

Home/Commanders History