Ranking the top 5 running backs in Washington Commanders franchise history

1. John Riggins - Former Commanders RB

John Riggins was the first running back selected in the 1971 NFL Draft, taken No. 6 overall by the New York Jets. As a rookie, the former Kansas Jayhawk star became the first player to lead the team in both rushing and receiving.

Riggins made his only Pro Bowl in his final season in New York before signing as a free agent with the now-Washington Commanders prior to the 1976 season.

The bruising back was used mostly in short-yardage situations during his first season in D.C. Riggins missed much of the following campaign with a knee injury.

After getting fully healthy, Riggins returned to gain more than 1,000 yards rushing each of the next two seasons. But unfortunately, he sat out the entire 1980 slate due to a contract dispute with Washington's front office.

Riggins eventually returned to the team and earned the lead role. He guided Washington to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and won Super Bowl MVP honors after rushing for a then-record 166 yards against the Miami Dolphins for the NFL title in the strike-shortened 1982 campaign.

He was selected first-team All-Pro in 1983 after leading the league in rushing touchdowns and setting a then-NFL record with 24 scores on the ground. Despite recurring back problems, "Diesel" again led the NFL in rushing scores in 1984 before retiring at the conclusion of the 1985 season at 36 years old.

In 114 career games over nine seasons in Washington, Riggins totaled 7,472 yards and 79 touchdowns rushing. These are both franchise records that remain seemingly untouchable to this day.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame rusher is without question the best running back to ever play for Washington and will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever grace an NFL field.