Hall of Famers Darrell Green and John Riggins were back in burgundy and gold on Saturday morning. But they donned polos, not jerseys, as Commanders President Mark Clouse confirmed that the two legends would rejoin the franchise in new roles.
Riggins will join Washington’s preseason broadcast team as a color commentator. Green will work in community outreach with a focus on the team’s planned stadium on the RFK Campus in the District.
“They may have been around a little bit,” Clouse said during an address to fans at Saturday’s training camp practice. “But we couldn’t be happier to bring everybody back together to make sure we’re producing championship football and the best fan experience possible.”
Riggins, whose No. 44 jersey will be retired later this year, joins a broadcast crew that will also feature former Redskin Brian Mitchell and play-by-play man Dan Hellie. Bryan Colbert, a member of the Commanders’ in-house media team, will serve as the group’s sideline reporter.
Washington’s preseason slate opens with a home game against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 14. The Commanders’ warm-up exhibitions will air locally on WUSA9.
Team officials said the Hall of Fame running back would also be involved in “special events, original content and community programs” throughout the year.
Riggins, who turns 77 on Tuesday, flashed a vintage Redskins logo lined into his suit jacket as Clouse introduced him, leading to a chorus of “Hail to the Redskins” from the Washington supporters in attendance.
The ever-personable Green spent plenty of time with fans during Saturday’s practice, signing autographs and taking selfies while chatting with Washington’s die-hards about the franchise’s new home, which is scheduled to open in 2030.
The glitzy 60,000-seat stadium has already been approved by the city council. The planning process is underway with an official ground-breaking ceremony expected later this year.
“Darrell Green is going to be working directly arm-in-arm with me as we continue to push — I don’t know if you’ve heard — but we’ve got a new stadium coming,” Mr. Clouse said. “DG is going to be helping me get that ready, working with the community.”
Last week, city officials agreed to help fund a $300 million expansion of the Stadium-Army Metro station near the new stadium. The city is still accepting public comments on the site’s proposed master plan through Aug. 14.
Riggins and Green combined to win three Super Bowls in Washington. The pair are widely considered among the franchise’s best players of all-time, worthy of ongoing recognition after years of estrangement under former owner Dan Snyder.
Green, 66, was honored with a jersey retirement ceremony in 2024. The undersized cornerback known for his speed and longevity played 20 seasons in Washington, recording 54 interceptions across 295 regular-season games.
No player has rushed for more yards or touchdowns in a Washington uniform than Riggins. He compiled 7,472 yards on the ground with 79 touchdowns in nine seasons with the Redskins from 1976-85. The Kansas product’s jersey retirement ceremony is scheduled for the Nov. 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
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