Former Washington cornerback Pat Fischer, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro, has passed away. He was 84.
"The Washington Commanders mourn the loss of Pat Fischer. Fischer was one of the greatest defensive backs in franchise history, ranking in the top 10 in both interceptions and interception return yardage," Washington said in a statement. "Fischer is a member of the Washington Ring of Fame and was an All-Pro and Pro Bowl caliber player for the franchise during his 10-year career with Washington from 1968-77."
"Fischer's contributions to the team on the field and in our community will never be forgotten. We send our heartfelt condolences to Pat's daughter, Allison Shannon, his son, Marty Fischer and the rest of Pat's family and friends at this time."
During a pro career that spanned 17 years, Fischer played in 213 games and recorded 56 interceptions. Ten of those seasons were spent in Washington, where he became a lynchpin of the Burgundy & Gold's defense during the late 1960s and 1970s. His 27 interceptions and 412 career interception return yards with Washington rank seventh all-time and fourth all-time in franchise history, respectively. His 56 interceptions are still in the top 20 for career receptions in the NFL.
Born in St. Edward, Nebraska, Fischer stands as one of the finest players the Cornerhusker State has ever produced. Like his three older brothers, Fischer played for the University of Nebraska, where he was a major contributor for three seasons and served as a team captain in 1960. He still holds the Husker record for career punt return average at 18.33 yards per return. In addition to being Nebraska's go-to punt returner, he started as a quarterback, a halfback and in the defensive backfield during his college career.
Though his 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame generated concern from coaches and scouts, Fischer was drafted in the 17th round of the 1961 NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals and proved his talent at cornerback, earning one First Team All-Pro and two Pro Bowl selections during his stint with the Cardinals. His best statistical season came in 1964, when he snared a career-best 10 interceptions for 164 return yards (second in the league that year) and had two touchdown returns (tied for the league lead). In 1965, he was named a Second Team All Pro, when he recorded three interceptions and a fumble recovery for 12 yards.
Fischer signed with the then Otto Graham-led Burgundy & Gold as a free agent in 1968, having established himself as a fierce, physical and energetic defender. The cornerback was a core piece of Washington's defensive unit right away and picked up another First Team All-Pro accolade in 1969.
Many of Fischer's most memorable years in Washington came under George Allen. The cornerback was a key part of Allen's veteran-heavy "Over the Hill Gang" that helped lead Washington to some of its best performances in decades. Most notable was the 1972 season that saw the Burgundy & Gold compile an NFC-best 11-3 record and clinch its first trip to the Super Bowl.
In the NFC Championship game, Fischer and fellow cornerback Mike Bass put on a show to shut down the Cowboys' wide receivers. Though Miami would eventually win the Super Bowl the following game, Fischer and the rest of the Washington defense limited the Dolphins to just 69 net passing yards. For his 1972 season, in which he grabbed four interceptions and a fumble recovery, he was named a Second Team All Pro.
Fischer retired after the 1977 season because of a back injury. The following year, he was given the George Halas Award, an honor bestowed by the Pro Football Writers of America to an NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.
Once his playing days were over, Fischer settled with his family in Ashburn, Virginia. He was named as a member of Washington's 80 Greatest list and to the franchise's Ring of Fame.
