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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Kilmer Honored Before Cardinals Game

Redskins great Billy Kilmer was honored prior to Sunday's Redskins-Cardinals game at FedExField. The celebration was part of the franchise's 75th anniversary.

Kilmer was a Redskins quarterback from 1971-78. He previously played for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

For his career, he played in 170 games and completed 1,585 passes for 20,485 yards, 152 touchdowns and 146 interceptions.

He had his best seasons in Washington, including the Redskins' 1972 Super Bowl season when he threw 19 touchdown passes and earned All-Pro status.

Kilmer ranks fifth on the Redskins' all-time passing yards list with 12,352 passing yards.

Kilmer is most proud of his performance in the Redskins' 26-3 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the 1972 NFC Championship game.

That game, he threw two touchdown passes to Charley Taylor, including a 45-yard pass in the fourth quarter that sealed the game for the Redskins.

In the early 1970s, Kilmer was part of the most famous quarterback controversies in NFL history.

Fans were openly divided whether the team should start Kilmer at quarterback or go with veteran Sonny Jurgensen. Bumper stickers on cars across the region stated either "I want Billy" or "I want Sonny."

Kilmer now credits Jurgensen as one of his most-admired teammates. "I learned so much from him," Kilmer said.

Kilmer's nickname was "Whiskey Red," because his face sometimes turned red during games.

The Redskins will honor one of the team's legends prior to each home game this season.

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