As the Redskins prepare to launch the franchise's 80th Anniversary campaign tonight, it's an opportunity to remember each of the previous decade teams, starting with the 70th.
The year was 2002, and it was head coach Steve Spurrier's first year in Washington.
The team had a nucleus of young players to complement the ageless wonder, Darrell Green, in his 19th and final season with the team.
As a tribute to the Redskins' rich tradition, the team wore dark burgundy anniversary jerseys with spear helmets, reminiscent of the style worn by the team in the late 1960s.
As a tribute to the fans, a panel determined the 70 Greatest Redskins in franchise history, including past heroes and living legends like Green.
Here is a list of highlights from the 2002 season, beginning with an overseas game in Japan:
Aug. 3, 2002: Washington Defeats San Francisco in the American Bowl.
For the first preseason game of the 2002 season, the Redskins and 49ers traveled to Osaka, Japan.
This was actually an international preseason rematch from 1992, when the 49ers edged the Redskins 17-15 at Wembley Stadium in London.
The week in Japan amounted to the seond week of training camp for the Redskins, but it turned into a list of celebrity appearances and goodwill tour for the players.
Despite the party atmosphere, the players conducted their business on gameday, and the trip culminated in a lopsided 38-7 victory.
Oct. 27, 2002: Announcement of the 70 Greatest Redskins.
In June of 2002, a blue-ribbon panel selected the 70 greatest players and coaches in franchise history, announcing them in a ceremony over the weekend of Oct. 25-27.
The group spanned the entire history of the franchise, from the roots as the Boston Braves, and capped off with Green. All told, there were 67 players and three head coaches.
Every member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame was included in the list, as well as the team's Ring of Fame.
There were 92 Super Bowl appearances from the 70 Greatest, including 45 players that played in more than one championship.
The full list can be seen here.
Dec. 29, 2002: Darrell Green and the Redskins beat the Cowboys in his final NFL game.
Even though the Redskins fell short of the playoffs in 2002, they still salvaged a victory against the Cowboys in the final week of the season.
The game not only assured that the Cowboys would finish in last place in the NFC East, but it also gave Green a fitting farewell for his two decades in Washington.
Green's day was highlighted by a punt return, fielded by fellow cornerback Champ Bailey, who lateralled the ball to Green, who scampered for 35 yards.
The win broke a 10-game losing streak to the Cowboys, and Green exited the field to a standing ovation.
