It should come as no surprise that that Redskins' Greatest Moment--as voted by fans this season--is John Riggins barreling down the field for a touchdown in Super Bowl XVII.
That key play is one of the enduring images of the Redskins franchise--and the NFL.
The Greatest Moment was announced prior to Thursday night's game at FedExField, and Riggins was on hand to commemorate the event. He was introduced to the fans before the game as part of the Redskins' 75th Anniversary celebration this season.
Hundreds of thousands of votes by fans helped determine the Greatest Moment in Redskins history.
Through the first 10 weeks of the 2007 season, fans voted for one of three memorable moments on Redskins.com. Fans then voted from the 10 finalists to select the Greatest Moment in 75 years of Redskins football.
Riggins' play won decisively, of course. Second place was Doug Williams' remarkable 18-play, 35-point second quarter in Super Bowl XXII. Third was Santana Moss's two fourth-quarter touchdown catches in a 2005 game at Dallas.
Riggins's run helped lead the Redskins to a 27-17 victory over Miami in Super Bowl XVII and gave Washington its first NFL title in 40 years.
The play featured Riggins and "The Hogs," the Redskins' legendary offensive line of that time, at their best.
With 10 minutes remaining in Super Bowl XVII and the Redskins trailing, Riggins took a handoff on 4th-and-inches, broke an attempted tackle by cornerback Don McNeal of the Dolphins, and charged down the left sideline.
He surged past the Dolphins' bench and continued on for a 43-yard touchdown run that gave the Redskins a lead they would not relinquish.
Riggins, who entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, had 38 carries for 166 yards and a touchdown along with a 15-yard reception in Super Bowl XVII. For his efforts, Riggins was named the game's MVP.
The play not only brought on an NFL title, but it also started the golden age of Redskins football, marked by exuberant parades down Pennsylvania Avenue to celebrate three championships in nine years.
Riggins' legacy as a touchdown producer doesn't stop there. He also has the Washington record for most touchdowns in a season with 24 in 1983.
Between 1982 and 1983, Riggins scored in 13 straight games, another Redskins record.
With 11 postseason touchdowns, Riggins is also at the top of that list in the Redskins' record books.
Riggins finished his 14-year NFL career with 11,532 rushing yards and 104 rushing touchdowns. After retiring from football, he has served as a radio and television broadcaster and actor.
