Former Super Bowl MVP John Riggins Feels 'Completely Disenfranchised' After Commanders Name Change

The former Super Bowl MVP doesn't hold back on his thoughts on the Commanders.

It's been less than two weeks since the Washington Commanders name has officially taken center stage in D.C., and people still have a lot to say.

It appears that many longtime football fans in Washington and those who once played for the organization are struggling to attach themselves to something new.

One of those people is Hall of Fame running back John Riggins, who played for the franchise from 1976-85. Riggins helped lead the Washington Redskins to their first Super Bowl win 39 years ago and was named Super Bowl XVII MVP.

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Manny Rubio/USA Today Sports
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Manny Rubio/USA Today Sports

Riggins shared his thoughts on the name change on an episode of his podcast, "The John Riggins Show."

"I feel completely disenfranchised," Riggins said. "I can't understand how anybody who once played under the old franchise name could possibly want to be a part of anything with the Washington Commanders."

While Riggins wants no part of the Commanders, there are other Washington legends who want to bridge the gap between the Redskins and Commanders. 

Dexter Manley, Mark Moseley, Joe Theismann and Doc Walker, all part of the franchise's first team to win a Super Bowl, were all present during the name change ceremonies last week and are part of the past that's embracing the future.

"I kind of look at them and go, 'What's wrong with you? Don't you get it? You were invited to your own funeral,'" Riggins said.

After Riggins' comments, the Commanders pulled Riggins' jersey from the team store per his request.

Riggins echoes a lot of the sentiments fans have over the team that feels like it is losing its connection with the city, but maybe over time, the relationship between the franchise and one of its icons will begin to heal.


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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.