Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins and briefly as the Washington Football Team, are one of the NFL’s most historic and tradition-rich franchises. Based in the nation’s capital, the team has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years—rebranding its identity, revamping its leadership, and striving to return to championship contention.

Founded in 1932, Washington has won three Super Bowl titles (1982, 1987, and 1991) and has long been associated with legendary figures like Joe Gibbs, John Riggins, Doug Williams, and Darrell Green. However, over the past 20–30 years, the Commanders have faced significant struggles both on and off the field. While their loyal fan base has remained steadfast, the team has seen more rebuilding years than postseason success in recent decades.

The late 1990s and early 2000s were marked by high expectations and mixed results. Despite the presence of talented players like Champ Bailey, Stephen Davis, and LaVar Arrington, Washington often fell short of deep playoff runs. Ownership instability and frequent coaching changes disrupted long-term progress. The team made the playoffs several times during the 2000s, including a strong 2005 season under head coach Joe Gibbs in his second stint, but failed to advance past the Divisional Round.

From 2010 onward, Washington cycled through various quarterbacks and coaches, with occasional flashes of hope. The arrival of quarterback Robert Griffin III in 2012 brought renewed excitement. He led the team to an NFC East title and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, but injuries quickly derailed his career. Later, Kirk Cousins brought stability under center, guiding the team to the playoffs again in 2015, though postseason success remained elusive.

In 2020, the team rebranded as the Washington Football Team and won the NFC East with a 7–9 record, led by a strong defense featuring Chase Young. Despite a valiant effort in a Wild Card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, inconsistency continued to plague the team in following seasons. In 2022, the franchise officially adopted the name Washington Commanders as part of a complete organizational overhaul, including new ownership led by Josh Harris in 2023.

Today, the Commanders are focused on building a competitive foundation. With new head coach Dan Quinn (hired in 2024), promising young players, and a top draft pick in quarterback Jayden Daniels, the team is entering a fresh chapter. As they work to return to playoff contention, the Washington Commanders carry forward the legacy of a proud franchise determined to rise again.