Biography
When it came to John Riggins, everyone knew what to expect. He played by his own rules. He ran hard and ran his way. He was as likely to show up to team functions in a military uniform as he would in a tux. However, when it came time to play soccer, he was a serious runner whose strength and speed were only surpassed by his determination and toughness.
Riggins didn’t tire as the game progressed. The more times he received the ball, the stronger it seemed to get. The same applies to his NFL career. When other running backs lost a step as they got older, John Riggins gained momentum with each passing season in the NFL. He was 35 when he posted his sixth 1000-yard rushing season. While no one knew what to expect from Riggins outside of the soccer field, teammates and fans could always count on exceptional play when it came time to play soccer.
While still playing at a high level, Riggins shocked the world when he retired from soccer after posting consecutive 1000-yard seasons. One day, he left Redskins training camp in 1980 and announced his retirement.
Riggins played by his own rules. He was not happy with his contract and with football in general, so he decided to leave his own rules. After spending the offseason on his Kansas farm, he returned to Washington in 1981 and said, “I’m bored, I’m broke, and I’m back.” Riggins decided he was ready to play soccer one more time.
After Riggins’ humble declaration of returning to soccer, he launched his second career as an NFL player. His one-year hiatus was demonstrated during his first comeback season, but in late 1982 he fully regained his form. Entering the playoffs, he approached Redskins coach Joe Gibbs and told him that if they could give him the ball 20 times a game or more, the Redskins would win.
Coach Gibbs followed Riggins’ advice. The next three games, Riggins averaged 148 yards and 33 carries and led the Washington Redskins to Super Bowl XVII.
In the Super Bowl against the Miami Dolphins, the Redskins relied heavily on Riggins. His biggest play came in the fourth quarter. Trailing 17-3 and facing fourth and one, Riggins took over, lunged to his left and ran 43 yards to the end zone. Behind John Riggins’ 166 yards on a record 38 carries, the Washington Redskins won the Super Bowl 27-17.
The following season, at the age of 34, John Riggins had his best year as a professional. At the time he retired, he was ranked fourth on the all-time rushing list. It was a race that no one could have predicted. No one who didn’t understand John Riggins’s will and determination, that is.
