Two of the most iconic figures in Washington football history are officially returning to the fold. The Commanders announced over the weekend that Hall of Famers John Riggins and Darrell Green will be stepping back into the organization in fresh capacities for the upcoming season.
Speaking to fans at Saturday's training camp session, team president Mark Clouse revealed the exciting news, confirming that Riggins will serve as the color commentator for the team's preseason broadcasts, while Green will take on a key role in the community outreach department. The latter is particularly significant as the franchise gears up for its highly anticipated move to a new stadium.
“They may have been around a little bit,” Clouse said, per the crowd at practice. “But we couldn’t be happier to bring everybody back together to make sure we’re producing championship football and the best fan experience possible.”
Clouse elaborated on Green's new duties, noting, “Darrell Green is going to be working directly arm-in-arm with me as we continue to push — I don’t know if you’ve heard — but we’ve got a new stadium coming. DG is going to be helping me get that ready, working with the community.”
The Commanders are set to relocate to a state-of-the-art domed stadium at the old RFK site by 2030, marking a return to the nation's capital after years in Landover, Maryland. This move is a cornerstone of the franchise's future, and bringing Green into the fold for community engagement underscores the team's commitment to strengthening its roots in D.C.
In addition to the personnel reunions, the team is also honoring its past in other ways. The organization plans to retire Riggins' iconic No. 44 this year, joining Green's No. 28, which was cemented in franchise lore back in 2024. These tributes are part of a broader effort to reconnect with the glory days of the franchise.
The Commanders have also unveiled a rebranded uniform for the upcoming season, drawing heavily from the traditional “Redskins” aesthetic. The new look features glossy three-striped helmets, gold facemasks, and jerseys that harken back to the team's Super Bowl-winning era, a nod to the legacy that Riggins and Green helped build.
Riggins, a Super Bowl MVP and one of the most beloved players in franchise history, will bring his larger-than-life personality to the broadcast booth. Green, meanwhile, remains one of the fastest and most decorated defensive backs in NFL history, and his presence in the community will be invaluable as the team prepares for its next chapter.
This reunion of legends comes at a pivotal time for the Commanders, who are looking to recapture their former glory both on and off the field. By bringing back familiar faces and embracing their storied past, the franchise is signaling a new era of optimism.
For more on the team's recent off-field moves, you can read about the dismissal of Ben Steele, and for a look at another NFL legend's health battle, check out Ahman Green's Parkinson's diagnosis.
