The Washington Redskins and Their Legacy in Super Bowl History

A formidable force in NFL history, the Washington Redskins claimed two Super Bowl victories—Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XXII—each marking different eras of dominance, strategic brilliance, and cultural impact. Though the franchise’s name was officially changed to the Washington Commanders in 2020, the Super Bowl records and championships remain inseparable from their identity, symbolizing excellence on the grandest stage of American football. From fierce blue-collar grit to blitzing offense and unbreakable defense, the Redskins’ Super Bowl triumphs reshaped NFL narratives and cemented their place in the sport’s pantheon.

While the franchise’s most recent Super Bowl win occurred in 1991 (Super Bowl XXVI), the Washington Redskins’ deep connection to the NFL’s ultimate prize is best understood through their two championship triumphs: Super Bowl XVII in 1983 and Super Bowl XXII in 1988. Both victories were defined not only by on-field dominance but by the style, leadership, and pivotal performances that became defining moments in Redskins lore.

Super Bowl XVII: A Blue-Collar Upset That Defined a Dynasty

Super Bowl XVII, played on January 30, 1983, at Allies Stadium (now labeled Soldier Field in Chicago), pitted the Washington Redskins against the aggressive Miami Dolphins.

The game wasn’t just a championship—it was a statement. Led by coach Joe Gibbs and standout quarterback Mark Rypien, the Redskins emerged victorious 27–17, ending a four-year rebuilding period and signaling the arrival of a new dynasty.

The 1982 NFL season had seen the Redskins recover from a strike-shortened campaign, building momentum through strategic preparation under Gibbs.

Their balanced attack blended power running, precise passing, and suffocating defense. Defensive lineman Mark Gastineau and linebacker Darrell Green were featherlights in a unit that forced turnovers and limited Dolphins backfield production.

Mark Rypien, though not yet the hallowed figure he would become, delivered a commanding performance, displaying composure under pressure.

His ability to control tempo and execute short-to-intermediate routes revealed early signs of the poise that would define his legacy. The decisive drive capped by Rypien’s touchdown pass to ArtMonte Johnson—matching a field goal for a decisive score—showcased the Redskins’ chemistry and clutch execution. Fans at home and across the league recognized this as more than a win; it was a redemption.

The win restored pride to Washington, a city that had long been hungry for NFL glory. As former Redskins coach Gibbs reflected, “Super Bowl XVII was about belief—believing that hard work and preparation could overcome adversity. That day, every layer of that belief came through.”

Fans remember the game not just for the score, but for the atmosphere: a unified city behind a team that embodied resilience.

In an era of rising parity, the Redskins proved that vision, discipline, and key individual brilliance could conquer the best the league had to offer.

Super Bowl XXII: The Dawn of the Redskins’ Defensive Firepower

Twelve years later, on January 30, 1988, the Washington Redskins reclaimed supremacy with a dominant 37–21 victory in Super Bowl XXII over the Denver Broncos. This championship solidified the franchise’s status as a perennial contender and marked the beginning of one of the NFL’s most feared defensive units.

Under Gibbs again, with Rypien at quarterback, the Redskins unleashed a defensive juggernaut anchored by the legendary “Doomsday Defense.” Linebacker Charles Woodson (though Woodson joined later—his iconic peace sign came post-XXII) wasn’t yet present, but stars like John Riggins and receiver ArtMonte Johnson provided explosive play. Riggins, whose grit and fisheye—a hybrid of scramble and speed—became central to the Birmingham-based defense’s identity.

The game was a textbook example of strategic dominance: Denver’s high-powered offense, led by quarterback John Elway, struggled against relentless tackling and tactical clarity.

Riggins bullied defenders with punishing tackles—10 for loss, 100 tackles—while Johnson converted crucial third-and-long catches to sustain drives.

Gibbs’ decision to grind out momentum, rather than gamble offensively, proved pivotal. When Elway threw 36 yards but couldn’t penetrate Washington’s tight pocket and suffocating secondWritten by FOX coverage—encapsulated the team’s identity: disciplined execution, physical dominance, and mental toughness.

Rypien’s late second-quarter touchdown drive, orchestrated with flawless precision, exemplified the blend of poise and power. “Super Bowl XXII was about control,” said Ripping Jordan, then a Detroit Ticker, “the Redskins didn’t just beat Denver—they dominated. That kind of consistency, that kind of mastery… it’s rare.” The win reflected a franchise not defined by flash, but by relentless preparation and execution that silenced doubters.

Both Super Bowls 1983 and 1988 remain touchstones—not only for championships but for how the Redskins defined leadership, teamwork, and excellence in different NFL eras. From Mark Rypien’s steady vocality and the green, gold defense of ’88 to the balanced brilliance of ’83, the Washington Redskins’ Super Bowl legacy endures as a testament to sustained greatness in professional football. The franchise’s path to two Super Bowl titles isn’t just a record of wins—it’s a narrative of evolving dominance, shaped by coaching acumen, player brilliance, and a culture that valued resilience over fleeting glory.

While the team’s name has changed, the essence of those championships—paid in grit, precision, and pride—remains etched in NFL history, reminding fans of a golden era when two championships gave Washington a rightful place among football’s elite.