John Riggins

I Post these shows purely to show the history of the game for football fans enjoyment, Please do not re-post this video. Thanks!

[@thebackyardbear]

When a man says give me the ball... and delivers... you just keep giving him the damn ball.

[@anthonybrown3481]

This type of football is dead. I'm glad to say it was the type of football I was raised on.

[@ericsoesbe3004]

Anthony Brown I couldn’t agree more... I played in those days ( not the same quality play!); Riggins really did play TOUGH! He is a classic Hall of Fame member, without peer in his day. Not many ever. Watching these clips is a treat down memory lane reminding me of those days of supreme ruggedness of 🏈 football, rough and tumble‼️

[@OarsmanPower]

Anthony Brown Well said. Those days and those kinds of men are few & far between.

[@tarrybirdshark1247]

It's a shame to see this position all but gone from the game of football. Although I was always a linemen, Riggins was someone I really liked to watch.

[@Texas_Cruiser]

Tarry Birdshark a true workhorse as they called them

[@PedroMartinez-vr2gq]

Absolutely all they do now is cry and don't play

[@markscrim]

He was a handful, but as a Cowboys fan, he scared the daylights out of us. Great insight interview. Quite entertaining.

[@stonelove871]

I remember that superbowl the kept showing Riggins in pregame, 9 years old I asked my dad whos that? He replied a man about to raise alot of hell tonight. R.I.P. dad.

[@Lord_of_The_World]

LMAO That's hilarious.May your dad RIP

[@BrockLanders]

That’s an awesome story.

[@halleck3]

The one where they whooped Miami? Good game and good story man.

[@stonelove871]

Jim Watson same to you, thanks bro, and sorry for your loss. Real fathers are the shit.

[@douglasboyd8475]

Stone Love Amen

[@louishunter3]

I remember on local news in DC, they talked about first day of training camp Riggins arrived riding in the back of a pick up. Those were the days!

[@SingleTax]

Riggins was a showman off the field, but on the field he was all business. No trash-talking, no flashy celebrations, just another day at the office.

[@davidroshone8847]

Jim Brown, Earl Campbell and John Riggins the true powerhouse running backs that made the game exciting to watch.

[@michaelsmith-ws2mb]

Riggins was good but not in the same category as Brown and Campbell.

[@tomtraynor5384]

Can we put Larry Csonka in there?

[@michaelsmith-ws2mb]

yeah why not, in his prime Csonka was a beast!

[@dansecurity9608]

Created his own

[@bishlap]

Riggins was Csonka w/ speed.

[@MyDuckbutter]

That was one of the best sports interviews ever. John Riggins was and is "The Most Interesting Man In The World".

[@mikemckool6645]

"The heart of a Viking, the faith of a child"....Riggo is the BEST EVER!

[@felixmadison5736]

"He came to play." Man, did he ever!!! If I could sit down and have a few beers with one person, John Riggins would be that person. Can you imagine the stories he has to tell?

[@johnzablosky9099]

You still could.I see his net worth is virtually invisible.If they send a monetary collection for him..count me in.

[@243wayne1]

@@johnzablosky9099 -He has a net worth of $6 Million Dollars you stupid fucker. Which is exactly $6 Million Dollars *MORE* Than you have. Class dismissed.

[@robertdudley3398]

He use to ABUSE my DALLAS COWBOYS TEAMS DEFENSE DRAGGGING 2 OR 3,4 GUYS. TOM LANDRY on the sideline STOICLY LOOKING WITH NO ANSWERS FOR HOGS AND 44.

[@Alan62651]

"His eyes." Perfect. A musician needs to rely on his ear. A running back needs to use his eyes.

[@jonw.3886]

I never saw a guy run like Riggins. He was a freaking battering ram! He could run at full speed with his head down and just blast his way through the line. It usually took three or four guys to get him down. Just a tough farm boy that loved football.

[@TheDunzweiler]

My brother and I used to fight over who got to be Riggins playing football in the neighborhood.... Good stuff... Hahaha

[@logan5326]

My cousin Frank and I did the same...we used to flipped that quarter many times.

[@disvillage]

I remember going into Theismann‘s in Vienna Virginia, and of course I would wear my bears jacket on purpose because I knew that Riggins and Theismann would be in there. It was great fun until they were going to lift me over their head and toss me out the door. I agreed to take that off, and we all sat down and had a beer. Amazing guys.

[@24quorthonschuldiner62]

If they were so amazing guys why did they try and throw you out on the restaraunt?

[@chokkan7]

In an age when masculinity is held in such low regard, to hear someone say they emulated John Wayne is just so refreshing...gotta love Riggo...not a PC bone in his body.

[@jimhayes7594]

I want to ask everyone today about PC policley correct. Politics is never correct it is a way to change what is the best way to do something and it always is the wrong way to do anything. Just like now with PC it is making what is right wrong and what is wrong right. PC the truth is it stands for pure crap and make people feel bad about who they are and what they are instead of making them accept themselves and be comfortable with themselves and even making fun of themselves. I learned a long time ago that if you laugh at what you have in your life and learn to accept it then you will be happier than if you let it make you feel bad about it. I am bald and I make jokes about it and never get upset if someone makes fun of me I have accept it and stop being bummed out about it. The PC people need to face life and embrace it and stop being ashamed of it. It is what makes you and only you and be proud of the fact that you and only you are this one of a kind person that God created and not like anyone else being you is great and you should be proud.

[@ninaholmes4120]

I dearly remember Our Savior, John Riggins, saving our bacon game after game. What a force! What Drive! He’ll always be a legend for RFK Stadium. Happy to see him again doing well. Very articulate speaker. He always spoke his mind. He knew his capabilities to a T. Thanks for the fantastic memories. Love #44 forever🏈🧡❤️

[@24quorthonschuldiner62]

He was an arrogant prick

[@jacobjones5269]

My mother let out the most primal grunt I’ve ever heard when Riggins broke that tackle on the 43 yard TD in SB XVII.. lol.. What a moment..

[@robertbishop5357]

6'2 244 and ran like a halfback. He was a tru bulldozer with speed. I remember how he and the Redskins owned the Dolphins in the Super Bowl.

[@rocknroll7316]

Robert bishop imagine defensive backs reaction after underestimating his speed

[@rocknroll7316]

Kevin Prima I'm sure the native American blood in him didn't hurt

[@substrate001]

@Kevin Prima THEY ATE 000000 NO SOOOOOYYY...

[@martinsanchez4827]

rock n roll he ain’t Native American?

[@jeffreywallace3514]

ESPN

[@marcusrodgers5105]

I'm Cowboys fans, but Riggins was a Beast, Very Cool Dude!!!

[@briannotafan3368]

first player in nfl with the mohawk

[@robertdore9592]

Ditto from a Raiders fan...

[@johnhenry4805]

marcus rodgers same here,but one of my all time favorite players.football at its best.he never went backwards.

[@brianbachmeier34]

Essence of football. John Riggins

[@josecolon2201]

The diesel no44

[@agmapleleaf93]

That's Right !

[@Frank_Cohen]

This was awesome. Did not expect it hold my attention the whole time like it did. Helps that he is so well spoken and so compelling to listen to. I've always been a Bears fan who adored Walter and, accordingly, loves the running game. I vividly remember Riggins' playing days fondly. One of the best RB's. He was and is a colorful character.

[@christopheryasus3666]

Yep... was funny from tip off

[@krisveno9056]

RIGGO!!!

[@ynotnilknarf39]

As a young rugby player in England and us getting some highlights of gridiron on the new free to air channel in the early 80s I loved watching Riggins and the Redskins even though he was at the back end of his career he was still a unit. He would have loved playing rugby league and the sheer brutality of man against man and no pads.

[@ramiroperez7180]

he certainly had the physique and cavalier spirit to play rugby so i can see him doing it

[@lucid685]

Even an Eagles fan my whole life but this guy was just the best. So fun to watch

[@robertjohnson212]

I just love the attitude. That is success, ladies and gentlemen. the attitude which encompassed way more than the mere game of football. Thank you John. Never change.

[@TheCream14]

one of the best backs in NFL. Great guy

[@darnellmagruder283]

He was one of the greatest running backs in DC History , i was born and raised in DC , dude was a killa on the field and one toughest to bring down.

[@kfiscal01]

Definitely, I'd put Larry Brown in there to.

[@jamesesullivandds9862]

me too Larry Brown did not have the Hogs and was hampered by George Allen who was a defensive coach. Never used Sonny to his fullest potential

[@Schoolboy681]

This guy's the real deal!!!!! Domination, and a wild spirit. Get some.

[@michaelbelfer1069]

Sean Anspach John Riggins was easily one of the top ten running backs of all time. The size of a fullback, speed of tailback, tremendous hands, excellent blocker and a nose for the ending like all the greats had. Great as a NY Jet but once he ran behind that stud line in DC, wow oh wow. BTW, I'm a long time NY Giant fan!!!

[@michaelbelfer1069]

I wrote End Zone , not ending.

[@samyoung5964]

Oh please. Stick to Checkers, you obviously KNOW NOTHING about Pro Football !!!

[@Schoolboy681]

@@samyoung5964 You must be really stupid or perhaps just ignorant. Riggins was the top dog. He'd run your crack over and leave you crying in a ball.....

[@SirReal1958]

John Riggins : The ONLY running back in NFL history to gain more yards rushing and score more rushing touchdowns in his 30's than in his 20's ! An amazing feat that will never be duplicated.

[@ss_whole]

How can you not love this guy, says exactly what's on his mind not bothering to worry about what people think, today that's frowned upon by our fragile, perpetually offended generation.

[@dabprod]

To quote Don Meredith on Monday Night Football way back when.......Hi Diddle Diddle Riggins up the middle. He's my kind of guy, and that was my kind of football. We miss you John, and THANKS.

[@ruadhrose]

God Almighty I miss these days!!! I want them back!!! I want another John Riggins. Sadly there’ll never be another one like him.

[@coppulor6500]

supreme badass. perhaps the most amazing thing was that this huge bruiser would run away from defensive backs once he got into the secondary. so much fun to watch as a young skins fan.

[@85passthru]

thats what made him so unique...he was a 250+lb former sprint champ... kinda rare lol.

[@johnre3991]

85passthru actually 235 -240

[@johnre3991]

Kevin Prima he was not 250. he was 235. maybe 240 at the end of his career still very fast for a big man.

[@michaeldowney5823]

@@johnre3991 if you are talking program listing, those numbers were always bull. Joe Jacoby was listed at 290-295. Actually tipped the scales at more like 305-310. Back then 300lb lineman were rare and considered fat and slow. Big difference in today's game. Riggo and all the Hogs were BIG boys. Smallest of the bunch was Mark May. Had to turn to get through a door but had a waist about 36". And he was a fullback/ halfback in high school doing the Riggo drill on poor unfortunate high school kids half his size. When he got to Pitt, coach said, young man, you're a lineman. Won the Outland trophy at Pitt. This was the caliber of line Riggo was running behind. Counter trey all day. Still being utilized to this day. Think Gary Kubiak and his run zone offense. I could run behind that for some gain! But with Riggo it was speed and size, but also power. When he hit the hole, if you were in his way, you weren't there for long. His ability to just knock defensive players down was amazing. Think McDonald from Pittsburgh sitting that D back down, but every play! So much fun to watch.

[@johnre3991]

Michael Downey actually the center Jeff bostic was the lightest. I'm not going by program listings. John Madden used to always say 240 lbs and even Madden used to exaggerate than. u can see riggens body type he would have been a little fat at 250 at 6'2". his legs were not extra big like Earl campell who at 5'11'' weighed 230. the only rb in the league over 250 than was Pete Johnson of cinncinnati. the program had riggins listed at 230 but he was a little bigger than that but not 250. either way he was very fast for his weight but in 1983 he started to slow down a little with all those carries he had in the Redskins big year when they were 14-2. riggins was a freak at 34 but one of the reasons he was so good at an old age was because he wasn't burnt out at an early age. he didn't carry the ball much when he was younger and even took a year off in 1980. guys like Campbell and Dickerson carried the ball nearly 400 times in their first few years. riggins claim to fame was 1982 playoffs where he gained about 640 yds in the playoffs in 4 games to SB mvp. other great similar playoffs was Marcus Allen in 83 and Terrell Davis in 97.

[@jakemitchell1671]

6'2" 245 and ran 9.8 100 YARD (added via edit) in high school. Won state his jr and sr years. Was as big and strong as Jim Brown and probably faster. If he'd been treated like a franchise back in his 20s, REALLY been developed, with an offense built around him, he just may have been the greatest RB of all time.

[@OldSchool3pts]

Had the Skins had him from day one he may have been

[@cavannaro1]

Jake Mitchell 9.8?! Man, that’s fast. Any idea how quick Darrell Green was? Those were great days to be a Skins fan.

[@jakemitchell1671]

Cavannaro: That IS very fast, but keep in mind it was the 100 YARD, not 100 METERS. Darrell Green was an entirely different level of speed. Riggins was extremely fast for a big man, but Green was fast for ANY man. Green once ran the 100 meter in 10.08, which would convert to a 9.2 in the 100 yard! He was clocked in the 40 at 4.4, which is right there with the fastest of the fast. My biggest regret about Riggins will always be that he spent his best physical years with the Jets, a team that just didn't provide him the environment he needed to really thrive. He still rolled off 2 1000 yard seasons, if you give him 55 yards in '72 when he missed 3 games. Then when he went to to Washington he spent his first 2 seasons as a blocking back. So his first 7 seasons in the league - which is an entire career for many RBs - he was completely under-utilized. Get this: in his 5 seasons with the Jets there was only 1 year he averaged under 4 yds per carry. He actually didn't do his best running in his 30s. He just finally got the damn ball in his 30s.

[@muckmire3716]

That's yards. Meters is 10.3. That's good for 8th place against world class sprinters

[@johnre3991]

Jake Mitchell green ran a 4.2 40. not a 4.4.

[@carlcrader1939]

Greatest running back ever, never had a chance to show his skills when he was younger. I remember nobody wanted to tackle him.

[@bigrichfish]

I owned a business in the Fulton fish market nyc. They always had tours coming down to walk thru the market. It was about 20 years ago, a tour is passing thru my stand. I take a double look, and low and behold, it’s Riggins. Got an autograph and a picture on my old flip phone, he was a very laid back, cool guy.

[@cesarjom]

It was a great privilege to grow up in DC area and be witness to Riggins' style of football; arguably one of the very best to ever have played the game.

[@madddog6790]

The Diesel! RFK used to shake back in those days. \m/

[@joe2cheryl]

Class act. Never celebrated a TD, he just flipped the ball to the referee. Miss the days before stupid celebrations.

[@richardmiller3919]

Joe Foster I agreed with you 101% ... Now they celebrate alike SOB CLOWNS

[@everydayjoe4323]

You must really miss ol' Neon Deon. Haha NOT. Remember that dude Dion Sanders?

[@dantheman5745]

Yeah, but Riggins wasn't having any fun. 'Cuz as everybody knows, if you can't prance around like a self-absorbed idiot after you do your job, there's no way to have any fun. At least that's what the dopes today keep telling me. Seriously though Joe, spot on.

[@markzwilsky3509]

My kids were so proud to wear #44 on there jersey from peewee through college football. My daughter proudly sported #44 playing college lacrosse. My favorite memory's are our Redskins rocking RFK stadium with John leading the charge. Fast forward to 2018 ... players don't respect the game and act like complete stooges. So freaking tired of every Sunday as we watch some shmo do an X-rated TD celebration when there teams down by two TDs ...Much respect #44 !

[@dogofwar5272]

I never minded stuff like Favre jumping on his teammates or Emmit taking a knee but I agree the celebrations today are ridiculous.

[@chrisweidner4768]

"Not quite exactly what the ancient Greeks had in mind." I like this guy.

[@trentgaines8880]

I grew up watching this man play John Riggins is one of the all-time great backs in the NFL by far

[@melissalydon3681]

He truly was one of the greats.

[@hugh-johnfleming289]

His highlights are better than a complete season now.

[@tertessa]

Man that brought back memories...

[@swingtrade2]

Family of athletes - his older brother had the 100 yrd dash Kansas HS record and the next year John broke it.

[@europaeuropa3673]

Farm boy strong.

[@jeffreyfoj9800]

I remember being a kid - and a Packers fan - watching this guy was fun. Marshawn Lynch is and never was John Riggins. This guy was a REAL beast.

[@topflightstyle4141]

Jeffrey Foj I wouldn't say that but John was a hell of a person and player.

[@rocknroll7316]

Jeffrey Foj I totally agree.. people make a fuss about Lynch but I'll take Riggins ,Earl Campbell, and Larry Czonka any day

[@rocknroll7316]

Kevin Prima nobody did in that era

[@42NORRIS]

@Kevin Prima Really Kevin?, Peaple are here enjoying the Great career of John Riggins and you had to mess it up with Racism? Way to go Wet Blanket!

[@RGsmokinthathunnitHMNdawgpound]

Nahh john riggins was diesel he got his own name

[@drbonesshow1]

It's amazing that Riggins made the HOF considering all the bad teams and thick-headed coaches he played for. Finally, Joe Gibbs.

[@bwiser5206]

it's actually comical. So George Allen is a "great coach" and this genius used Riggins as a blocking back.

[@drbonesshow1]

George Allen was Ronald Reagan's doppelganger. @@bwiser5206

[@jacktheripoff1888]

It was that 3-season stretch from '82-84 that did it. And when he retired he was only 1 of 4 players with more than 11,000 yards rushing. Brown, Harris, and Simpson being the only others at that time. He's still in the top-20 now all time. Pretty amazing considering he's been retired more than 3 decades.

[@jacktheripoff1888]

@@bwiser5206 What can you say? When George Blanda was cut from the Bears in 1959, George Halas told him that there was nothing more he was going to accomplish as a professional football player.

[@teej783]

A perfect example of how there are really no true busts, just coaching errors.

[@timmytide1]

Without any doubt, Riggins is one of the Top 5 running backs in NFL history!

[@muckmire3716]

Thats some good crack you're smoking

[@capster728]

@@muckmire3716 😂😂😂

[@KelzKelz]

#1 white back

[@capster728]

@Matt Beeman damn right good list riggins maybe a top 10 or 20.

[@johncooper2265]

@Matt Beeman -Get out of town. It starts with Jim Brown, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. Those are the 3 best. Period. And, I put Riggins in squarely at #4. Emmitt has the records (& he was great), but a lot of his success was a product of the system he was in and the teammates around him. I won't necessarily knock him out of the Top-5, because I respect his durability and the all-time rushing mark that he holds. But, when it gets down to "the eyeball test", yeah, there's more than 5 backs (including Riggins) that I'd put ahead of Emmitt. As for Campbell? I love the dude. And yeah, he's one of those backs that I'd put ahead of Emmitt with regards to "the eyeball test". But, no bro. Campbell wasn't better than Riggins. Not in any, way, shape or form. Riggins CARRIED his team on his back. Everyone knew that he pulled the Redskins' wagon. Stop Riggins and the Redskins are toast. Yet, no one could stop him and he CARRIED his team to a Superbowl victory. All while leading "The 5 O'Clock Club". Dude, Riggins has a strong case that he's not only one of the Top-5 running backs in NFL history, but one of the Top-5 PLAYERS of All-Time! Remember, he played back when the game was REAL!

[@jimmyjolly4184]

I'm 55 and been a Redskins fan for 52 years probably. I absolutely loved John Riggins. I think he is the greatest Redskin of all time !!! And i can remember Billy Kilmer and Charlie Brown and many others before and after John and i think he was the best of the best

[@wendellellisor268]

One of the best I have ever seen play.

[@JALEO1970]

I had forgotten just how fast he was.

[@josephpaige3614]

JOHNNYL1 9.8 second 100 YARD dash

[@garymcaleer6112]

My dad cried only two times in his life: 1. When University of Michigan lost the championship; and 2. When the Redskins lost theirs. But John Riggins brought his smile back.

[@scottmckenna9164]

I am gratified to be updated about John. Truly, God created him to be a winner. If he had to enjoy himself along the way.......that's on him. I resemble that!

[@gatorgityergranny]

wow. thrilling to hear a star of his caliber who has a lucid, well functioning brain. very impressive man.

[@hotwheel6663]

I forgot how great He was.

[@jamesallen5591]

So did I.

[@davidbennington4341]

Grew up loving this guy. Dad is from the east coast and all I ever heard about was the Steelers, Redskins, Eagles, and Giants. I’m a Packers fan but they just don’t make football players like this anymore! Football has gotten soft and getting even softer. My love for football came from it’s intensity and hard play. I tried to mold myself after the greats but the softness of football today is ruining the game I love so much.

[@majorsmythe1]

Yup- they ruined Football. Media is to blame and those who never knew the sport.SAD.

[@petepyeatt6909]

Started watching in 1987 so I missed out on Riggins. So glad I got to watch this special.

[@namrednop]

I was brought-up on rooting for the Redskins! They were the team that was shown here in NC back in the day. My Dad, Redskins fan all the way, made me an instant Redskins fan. I was there whether they were winning or losing. But when Riggins came to Washington everything changed! He was the MAN back then, and he's STILL THE MAN today! They don't make-um like him anymore. And props to Gibbs for bringing him back!

[@patriot6371]

The "Diesel". One bad running back #44

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

redskin 4ever - I’m a Dolphins fan and hated when he ran over us in the Super Bowl, but he was great!

[@HAL9007]

I was in RFK for the Vikings '82 playoff. When the Diesel horn made its debut. Riggins single-handed demolished the Vikes. 37 carries, 180 yards. They took him out early to great applause. We were all screaming. The stands in my section were jumping up and down, literally moving so much that beer was flying everywhere. So, Riggins paused for 15 seconds on the sidelines. The game is ready to start again. But he comes strolling SLOWLY out to the center of the field. He takes four deep bows on every point of the compass. Strolls off in slow motion. The loudest cheering in history of sports. I still get goosebumps. One final thing -- the Hogs and Joe Bugel. What a great team, coaches, GM, and best owner in the history of NFL. Watch this -- taylorblitztimes.com/tag/john-riggins-bow/

[@4orrcountry]

@@HAL9007 Great stuff, Hoyt.

[@71superbee39]

I will always cherish the years I watched Riggo as a long time Skins fan... Thanks Diesel...

[@chuckbisbee7520]

John Riggins and local DC sports news anchor Glenn Brenner made sports during the '80s so much fun to watch. My oldest brother, who had no interest whatsoever in sports or football, came to town and suddenly took an interest. It helped that Coach Gibbs had the team winning and Super Bowl appearances that made it that much more of a reason to pay attention, but Riggins always stole the show. What a man. I still love seeing that run against Miami in the Super Bowl when ever I feel I need an uplift. Party on John.

[@OlJarhead]

Loved watching that guy play... running down the sideline with three defenders hanging onto him.

[@ayiii1776]

I'm a true blue Cowboy fan. But damn it l loved watching him play. Those great days to me are over. Yes, we all still love our teams. But the toughness of that era. We'll never see it again.

[@christopheryasus3666]

6'2" and 230 was huge in mid 70s HUGE

[@flyingonashoestring5822]

My family had season Redskin Tickets. I was at all of the playoff games in 1982, including the NFC championship “WE WANT DALLAS, WE WANT DALLAS!!!!” Still the greatest sporting event that I’ve ever been to, I’m now 57 YO. It was also the loudest and the stadium only held 55,000. RFK was rocking that day. I soooo miss those days. I was 15 years old. I still remember the smell of RFK Stadium.

[@jasonlassiter9229]

John Riggins always had a Tommy Lee Jones quality to him: I thought. He sounded a lot like Tommy Lee to me.

[@ProudMasterMason]

I suppose you don't know Tommy Lee Jones. Just to fill you in...Tommy Lee Jones is a for sure Prick from San Saba Texas. Thats fact. Hell of an actor for damn sure

[@josephcockburn1402]

That would be an insult to John Riggins.

[@josephcockburn1402]

@@ProudMasterMason an insult and praise in one paragraph

[@slimsherman5818]

I dunno, seems to me the older he gets the more he looks like Andy Griffith, just two country boys

[@iamtoothewalrus]

Back when football was football....

[@majorsmythe1]

COWBOY fan here- and I got to admit- Riggo was really good.

[@seniortide]

yes sir, and men were men and you didn't question them

[@kennethmccall4185]

That Super Bowl TD run was one of the happiest moments of my life! I was so happy for my beloved Redskins!

[@mikeandrews1899]

😫 I was a 17yo kid who had been a find fan since '72. Riggins' TD run just killed me . Both my brothers was redskins fans 😖. But after watching this , almost 50yrs later , I will say ... I too am a Riggins fan 👍

[@jettrink7510]

In 1970 he pushed us down some stairs at Jayhawk Tower because we were making noise on the roof in the middle of the night. And I don't blame him at all.

[@24quorthonschuldiner62]

TOLD YOU RIGGINS WAS A JERK

[@JohnDoe-wo1jd]

It is very rare for a running back to play so many years in the NFL as Riggins did . He wasn't exactly a Jimmy Brown but close to it and he played several more years than Brown did in his career in the NFL . Riggins must have been gifted with a toughness which correct me if wrong, he never had an injury that kept him out for the season . Like Jimmy Brown he had the speed and the power to run through or bowl over defenders . Now Larry Csonka had the power but could not break away for a longer gain

[@stillnotwoke]

"Jimmy"? Wtf...NOBODY called him that.

[@TheCream14]

One of my favorite backs. Loved to watch him run and mow down people. Deceptive speed. The kind of guy you'd love to have a beer with. Good guy!

[@timothywalters2614]

I was a Redskin fan from 72 to 97 win or lose , up or down I was a hog fan . And the Diesel , fun bunch , the Hogs , Smurfs , that year of 81 was magic !

[@treetophighberockin4904]

Timothy Walters I was right there with you and i live near Dallas.When I was a kid i could not sleep the night before the Redskins played the cowboys.They split every year.The game has changed so much i hardly watch it now.Those men loved football back then.Hail to the Redskins and to John Riggins

[@timothywalters2614]

I used to live in Albuquerque New Mexico , that's cowboy country , I had Redskin licence plates on my car . The guys I worked with all got a screw driver and threatened to remove it . They just wanted to mess with me .

[@Jnat997]

Amen brother! That was me 1981 to 1998•!

[@timothywalters2614]

Yes they are the only team to have won 3 Superbowls with 3 different QBs Williams Theismann, and Rypien . I probably got Joe and Marks last names spelled wrong but you know what I mean .

[@johnre3991]

Timothy Walters no you spelled it right.

[@celestialscripture]

I remember seeing him play as a kid. An amazing sight. True grit, a throwback and a glimpse of the future both at the same time - with a charisma that only the true greats possess. A true legend.

[@christianbeevers4937]

I love the diesel, he was such a great runner, so hard nose, so tough, so relentless. Just a great running back. Plus love the Afro.

[@greglinnemanstons4112]

Pure joy to watch and listen to. What an authentic and incredible character and talent! Makes me want to see him live on stage.

[@paulelliott3220]

The Riggo Express Man, for a 'skins fan he's always been the best No 44 Damn he was awesome

[@whitestunna5773]

The 80s were our decade. I remember when Gibbs took over we were at the bottom and slowly rose to champions. Art monk Darrel Green charlie Brown alvin garret monte coleman etc great times at RFK

[@Contractnik]

Giants/Jets fan here. He made me root for the Redskins that year!

[@tacey01]

A fantasy football alltime great.

[@jimmiefrancis142]

What a great quote, "I came to play." Fantastic ability and its accompanying cockiness without being inflated. I've always thought he has a great perspective on life. When I served at an upscale place in DC, he showed up for Friday happy hour - dressed like a dream, fancy suit. He was with a friend and tried to chat up some gal at the bar - she wasn't interested so he sat back down with his friend. My puny boss tapped him on the shoulder and told him to cool off - he did. Then he stood up and walked out quickly. All I could think was Damn, he's awesome!

[@jimmiefrancis142]

Art Monk was a QB's dream!

[@toddhall7416]

What a great video. I always liked Riggins but after watching this I'm now a huge fan. Great personality.

[@boskey10]

Its unheard of for a RB to run more yards in his 30s then in his 20s.

[@KBzPTGT]

Now that AP is a Redskin, it may happen again

[@boskey10]

@@KBzPTGT That would be amazing if he did, but It's not possible for Peterson to do that. Look at his numbers when he played for Minnesota, then compare his last few seasons after 30 years old, it's not possible for him to do what Riggins did. Peterson has a better overall career though, but no one played better at age 35 or older at RB then Riggins did, he has over a dozen records, incredible.

[@dbishoff]

@@boskey10 And Riggins had and has far more class than Peterson

[@brettdwyer1635]

Damn...What a great piece on a one of a kind football player. Could not have enjoyed it more!

[@UberKrispy]

I have never seen an interview with John Riggins, and this was an interesting and informative piece.

[@buckaroo8805]

Riggins was a workhorse! This is when there were animals in the NFL. If you notice in that clip before the game during the National Anthem he was standing proud with his right hand over his heart! I am lucky to know how real football used to be!

14:50 The Great #44 Singing & STANDING with his hand over his Heart for The National Anthem. Those WERE the days in The NFL when it WAS a Great American Sport.

[@williamprice2677]

Yea what a contrast to those sissy millionaires that decided take a knee last year. Riggins would have had twice he yardage against those pussys. He was EXCITING!! What a player...

[@davanmani556]

Give him the ball.

@@williamprice2677 NFL NBA MLB = have been infiltrated with the woke BULLSHIT of anti-USA lies & hypocrisy. ALL aspects of American life are being invaded by all of the various anti-USA BS lies and hypocrisy. American Patriots will hault that invasion.

[@Bellinghamspence]

Thank you Mister Riggins, you are a Pro Football Player, and a MAN of the World.

[@malcolmxcrement6945]

John Riggins, is the main reason that I'm a Redskins fan! I started watching Football in 82. everyone I knew, wondered why I wasn't an Eagles fan, being I lived in South Jersey, which is well within the Phila. fan area. They sucked back then and when I saw Redskins games, I was in awe of Riggins, the way he would bulldoze through everyone! Other great running backs will come along but there will never be another "Diesel"! Thank you Riggo!

[@AGTsakumis]

A superb athlete and tremendous competitor, I remember watching John Riggins when I was a boy and marveling at his abilities.

[@mr.wizard2974]

John Riggins reminds me a lot of Larry Csonka!

[@markthomas1097]

Yup but bigger, stronger and faster.

[@peterk8909]

Mark Thomas Don't downplay Czonka. Broke his nose, like 5 times. Once by a steer that jacked him, like 5 yards.

[@Trollificusv2]

Csonka was actually a little bigger, but never, ever, approached the workload Riggins did. Csonka had six seasons with between 190 and 220 carried, never more. Very modest, but then, he shared the backfield with passcatcher Jim Kiick and blazing fast Mercury Morris.

[@edenfuego7537]

Czonka was definitely bigger but Riggins was faster and had wiggle. Czonka was a beast of a man.

[@thetruth5479]

Larry Csonka never ran as hard as Riggin's after he got some age on him Riggin's never slowed up..

[@fjones1914]

I wasn’t a big football fan but I remember my brother’s and Dad watching football and hearing them talk about Riggins. Explains why I’m now watching this video. I’m surprised myself!

[@MrVvulf]

4:37 I just watched that block like 15 times in a row, giggling. Riggins flattened that poor guy, and it wasn't a blindside, the man saw him coming, and still got wrecked.

[@85passthru]

utterly destroyed him....i watch that over and over too. if his heart was in it, he would have been a great blocking fullback.

[@drbonesshow1]

I remember when Riggins got flattened. What goes around...

[@outoftheirskulls5676]

No One EVER put Riggins on his back. It NEVER happened !

[@swkenny]

Haha his helmet went flying!

[@DanWinkler-pm5tk]

When Riggo ran 43yards for a touchdown I was wearing full Native American head dress and doing a war dance. We had 20 people there at my friend John’s house and the place erupted. He was and always will be my favorite Redskin! I also have Over 10 of his football cards. He is a legend!!!!The Final score of that Super Bowl 27-17 add those 2 numbers and you get 44. How perfect is that!

[@web5271]

He and Earl Campbell got 4-5 yard on every carry. Even if they had no blocking.

[@henrylicious]

Can you imagine those two monsters sharing a backfield?

[@davidlentz9683]

John Riggins career average was 3.9 ypc. His best was 4.6 as a Jet, and 4.4 as Redskin. As for teaming Riggins with Earl Cambell, it would not work. Yes Riggins was a complete player. Campbell was not. Cambell ran left and he ran right.

[@web5271]

Jeez. Somebody who knows what they are talking about. As a Houstonian and a UT graduate, I have to admit that Earl could not block or catch a downfield pass. Utterly incompetent at both and I don't understand why somebody with his power couldn't block. But he couldn't, I don't know if for lack of trying or whatever, but he couldn't block anybody. That's why I'll always consider other backs ahead of Dickerson, Brown, et. al as being the greatest.

[@scottj3466]

You know who else was a hell of a blocker, and at only 205 pounds? That's right, the greatest complete back, Mr Walter Payton!

[@tracym1208]

Walter.... JOHN RIGGINS AND EARL CAMPBELL GOT 5 YRDS EVEN WITHOUT THE BALL.... THEY WERE FREIGHT TRAINS.....

[@Rushmore222]

Riggins was one of those backs who could reliably gain 100 yards on a Sunday when the opposing defense already knows he is going to get the ball and is stacked against it.

[@kool-aidcorncrap7880]

The John Wayne , Charles Bronson and Burt Reynolds of running backs....

[@ShogunX11]

Burt legitimately was one in college

[@davidvaughn9441]

Kansas boy here had a . Few beers with him... man the stories and what at stud. So fast and powerful

[@harrymills2770]

RIP Steve Sabol. Is there a 3rd-generation Sabol? Those guys with NFL Films were the best.

[@2lucky1957]

I was assigned to work for Steve at the Texas Jam in 1978. He couldn't have been more generous and humble.

[@gregj831]

Well said!

[@jedwing]

His films have so much pathos and emotions. I cry often watching these.

[@ecnumber1fan]

Sabol definitely did a great job with the nfl films, for sure

[@dwightlove3704]

Harry Mills Yes there is a new STEVE SABOL say hello to GREG COSELL he is the nephew of Howard Cosell.

[@petercraig6802]

Great video. In the UK we first saw American Football on tv in the 1970s and as a rugby player I was fascinated. Riggins was so obviously one of the greats, along with such as Montana, Marino and Walter Payton.

[@mikelatta484]

He bought his offensive line Weatherby Rifles. I like that.

[@toamataafa9463]

Love Riggins when he was with the REDSKINS..RIP Steve Sabol..great Interview my friend.

[@jeffkravitz6457]

One of a kind!

[@bodietyler519]

John was my childhood hero. In the backyard as a kid I always wore my 44 jersey and told the other kids " Just give me the ball"

[@jcolecolman781]

I'm from Kansas l remember him winning the 1 hundred yards dash in high school Kansas is home of the greatest running backs play the game Gayle Sayers John Riggins Barry Sanders do the math

[@pjfrog10]

I played basketball at Kansas while John played football. He was just like this at KU.