Category: Finance | Title: John Riggins Teams and Career Overview | Tag: NFL Players | Meta Description: John Riggins teams, career stats, and legacy in the NFL with key facts and figures...
John Riggins Teams and Career Overview
John Riggins played for the New York Jets and Washington Redskins during his NFL career. He was drafted by the Jets in 1971 and played for them through 1979. He then joined the Redskins in 1980 and retired in 1985, becoming one of the most durable running backs of his era. His time with these two franchises defined his legacy and established him as a central figure in late 1970s and early 1980s offensive football. Career stats and team timeline on Pro Football Reference.
Riggins finished his career with over 13,000 rushing yards and 100 touchdowns, combining production across both teams. He led the NFL in rushing in 1983 with 1,347 yards and was named the Super Bowl MVP that same year. His ability to stay healthy and produce at a high level made him a reliable workhorse back for both the Jets and Redskins during playoff runs.
New York Jets Years
Riggins was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft and played for New York from 1971 to 1979. During his Jets tenure, he formed a productive backfield duo with fullback Larry Csonka and became known for his power running style and durability. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in multiple seasons with the Jets and helped the team reach the AFC Championship Game in 1982 ESPN career highlights.
The Jets relied on Riggins as a primary ball carrier in a ground-and-pound offense that emphasized physicality and time of possession. He set franchise records for rushing attempts and yards during his time in New York, and his performance in the 1982 AFC Championship Game against the Raiders remains one of the most iconic individual performances in team history.
Washington Redskins Years
Riggins signed with the Redskins in 1980 and played for Washington through the 1985 season. He quickly became the focal point of Joe Gibbs' offense and delivered his best statistical seasons after the trade, including a league-leading 1,347 rushing yards in 1983. His performance was critical to the Redskins' Super Bowl XVII victory, where he was named MVP.
With Washington, Riggins helped the team reach Super Bowl XVIII and continued to be a dominant runner in the NFC. His ability to break tackles and sustain drives made him a matchup nightmare for defenses, and he remains one of the most celebrated players in franchise history Pro Football Hall of Fame profile.
John Riggins Legacy and Impact
Riggins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, cementing his status as one of the greatest running backs of the 1970s and 1980s. His career totals, durability, and postseason performances have been widely cited by analysts and historians as hallmarks of a complete running back NFL official player profile.
The two teams he played for, the Jets and Redskins, both retired his number and recognize him as a franchise legend. His influence on the running back position and his role in defining the power-running identity of his era continue to be referenced in discussions of NFL history and team-building strategy.