Some jerseys are about the next season. A John Riggins jersey is about the one moment every Washington fan can still describe frame by frame. Riggins wore No. 44, ran for the most famous touchdown in franchise history, and became the standard for what a power back looks like in burgundy and gold. This guide covers every Riggins jersey we stock — the Commanders black 90th Anniversary elite, the burgundy team colour styles and the Mitchell & Ness Redskins throwbacks — with real detail on fit, size and care.
| Version | Colour | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commanders Black 90th Anniversary Elite | Black with anniversary detail | $69.95 | Fans who want the modern franchise look |
| Redskins Burgundy Red Team Color Elite | Burgundy, the classic home colour | $69.95 | Old-school Washington fans |
| Mitchell & Ness Red Throwback | Red throwback, vintage cut | $69.95 | Collectors of the Riggins era |
| Mitchell & Ness White Throwback | White throwback, vintage cut | $69.95 | Summer wear and second jersey |
Why the No. 44 jersey still sells forty years later
Riggins arrived in Washington in 1976 after five seasons with the New York Jets, and by the early 1980s he was the centre of the offense. The 1982 season ended with a Super Bowl win over Miami in which he ran for the decisive touchdown on a fourth-and-one call that has been replayed ever since, and he was named the game's MVP. A year later he rushed for 24 touchdowns in a single season, an NFL record at the time, on the way to 1,347 yards.
That is why this is one of the few jerseys that works for every generation of Washington fan. It carries the burgundy era, the Redskins name, the Super Bowl and the Hall of Fame bust — all without needing a current player to be good. When you wear No. 44, you are wearing the franchise's history, not a season.
Which John Riggins jersey should you buy?
The choice comes down to one question: do you want the modern franchise jersey or the vintage look he actually played in? Both are stitched at the same price.
The burgundy team colour elite is the classic. Burgundy and gold is what Washington wore for the Super Bowl era, and the elite cut has the heaviest stitched detail of the group. If you want one Riggins jersey that looks like the photos, this is it.
The black 90th Anniversary elite is the modern pick. Black with the franchise's anniversary styling, worn in the stands by younger Washington fans who want the current look with a legendary name on the back.
The Mitchell & Ness throwbacks are for collectors. The red and white throwback cuts are built to vintage specifications — boxier through the body, with the retro nameplate and sleeve detailing of the era. Buy the red as your primary and the white if you want a second jersey for summer.
What number did John Riggins wear for Washington?
John Riggins wore No. 44 for Washington. He joined the franchise in 1976 after five seasons with the New York Jets and played there through 1985, running for the winning touchdown in Super Bowl XVII and setting an NFL single-season record with 24 rushing touchdowns in 1983 before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992. No. 44 is the number stitched on every Riggins jersey we stock — the Commanders black 90th Anniversary elite, the Redskins burgundy team colour elite, the black elite and Pro Line styles, and the Mitchell & Ness red and white throwbacks. Because his whole Washington career was played in 44, there is no number change to track. The rule when you order is simple: the number in the product title is the number printed on the jersey. Every style here is stitched, in stock, and ships from US warehouses in about 5-8 business days with tracking.
Fit, sizing and care for a throwback jersey
The two cuts fit differently, so choose with that in mind. The elite and team colour styles run true to a modern athletic fit — order your normal shirt size. The Mitchell & Ness throwbacks are cut boxier and shorter in the body, closer to how jerseys were made in the 1980s; most fans stay with their normal size, but size down if you want a closer fit.
Riggins-era throwbacks are the jerseys most likely to be handed down, so treat them accordingly. Turn the jersey inside out, wash it cold on a gentle cycle, and hang it to dry — the red of a throwback bleeds onto white trim in a hot wash. Never iron the numbers or the nameplate directly, store the jersey on a wide hanger to protect the shoulders, and keep burgundy out of sustained direct sunlight, which dulls it faster than any other colour in this guide.
Game day styling and where to keep shopping
Burgundy and gold is a loud combination, so let the jersey do the talking: dark jeans or khaki shorts, plain sneakers, and one accessory at most. The black 90th Anniversary edition styles like a modern black jersey and works with almost anything. The white throwback is the one to wear in September heat.
Every style above sits in our Washington Commanders jersey collection, and if you are building a Washington set we already have guides for the Sean Taylor jersey, the Jayden Daniels jersey and the Terry McLaurin jersey. For the wider league picture, start from our football jersey hub.
Is a John Riggins throwback jersey true to size?
The Mitchell & Ness throwbacks are cut boxier than modern jerseys — order your normal size, or size down for a closer fit. The elite styles run true to a modern athletic fit.
Are the numbers stitched or printed?
Every Riggins edition in this guide is stitched, including the numbers, nameplate and sleeve details. A heat-pressed jersey would be labelled as such in the product title.
Should I buy the Redskins or Commanders version?
Both are current listings. The Redskins styles carry the burgundy era and the Mitchell & Ness throwbacks; the Commanders black 90th Anniversary style is the modern franchise look. Pick by era, not by availability.
How long does shipping take?
US orders usually arrive in 5-8 business days, with tracked express options at checkout if you need it sooner.
A Riggins jersey is the rare purchase that never goes out of date — the record, the run and the Hall of Fame plaque are not going anywhere. Choose the era you want on your back and grab your size while both cuts are in stock.
