Washington Hall of Fame Players: Legends Who Defined A Franchise
The Pro Football Hall of Fame opened it’s doors to the public on September 7th, 1963. It is located in Canton, Ohio and is the premier museum for preserving the history of football, and for honoring the achievements of it’s greatest players, coaches and contributors.
With a franchise history that spans nearly a century, it stands to reason that there are many in the Hall of Fame that have called Washington their home. Among the honorees, there are two contributors, three coaches, and 27 players.
Some of the players were not inducted as Redskins and spent more time somewhere else, but this list includes everyone that has spent any time in D.C. They are listed in alphabetical order. Each listing has a link to their profile page at the Hall of Fame website.
Players
Champ Bailey
Class of 2019
Bailey, a lockdown cornerback, had a successful career with the Redskins before making his mark with the Denver Broncos. Known for his exceptional coverage skills, speed, and athleticism, he established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era.
Cliff Battles
Class of 1968
Battles, a dominant running back in the 1930s, showcased an elusive running style and exceptional speed. He was the first player in Redskins history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season and was a key figure in their early success.
Sammy Baugh
Class of 1963
Known as “Slingin’ Sammy,” Baugh was a versatile quarterback, punter, and defensive back who revolutionized the passing game. He set numerous records and played a pivotal role in the Redskins’ first two Championships. He just might be the greatest all-around player ever.
Bill Dudley
Class of 1966
Dudley, a versatile player, excelled as a running back, kick returner, and defensive back. He was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability. Dudley played a key role in the Redskins’ success in the 1940s, earning league MVP honors in 1946.
Albert Glen Edwards
Class of 1969
Edwards, an outstanding offensive tackle, was known for his strength and durability. He spent his entire career with the Redskins, earning All-Pro honors and contributing to their success during the 1930s and 1940s. He also coached the team after his playing days.
Darrell Green
Class of 2008
Green, a legendary cornerback, was one of the fastest players in NFL history and spent his entire 20-year career with the Redskins. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and coverage skills, he consistently shut down opposing receivers and earned numerous accolades.
Russ Grimm
Class of 2010
Grimm was a dominant offensive lineman and a key member of the renowned “Hogs” offensive line of the 1980s. His physicality, technique, and tenacity helped pave the way for the Redskins’ prolific rushing attack and contributed to their Super Bowl success.
Chris Hanburger
Class of 2011
Hanburger, a crushing linebacker, disrupted opposing offenses with his toughness and instinct. Known for his exceptional tackling ability and football intelligence, he was a key defensive leader during his career with the Redskins.
Ken Houston
Class of 1986
Houston, a standout safety, showcased exceptional playmaking abilities and was a consistent presence in the Redskins’ secondary. He possessed a unique blend of speed, athleticism, and ball-hawking skills, earning him numerous accolades and Pro Bowl selections.
Sam Huff
Class of 1982
Huff was a fierce linebacker known for his hard-hitting style of play. The 4-3 defense was built around him. He was known for his physicality, leadership, and ability to read offenses, making him one of the most feared defenders of his era.
Stan Jones
Class of 1991
Jones played his first 12 seasons with the Chicago Bears from 1954 to 1965 and then the 1966 season with Washington. He was a versatile player known for his strength, technique, and durability.
David (Deacon) Jones
Class of 1980
Jones, a fearsome defensive end, played for the Los Angeles Rams but had a short tenure with the Redskins. He was a dominant pass rusher and coined the term “sack.”
Sonny Jurgensen
Class of 1983
Jurgensen, a prolific quarterback, possessed a strong arm and accurate passing. He set numerous passing records for the Redskins and was known for his ability to deliver clutch plays in critical moments.
Paul Krause
Class of 1998
Krause, one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings but began his playing days with the Redskins. Known for his ball-hawking skills and ability to create turnovers, he set the record for career interceptions.
Wayne Millner
Class of 1968
Millner, a talented wide receiver, played a key role in the Redskins’ success during the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his precise route-running, reliable hands, and ability to make big plays in critical moments.
Bobby Mitchell
Class of 1983
Mitchell, a versatile player, excelled as a wide receiver and running back, making a significant impact on the Redskins’ offense. He possessed exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability, leaving a lasting legacy in the franchise’s history. He is one of only four Washington players to have their jersey number retired.
Art Monk
Class of 2008
Monk, a highly productive wide receiver, was a key component of the Redskins’ success during the 1980s. With his reliable hands, precise route-running, and toughness, he set numerous records and became one of the most respected receivers of his era. He was the all-time leading receptions leader in the NFL when he retired.
Andre Reed
Class of 2014
Reed, primarily known for his Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills, had a short stint with the Redskins. As a wide receiver, he showcased exceptional route-running, reliable hands, and a knack for making big plays.
John Riggins
Class of 1992
Riggins, a powerful running back, played a crucial role in the Redskins’ Super Bowl victory in XVII with his punishing running style. Known for his strength, durability, and ability to thrive in clutch moments, he remains an iconic figure in Redskins history.
Dave Robinson
Class of 2013
Robinson was a standout linebacker who played for the Green Bay Packers and the Washington Redskins. He was known for his versatility, leadership, and ability to make big plays on defense.
Deion Sanders
Class of 2011
Sanders, known as “Prime Time,” had a one year stint with the Redskins as a cornerback. He was considered one of the greatest shutdown corners in NFL history. Known for his exceptional speed, coverage skills, and flair.
Bruce Smith
Class of 2009
Smith, one of the most dominant defensive ends in NFL history, joined the Redskins in the later years of his career. His pass-rushing skills, strength, and leadership made a significant impact on the team’s defense.
Dick Stanfel
Class of 2016
Stanfel, an outstanding offensive lineman, was a key contributor to the Redskins’ success during the 1950s. Known for his strength, technique, and aggressive playing style, he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections during his career.
Jason Taylor
Class of 2017
Taylor, one of the most dominant pass rushers in NFL history, spent the majority of his career with the Miami Dolphins but had a short stint with the Washington Redskins. He was known for his agility, quickness, and ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Charley Taylor
Class of 1984
Taylor, a dynamic wide receiver, was one of the most consistent pass catchers in NFL history. Spending his entire career with the Redskins, he showcased exceptional route-running, hands, and the ability to consistently make big plays. Like Monk, he was the all-time leading receptions leader in the NFL when he retired.
Coaches (5)
George Allen
Class of 2002
Allen was a highly successful head coach for the Redskins, known for his intense coaching style and leading the team to several playoff appearances.
Ray Flaherty
Class of 1976
Flaherty, a successful head coach, led the Redskins to two NFL Championships in the 1930s. He was known for his innovative strategies and the development of a powerful offense that dominated opponents during his tenure.
Joe Gibbs
Class of 1996
Gibbs is one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, and led the Redskins to three Super Bowl victories with three different quarterbacks during his tenure. The only NFL coach to ever do so. Known for his meticulous preparation, leadership, and offensive genius, he built dominant teams that epitomized the Redskins’ winning tradition.
Earl ‘Curly’ Lambeau
Class of 1963
Lambeau, known for his coaching success with the Green Bay Packers, had a brief stint for the Redskins. He was a versatile player, primarily playing halfback, and later went on to establish the iconic Lambeau Field.
Vince Lombardi
Class of 1971
Lombardi, renowned for his coaching success with the Green Bay Packers, had a brief but impactful tenure as head coach of the Redskins. He passed away before he could serve a second season. His leadership, discipline, and strategic brilliance left an indelible mark on the franchise.
Contributors (2)
Bobby Beathard
Class of 2018
Beathard had a remarkable career as an NFL executive, including his tenure as the general manager of the Washington Redskins. He played a significant role in building the teams that achieved success during the 1980s, including their Super Bowl victories. He had a keen eye for talent.
George Preston Marshall
Class of 1963
Marshall was the original owner and founder of the Washington Redskins franchise. His contributions to the team’s early history are notable, as were his archaic views and actions regarding racial integration.
Interesting Facts And Figures
The only college that provided more than one Hall of Fame player to Washington was Notre Dame. Both Lambeau and Millner were Fighting Irish products.
The most inductees by position are the five Washington defensive backs that made it to Canton – Bailey, Green, Houston, Krause, and Sanders. There have been four wide receivers – Mitchell, Monk, Reed and Taylor.
Ten of the Hall of Famers were first round draft picks – Bailey, Baugh, Dudley, Green, Monk, Riggins, Robinson, Sanders, Smith and Taylor. Both Dudley and Smith were first overall picks.
Hanburger waited the longest to hear his name called on draft day – an astounding 18th round pick – 245th overall! That has to be one of the greatest draft picks ever made, by virtue of the lateness of it and the career that followed. Almost 250 selections made before a guy that went on to be one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game. Jones is an honorable mention as he didn’t go until the 14th round (214th overall).
Washington only drafted seven of the 32 Hall of Famers that spent time in D.C.
As of 2023, seventeen of Washington’s inductees are deceased.
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