From the quiet plains of Centralia, Kansas, to the roaring stadiums of the National Football League, John Riggins carved a path defined by nonconformity and sheer power. As chronicled in the A Football Life documentary series, Riggins’ journey was far from a straight line. He was a complex figure—part eccentric rebel, part unstoppable bruiser—who ultimately became the face of the Washington Redskins’ greatest era.
From Kansas to the Capital
Drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft, Riggins established himself as a talented rusher, becoming the first Jet to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. However, feeling undervalued, he signed with the Washington Redskins in 1976. His early tenure in Washington was solid but unspectacular, leading to a contract dispute in 1980. In a move that typified his unpredictable nature, Riggins walked away from the game, spending the entire 1980 season at his farm in Kansas. He returned in 1981 with a legendary proclamation to new head coach Joe Gibbs: “I’m bored, I’m broke, and I’m back.”
The Run to Glory
That return sparked one of the most dominant stretches in running back history. Partnered with “The Hogs”—Washington’s celebrated offensive line—Riggins transformed into “The Diesel.” His physical, punishing running style became the team’s identity. This synergy reached its peak during the strike-shortened 1982 season. In the playoffs, Riggins was miraculous, rushing for 610 yards over four games. This streak culminated in Super Bowl XVII, where he rushed for a then-record 166 yards and the iconic 43-yard “70 Chip” touchdown on 4th-and-1 to seal the championship.
A Legacy of Power
Riggins defied the aging curve of typical running backs. In 1983, at age 34, he scored a then-NFL record 24 rushing touchdowns, proving his dominance was no fluke. He retired in 1985 with 11,352 rushing yards and 104 touchdowns. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, Riggins remains a singular character in NFL history—a man who did things entirely on his own terms and ran over anyone who stood in his way.
