On January 30, 1983, the Washington Redskins defeated the Miami Dolphins 27–17 in Super Bowl XVII, capturing the franchise’s first NFL championship since 1942. While the victory at the Rose Bowl launched the Joe Gibbs dynasty, the road to Pasadena was paved through one of the most unusual seasons in league history.
The Strike-Shortened Season
The 1982 NFL season was defined by a 57-day players’ strike that reduced the schedule from 16 games to just nine. The disruption forced the league to abandon divisional standings in favor of a unique “Super Bowl Tournament,” where the top eight teams from each conference qualified for the postseason. Emerging from this chaos was a gritty Washington team that finished 8–1, powered by a dominant offensive line affectionately dubbed “The Hogs” and the bruising running style of John “The Diesel” Riggins.
The Matchup
The Redskins entered the game as favorites, but Don Shula’s Dolphins, led by the “Killer B’s” defense, proved resilient. Despite Washington controlling the clock, big plays kept Miami ahead. A 76-yard touchdown pass from David Woodley to Jimmy Cefalo and a record-breaking 98-yard kickoff return by Fulton Walker gave the Dolphins a 17–10 halftime lead. As the teams traded blows, the game evolved into a classic confrontation: Miami’s opportunistic speed versus Washington’s relentless power.
70 Chip: The Turning Point
The contest turned on a single play early in the fourth quarter. Trailing 17–13 with 10 minutes remaining, the Redskins faced a critical 4th-and-1 at the Miami 43-yard line. Rather than punt, Gibbs called “70 Chip,” a play designed for short yardage. The Hogs cleared a path on the left side, and Riggins took the handoff. He famously shed a tackle by cornerback Don McNeal and rumbled 43 yards for the go-ahead touchdown.
Riggins finished with a then-Super Bowl record 166 rushing yards and was named MVP. The victory not only validated the “Hogs” lore but also cemented the Redskins’ arrival as the dominant NFC power of the 1980s.
Many around the world wondered if Washington would have enough offense to beat the stingy Dolphin defense. Below is the NFL Films feature video titled “Hog Day Afternoon,” which itself is the story of Super Bowl XVII.
Enjoy, and Hail to the REDSKINS!!!
