During Sunday’s 40-7 homecoming victory over the Carolina Panthers, The Washington Commanders finally retired former Redskins legend Darrell Green’s jersey number at halftime.
Green donned the number 28 while playing cornerback for 20 years and staying loyal to the team that drafted him in 1983 throughout his career. In his time with the Redskins, the Hall of Famer was a two-time Super Bowl champ, selected to seven Pro Bowls, won the 1996 NFL Man of the Year award, and earned four First-team All-Pro selections.
Darrell Green is considered the best modern player to wear the Burgundy and Gold. His jersey retirement was long overdue and hindered by the team’s previous rule of not retiring numbers.
For decades, Sammy Baugh was the only retired Washington Football jersey. However, the team made a switch recently. Since 2020, Washington has retired a small list of former players.
Sammy Baugh, No. 39 (1937-1952)
Sonny Jurgensen, No. 9 (1964-1974)
Bobby Mitchell, No. 49 (1962-1968
Sean Taylor, No. 21 (2004-2007)
Darrell Green, No. 28 (1983-2002)
7News Sports director Scott Abraham asked Green what his jersey retirement means for him.
“They would think about, man, that game and that game; Did you see him do that?” Green said. And somewhere in that conversation, they’re going to say, Man–they’re going to say this guy cared.”
“They’re going to say this guy took what he had, took all this fame and celebration and resources, and he wasn’t just chewing it up for himself and his own family, but he was giving it away.”
Darrell Green's number 28 jersey is retired forever here in Washington.
Darrell Green shares message with fans outside of Northwest Stadium
Before kickoff, Green made a speech to his family and fans sitting outside of Northwest Stadium. He thanked those who supported him and who currently support the Commanders.
“The energy that I feel, the nervousness that I feel…it’s all because of you,” Green said. “This is something of – this is my home. This is my family”
“You did not get to drink the good wine. And I want to say to you, ‘I’m sorry,’ but I want to challenge all of you to become those diehards that ride with us as we’re coming back. This is your generation. We old guys, we had ours, but Jayden (Daniels), and Terry (McLaurin) and little Mike (Sainristil). Number zero. That’s my guy…let’s get together and let’s be fans and supporters and family of the new generation of the Washington Commanders. We’re going to win with Commanders. We’re going do it.”
Through the years, Green still has a love for the Commanders. His presence was missed in recent years under former owner Dan Snyder. Yet, with current owner Josh Harris’ outreach to the team’s alumni, Green is back in the frame, hoping that success comes the franchise’s way.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser honors Darrell Green with a key to the city
The day before his number hung in the stadium forever, Green was invited to Franklin Park. Hundreds of people gathered together to celebrate the Washington legend.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser gifted Green the key to the city. She told the crowd, “Darrell, you represent D.C. values. You represent the D.C. spirit — scrappy, fast, underestimated, and a champion.”
“It’s my pleasure, as your mayor, to do something I’ve only done just a handful of times before,” Bowser continued. “I’ve got to tell you I’m stingy with this key. This key represents the spirit of Washington. It’s my honor to introduce Darrell Green with the key to Washington, D.C.”
An emotional Green took the stage and told the crowd why he stayed so loyal to the nation’s capital for so long.
“I deliberately stayed here. It wasn’t an accident. God told me to stay. I stayed. I had to do what God told me to do. I love my family, I miss you, but I just want you to know I did what I had to do.”
Retiring the No. 28 will connect Darrell Green to Washington Commanders fans for generations to follow.
