The Five Most Expensive Washington Commanders Jerseys Ever Sold
The Washington Commanders are one of the most historic franchise’s in the history of the National Football League. They were founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, but then 5 years later the franchise relocated to Washington D.C. and became the Washington Redskins. The team’s name was the Redskins all the way up until 2020 when they renamed the franchise the “Football Team” and now they’re named the “Commanders”. Fun Fact: the name Commanders came from the city paying a tribute to the military presence in and around the DC area, including the Pentagon. As of 2021, the Commanders have won the NFL championship 2 different times before it was called the Super Bowl, and they’ve won the Super Bowl a total of 3 different times. The history of the franchise is littered with legendary players such as Darrell Green, Sammy Baugh, John Riggins, Chris Hanburger, Art Monk, and countless others. Their impact on the game can be measured in numerous ways such as revenue, memorabilia, and endorsements. Recently we’ve discovered some of these Commanders jerseys have been sold for extremely high amounts. Today we will take a look at the five most expensive Commanders jerseys to have been sold to date:
5. Signed John Riggins Jersey – $191
John Riggins was an absolute force on the field, but he was also known to be an absolute force off the field as well as he was given the nickname “The Diesel” for his style of play on the field. Riggins quickly became a fan favorite in Washington as his personality fit perfectly for the burgundy and gold jerseys. One of his most iconic moments came in Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins, as with 10 minutes left in the game Riggins would go on to score the game winning touchdown on a 4th-and-1 play as Washington defeated Miami 17-13. In his career, Riggins was able to run for a total of 11,352 total yards, and he was able to score a total of 104 touchdowns. Riggins was inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 1992. His jersey was sold as part of the Heritage Auctions as part of the Sunday Internet Sports Collectibles Auction, as the jersey was sold for a total of $191 and it was sold on January 4th, 2015.
4. 2002 Darrell Green Game Worn Jersey – $1,200
Darrell Green is the longest-tenured Washington Commanders player of all time as he played for the franchise for a total of 20 seasons, and he also holds the franchise record of having the most interceptions with a total of 54 for his career. The “itty bitty ” Green was one of the fastest players that has ever taken the field in franchise history and in NFL history. Green was named to the Pro Bowl a total of 7 different times and he was also named to the NFL’s all-decade team in the 90’s. Green will not only be remembered as one of the greatest players in Commanders franchise history, but he is also considered one of the greatest cornerbacks of all-time. In his career he was able to get 1,159 tackles, and he even scored 8 different touchdowns off of turnovers. Green was inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 2008. His jersey was sold as pat of the Heritage Auctions as part of the Sports Collectibles Catalog Auction that was held in Dallas, as the jersey sold for $1,200 and was sold on November 17th, 2017.
3. 1993-94 Art Monk Game Worn Jersey – $1,440
Art Monk was drafted by Washington in the 1980 NFL Draft, and it ended up being a successful draft choice as Monk went on to have one of the greatest career’s a wide receiver can have. Monk was the catalyst of the successful teams Washington had throughout the entire 1980’s and the early 90’s as he helped lead the team to several Super Bowl Championships. Monk is the all-time leading receiver and is second in receiving touchdowns in team history. Monk was able to finish his career with a total of 12,721 yards, 68 touchdowns scored, and 940 receptions. Monk was inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 2008, as from 2001-2007 he was considered to be a Hall of Fame snub, but in 2008 he finally was inducted in. His jersey was sold as part of the Goldin Auctions as the jersey was sold for a total of $1,440.
2. 1965 Chris Hanburger Game Worn Jersey – $10,800
Chris Hanburger is arguably the greatest linebacker in the history of the franchise and is considered to be one of the greatest linebackers to have ever played the sport. Hamburger was known to be an absolute beast on the field as he was able to intercept 19 passes throughout his career and stop anyone that came in his path.  He was inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 2011. In 14 seasons with the franchise, he was  able to make 9 different Pro Bowls, and he was able to make 4 different All-Pro first-teams. Fun Fact: he is on the list of the 70 greatest players in the history of the franchise, but is easily considered by many to be a top 10 player in franchise history. His jersey was sold as part of the Heritage Auctions as part of the Fall Sports Memorabilia Catalog Auction, as the jersey sold for a total of $10,800 and the jersey was sold on October 18th, 2018.
1. 1942 Sammy Baugh Game Worn Jersey – $17,925
Sammy Baugh, also known as “Slingin’ Sammy” is considered to be one of the most memorable players to have ever played the sport. Sammy was a huge innovator when it came to the forward pass, as he helped take the way for passing to be an offensive takeover strategy instead of always running the ball. While Baugh was most famously known for his cannon of an arm, that’s not all he did for Washington, he was also a kicker and a punter for the team as well. Baugh helped changed the way the game of football is played and that was one of his legendary contributions to the sport. His number 33 is retired for all eternity. In his career, he was abler to pass for 21,886 yards and help his team get a total of 187 touchdowns, whether it was passing the ball or running the ball. He was inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 1963. His jersey was sold as part of the Heritage Auctions as part of the Platinum Night Sports Auction that was held in New York, as the jersey sold for a total of $17,925 and was sold on February 20th, 2016.