If you walk into a bar in D.C. today and ask about the local football team, you might get a lot of groans about recent draft picks or stadium issues. But if you're asking has Washington ever won a superbowl, the answer isn't just a simple "yes." It's a emphatic "three times," though you’ve gotta go back a few decades to find the receipts.
The trophy case in Ashburn isn't empty. Far from it.
Honestly, the Washington Commanders (formerly the Redskins) were once the absolute gold standard of the NFL. We’re talking about a decade of dominance that modern fans can barely fathom. Between 1982 and 1991, this team didn't just participate; they basically owned the postseason.
The Three Rings: When Washington Ruled the World
So, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Washington has won three Super Bowls. They also won two NFL Championships back in the 1930s and 40s before the "Super Bowl" was even a thing, but for the sake of your bar bets, we’re looking at the Lombardi era.
1. Super Bowl XVII (January 1983)
This was the strike-shortened 1982 season. Washington finished 8-1 and plowed through the playoffs. They faced the Miami Dolphins in the big game. You've probably seen the highlight—John Riggins, "The Diesel," breaking a tackle on 4th and 1 and rumbling 43 yards for a touchdown. Washington won 27-17. It was Joe Gibbs’ first ring, and it cemented the "Hogs" (that legendary offensive line) in football history.
2. Super Bowl XXII (January 1988)
If you want to see a defense get dismantled, watch the second quarter of this game. Washington was actually trailing the Denver Broncos 10-0 after the first quarter. Then, Doug Williams happened. He threw four touchdowns in a single quarter. Washington scored 35 points in 15 minutes. Final score: 42-10. Williams became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, which was a massive, culture-shifting moment for the league.
3. Super Bowl XXVI (January 1992)
This 1991 team is widely considered one of the best to ever play the game. They went 14-2 in the regular season and looked invincible. In the Super Bowl, they played the Buffalo Bills and just... smothered them. Mark Rypien was the MVP, the defense was terrifying, and the 37-24 final score actually makes the game look closer than it really was.
Why the "Three Quarterbacks" Stat is Wild
Most teams find a Hall of Fame quarterback and ride him to a couple of titles. Think Brady, Montana, or Mahomes. Washington did it the hard way. Or maybe the genius way?
Joe Gibbs is the only coach in NFL history to win three Super Bowls with three different starting quarterbacks.
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- Joe Theismann (XVII)
- Doug Williams (XXII)
- Mark Rypien (XXVI)
It's sorta unheard of. It proves that the system, the offensive line (the Hogs), and the coaching staff were the real stars of the show. While other teams were searching for "The One," Washington just built a machine and plugged in whoever was ready to throw.
The Heartbreak Years: Close But No Cigar
It wasn't all parades and confetti. To fully answer has Washington ever won a superbowl, you have to look at the ones that got away. They've actually appeared in five.
In 1972, George Allen took the "Over the Hill Gang" to Super Bowl VII. They were the only team standing between the Miami Dolphins and a perfect season. Washington lost 14-7 in a game that was mostly a defensive grind.
Then there was the 1983 season. Washington was arguably even better that year than the year they won the title. They scored a then-record 541 points in the regular season. But they ran into the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII and got absolutely dismantled, 38-9. It’s still one of the biggest "what if" seasons in D.C. sports history.
What Happened After 1992?
If you're under the age of 30, you probably don't remember any of this. After Joe Gibbs retired in 1993, the franchise entered a long, dark tunnel. There were coaching carousels, big-money free agent busts (remember Albert Haynesworth?), and more name changes than playoff wins.
Since that 1991 title, the team hasn't even made it back to an NFC Championship game, let alone a Super Bowl. They've had flashes—RG3’s rookie year in 2012 felt like a turning point until the injury, and the 2024 season showed some real life under Jayden Daniels—but the "dynasty" days feel like ancient history to the current locker room.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Historians
Knowing the history is great, but here is how you can actually use this info:
- Watch the 1991 Season Replays: If you want to understand "perfect" football, find the 1991 Washington highlights. Their point differential was +261. That’s elite.
- Study the Hogs: If you’re a coach or a player, look at how Joe Bugel coached that offensive line. It’s the blueprint for zone and power blocking.
- Respect the Doug Williams Legacy: His performance in SB XXII wasn't just a win; it broke a glass ceiling that had kept talented Black athletes away from the QB position for decades.
- Check the Stats: Don't let people tell you Washington was a "fluke" team. Between 1981 and 1992, they had the highest winning percentage in the NFL.
Washington has a rich, albeit dusty, trophy room. The quest now is for a fourth ring to join the ones from '82, '87, and '91. The history is there—the modern team just needs to live up to it.