What happened to your favorite NFL football player after he retired from the field? Private teams, like the Washington Redskins, have had a history of success in the NFL. That includes five Super Bowl appearances, three Super Bowl victories and 10 Division Championships. In fact, the professional football Hall of Fame includes 22 former Washington Redskins players. Have you ever wondered what happened to the previous players? What did they do after hanging up the helmets and soccer cleats? Here’s where some of the Hall of Fame Washington Redskins of yore have been, to this day:
1. Darrel Green (cornerback): 1983-2002
During his illustrious career with the Redskins, Green caught 64 interceptions, ran 621 interception yards and scored six touchdowns. Green founded the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation, a religious charity, in 1988. He has also been involved with:
• Board of the 2012 Baltimore-Washington Summer Olympics
• NFL September 11 Relief Fund
• Presidential Council for Service and Civic Participation
• Wolf Trap Foundation boards
2. Christian “Sonny” Jurgensen (quarterback): 1964-1974
Sonny Jurgensen racked up an incredible 32,224 passing yards and 255 touchdowns during his career with the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles. Since retiring from soccer, Jurgensen has served as a color commentator with CBS television. Along with Sam Huff, another Redskins Hall of Fame player, Jurgensen continues to cover Washington Redskins games on the radio.
3. Art Monk (wide receiver): 1980-1993
Monk was arguably one of the best wide receivers of all time, setting an NFL record for the most consecutive games with one catch (183). Today, Monk has been helping people off the field, just as much as he helped his team on the field. Together with three teammates, Monk founded the Good Samaritan Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that provides job training to people. In addition, a youth soccer camp is named after him.
4. John Riggins (runner): (1976-1979, 1981-1985)
Nicknamed “The Diesel,” Riggins ran for more than 11,300 yards during his career, averaging 3.9 yards. Since retiring, Riggins has appeared in “Guiding Light” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” on television, as well as in some “off-Broadway” productions. Riggins also served as a commentator for “The John Riggins Show,” which ESPN Radio broadcast in the Washington DC area.
5. Charley Taylor (wide receiver): 1964-1975, 1977
During his career with the Redskins, Taylor caught 649 receptions, had 9,110 receiving yards and crossed the end zone 79 times. After retiring from the NFL as a player, Taylor served as a scout for the Washington Redskins and then as a wide receiver coach for the team from 1981 to 1994. Since then, Taylor has served as a consultant to the Washington Redskins, giving formal speeches. and it has even sold vehicles and boats.
We often wonder what happened to our favorite music, television and sports stars after they retired. For example, many former Washington Redskins players have donated their time and money to give back to society. Remember those players as you use your NFL merchandise to cheer on your favorite team!
