LANDOVER, Md. — Darrell Green has returned to the frontlines of the Washington football organization where he spent his entire NFL career, and he is now being honored in a way many believe was long overdue.
During halftime of their matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the Commanders retired the legendary Hall of Fame cornerback’s number 28, two decades after he played his last season. This moment comes during the second complete season under the new ownership, which is focused on repairing and enhancing relationships with former players that were neglected during Dan Snyder’s tenure.
“I genuinely didn’t have a relationship with the organization, but it didn’t concern me, until they surprised me with the announcement of retiring my jersey,” Green remarked prior to the game. “There was nothing personal. I was just moving on with my life. … I am truly thankful for what this team has done. This means a lot to me.”
In an inspiring address to the fans, Green expressed his gratitude towards the owners—Josh Harris, Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson, Mark Ein, and David Blitzer—many of whom were part of his fan base during their youth. Despite being away from the football scene, the now 64-year-old reaffirmed his affection for the community that shaped him.
“This is my family,” he stated. “These are my people. This is our team, our organization.”
Green was pivotal in Washington’s journey to winning two of its three Super Bowl titles, having played for the franchise for two decades between 1983 and 2002. Already a proud member of the franchise’s ring of fame, he has now become the fifth player to have his number retired, joining the ranks of legends such as Sonny Jurgensen’s No. 9, Bobby Mitchell’s No. 49, Sammy Baugh’s No. 33, and Sean Taylor’s No. 21.
The team has transformed its name more often than it has secured a playoff victory since Green’s retirement. However, the Commanders’ strong 4-2 start, guided by quarterback Jayden Daniels, has rekindled hope among the devoted fanbase—particularly a younger generation that Green noted “missed out on enjoying the good times” of seeing a successful team.
“I must apologize,” he addressed the crowd on Legends Plaza about an hour and a half before the kickoff. “But I challenge each of you to become those dedicated fans that support us as we strive to make a comeback.”
Unfortunately, Daniels exited the game prematurely in the second quarter due to a rib injury.