Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
1982

Washington Redskins

"In my heart, in my mind, even back as a kid this was America's team." - Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

In a strike-shortened, nine-game regular season, the 1982 Redskins had a spectacular year, going 8-1 and then winning each of their four playoff games – including Super Bowl XVII – by double-digits. Coached by Joe Gibbs, the Redskins led the NFL in scoring defense, with Dexter Manley tying for the team lead in sacks. Washington's offense featured Pro Bowl QB Joe Theismann, the veteran Hall of Fame running back John Riggins, and Pro Bowl receiver Charlie Brown, who caught eight touchdowns. Washington rolled through the postseason with victories over Detroit, Minnesota and Dallas. In their first 3 playoff games, the defense allowed a combined 31 points. Then in Super Bowl XVII, the 33-year-old Riggins rushed for 166 yards and a TD. Riggins was named MVP in a 27-17 win over Miami.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale
Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is a race car driver who for 15 straight years was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver. He has won 26 career races, including the Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014. Born and raised in North Carolina, Earnhardt. Jr. became a Redskins fan in childhood because his mother, who lived in Norfolk, Virginia, bought him Redskins jerseys and helmets. The first game he remembers watching was their triumph in the 1983 Super Bowl, and he has remained fiercely loyal to them since. Earnhardt, Jr. owns a Redskins history book, which he has read thoroughly several times, and, during breaks in his races he has occasionally checked the Redskins’ score.
Profession:
athlete
Place of Birth:
Kannapolis, NC
Preferred Team:
Washington Redskins