Commanders to retire Hall of Fame CB Darrell Green's No. 28

The Washington Commanders are poised to usher in a new era this Thursday night, with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Before this, however, the Commanders and their owner, Josh Harris, honored the franchise’s illustrious past. They announced their decision to retire the jersey No. 28 of Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green during the forthcoming regular season.

“In a statement issued by the team, Josh Harris, the Managing Partner, praised Darrell Green for his 20 years of unwavering dedication to the organization and its fans. Harris acknowledged that even after his retirement from the burgundy and gold, Green’s commitment to the community never faltered and he continues to be held in high esteem. Paying tribute to the Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient, Harris confirmed that no other team member would wear No. 28 again. He thanked Green for exemplifying what it truly means to be a Washington football player, both on and off the playing field.”

The club released a wonderful video showing Green learning the news by reading it to himself.

Green’s recognition has been long overdue, considering he is not only among the greatest players ever in the franchise’s history as a former cornerback, but also a top-tier NFL legend.

“The Ageless Wonder” had a career spanning 20 seasons, all of which were spent playing for Washington. Green was picked in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft as the 28th overall choice. He was 23 in his rookie year and 42 in 2002, his final year, having played across three decades. Known as one of the fastest players in the league, Green made seven Pro Bowl appearances, won the 1996 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, was included in the Hall of Fame All-1990s Teams, won two Super Bowl titles, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.

“I feel immense gratitude for this honor and for the new owners who welcomed my wife and me right from the start,” said Green, 63. “My entire career was played here, I met my wife here, served my church and community here, and I am humbled to have my jersey retired here. The team holds a significant place in this community, and I am hopeful not just for a Super Bowl victory, but for winning back the community’s trust and support.”