In the world of professional sports, numbers mean more than mere identification. They become symbols of greatness, legacies, and the stories of those who wore them. For Darrell Green, the legendary cornerback of the Washington Commanders (formerly the Washington Redskins), the number 28 became synonymous with his nearly two-decade-long career of excellence on the gridiron. Yet, as fans rejoice in the team’s recent decision to retire his iconic number, many are left wondering: Why did it take so long?
A Storied Career
Darrell Green’s career is nothing short of remarkable. Drafted in 1983 as the 28th overall pick, Green spent his entire 20-year career with Washington, an extraordinary feat in a league defined by trades, free agency, and constant roster shifts. Known for his blazing speed and impeccable coverage skills, Green was a seven-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl champion, and an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
With 54 career interceptions, countless crucial tackles, and a reputation as one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play the game, Green’s legacy was cemented long before his retirement in 2002. Yet, despite these achievements, the Commanders waited until 2024—more than 20 years after he hung up his cleats—to retire his jersey number.
The Delay: A Question of Timing or Oversight?
When it comes to honoring legends, teams usually don’t hesitate to retire numbers. The New York Yankees, for example, have famously retired 21 numbers, a testament to their commitment to honoring past heroes. In the NFL, franchises like the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers have similarly celebrated their icons soon after retirement. So why did Washington take so long to retire Green’s number?
Some speculate that the delay was tied to the team’s controversial past. The Washington Commanders underwent a significant transformation in recent years, from rebranding due to the racist connotations of their previous name to navigating years of subpar performance and ownership disputes. Amidst this upheaval, it seems that Green’s honor may have been sidelined.
Others argue that Green himself may have preferred a quieter life post-retirement, staying out of the limelight and focusing on his family and community work. However, even if that were true, it doesn’t explain why the organization took so long to recognize one of its greatest players on such a grand scale.
Comparisons with Other Retired Jerseys
To put the delay into perspective, let’s compare Green’s situation with other NFL legends who received quicker honors. Peyton Manning, for instance, had his No. 18 retired by the Indianapolis Colts less than two years after his final game. Brett Favre’s No. 4 was retired by the Green Bay Packers within five years. Even more telling, Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens had his number 52 retired the same year he played his final game.
So why did Washington, a franchise that once prided itself on its winning tradition, lag behind in giving Green his due?
Some fans point to the team’s dismal leadership under former owner Dan Snyder as a key reason. Under Snyder’s reign, the Commanders became a franchise known more for scandals and off-field drama than for football excellence. Between front office dysfunction, allegations of workplace misconduct, and poor on-field performance, the team’s priorities seemed to be focused elsewhere for much of the last two decades.
A Moment of Redemption?
For many fans, the retiring of Darrell Green’s No. 28 feels like a long-overdue moment of redemption—not just for Green but for the franchise itself. Under new ownership, the Commanders seem to be moving in a new direction, one that acknowledges its past while striving for a brighter future.
Retiring Green’s number is a step in the right direction. It’s a nod to the days when Washington was a perennial playoff contender, when players like Green, Art Monk, and Joe Theismann defined the team’s ethos. It’s also a reminder of the need for the organization to honor its legends while they’re still around to appreciate it.
Yet, even as we celebrate this overdue recognition, the question lingers: How did it take so long?
The Fans’ Frustration
While Darrell Green has always handled himself with grace and humility, fans haven’t been as forgiving. For years, Commanders faithful have voiced their frustrations over the lack of proper recognition for one of the franchise’s greatest players. To many, it’s not just about retiring a number—it’s about paying homage to a player who gave his all to the team and community.
Green wasn’t just a great player on the field; he was a symbol of consistency, loyalty, and class. In an era where athletes regularly jump from team to team in search of better contracts or championship rings, Green’s 20-year commitment to one franchise is a rare feat. Fans have long argued that his contributions to the Commanders deserved more than just a Hall of Fame induction—they deserved a permanent place in the team’s history, one that could be seen every time a fan walked into the stadium.Moving Forward
As the Washington Commanders continue their journey of rebranding and restructuring, the retirement of Darrell Green’s No. 28 may signal a renewed focus on honoring their rich history. For younger fans, it’s a chance to learn about the players who built the foundation of the team they support today. For older fans, it’s a moment of closure—a long-awaited tribute to a player who defined an era.
But as the dust settles on this long-overdue honor, it remains to be seen whether the Commanders will make up for lost time and ensure that future legends don’t have to wait as long for their due recognition. Darrell Green’s number 28 may finally be hanging in the rafters, but the debate over why it took so long will likely linger for years to come.