Washington Commanders
Hail to the Commanders
The Washington Commanders are a professional American football team based in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The Commanders compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) East division.
- division_record
- 4-2
- home_record
- 6-3
- playoff_status
- Clinched playoff berth in Week 16, finished 12-5
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The franchise was founded by George Preston Marshall as the Boston Braves in 1932, were renamed the Boston Redskins the following year, and became the Washington Redskins upon moving to Washington, D.C., in 1937. The Redskins name and logo drew criticism for decades before they were retired in 2020 as part of a wave of name changes during a period of racial unrest in the United States. The team played as the Washington Football Team for two seasons before rebranding as the Commanders in 2022.
In Their Own Story
Week 1 of the 2025 season offered a glimpse of hope as the Commanders faced the New York Giants. With game captains Jayden Daniels, Jeremy Reaves, and Bobby Wagner leading the charge, Washington secured their first win over the Giants in three straight attempts since 1999–2000. The atmosphere was elevated by former wide receiver Santana Moss's induction into the Ring of Fame at halftime. However, the momentum vanished quickly. After falling to 3–5 following a loss to Kansas City, the team endured a historic collapse. In Week 9 against Seattle, Daniels dislocated his left elbow, an injury that would sideline him for three games. The losing streak continued through brutal defeats to Detroit and Miami, where backup Marcus Mariota threw a game-losing interception in overtime. By Week 15, facing the Giants once more, Washington finally broke their eight-game skid with a win that improved them to 4–10. This victory was short-lived, as the team announced Daniels' season-ending shutdown the following day, leaving backup Mariota to lead the final stretch.
Reader's Guide
The Commanders play their home games at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, and have a headquarters and training facility in Ashburn, Virginia. The team will begin playing at the New Stadium at RFK Campus in 2030. The Commanders have played more than 1,300 games and have won more than 600. Washington was among the first NFL franchises with an original fight song, 'Hail to the Commanders', which has been played by their marching band after home game touchdowns since 1937.
Did You Know?
- The franchise won NFL championships in 1937 and 1942 and Super Bowls XVII (1982), XXII (1987), and XXVI (1991).
- Washington has 14 NFC East division titles and 26 total playoff appearances.
- All of Washington's championships were attained during two 10-year spans: from 1936 to 1945 (two NFL championships) and from 1982 to 1991 (three Super Bowls).
- The team went without a single winning season from 1956 to 1968 and achieved their worst regular season record in 1961.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Washington Commanders to New York Giants fans?
They serve as a primary divisional rival within the NFC East, engaging in frequent battles for regional dominance. This relationship represents one of the oldest and most competitive matchups in NFL history.
When did the rivalry between these two teams begin?
Their first official meeting took place in 1936, marking the start of over eight decades of competition. Since then, they have remained consistent opponents throughout the league's evolution.
Why is this specific rivalry so significant to NFL history?
Both franchises boast a combined total of seven Super Bowl championships, underscoring their status as elite organizations. The games often determine division standings and carry high stakes for playoff berths.
How many times have the Giants and Commanders met in the playoffs?
The two teams have clashed eight times during postseason play throughout their shared history. These high-pressure encounters frequently decided who would advance deeper into the championship rounds.
What nickname is associated with this historic matchup?
Fans and media commonly refer to it as the 'Battle of the Potomac' due to the teams' locations along the river. The contest is known for physical intensity and legendary moments involving multiple Hall of Famers.
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