Jack Kent Cooke Acquisition

Lore & Background

When Jack Kent Cooke purchased the franchise in August 1961, he inherited a storied organization that had called Washington home since 1937—over two decades after the team's move from Boston. Unlike many owners of the era, Cooke viewed professional football as a serious business enterprise requiring substantial investment. He immediately focused on securing a permanent home for the team, navigating complex political landscapes to move into the newly built Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK), which had been constructed by the D.C. government. This move ended years of playing in various municipal stadiums and cemented the franchise's identity within the capital city.

In Their Own Story

The autumn sun glinted off the polished chrome of the black Rolls-Royce as it slowly circled the track of RFK Stadium. Jack Kent Cooke stood in the open window, his tuxedo jacket contrasting sharply with the mud-splattered gridiron below. He watched as Sonny Jurgensen orchestrated another drive, knowing that every yard gained was a testament to his vision. This wasn't just a game; it was his empire, built from a struggling franchise into a pillar of Washington life.

Reader's Guide

Cooke's acquisition in 1960 marked the beginning of the modern era for the franchise. His immediate priority was infrastructure, leading to the groundbreaking and eventual opening of RFK Stadium in 1961, which provided a stable home base. Under Cooke's ownership, the team began to stabilize financially and competitively. The late 1960s were transformative, highlighted by the hiring of head coach George Allen in 1970. Allen implemented a disciplined system that maximized the talents of stars like quarterback Sonny Jurgensen and running back Charley Taylor. This era culminated in significant on-field success, including multiple division titles and the team's first Super Bowl appearance in 1982 (though Cooke had passed away by then, the roster was built during his tenure). The cultural shift was profound: the team moved from a nomadic existence to a central fixture of D.C. life, with Cooke's flamboyant style becoming synonymous with the franchise's identity.

Did You Know?

• Jack Kent Cooke was originally from Canada and had previously been a minority owner of the Los Angeles Rams before buying Washington.
• He is credited with moving the team into RFK Stadium, which was built by the D.C. government and served as the team's home until 1996.
• Cooke was known for driving his Rolls-Royce around the stadium track during games to greet fans and players.