Tag: Washington

Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) throws the football during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Veteran QB Taylor Heinicke announces retirement

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who went from undrafted to a playoff starter in the NFL, announced his retirement on Thursday.

“For 25 years, I had the pleasure to play this great sport of football,” Heinicke wrote in an Instagram post. “It has taught me a lot, not only about myself but about life as well. Many ups and downs throughout the years, but the ups outweigh the downs tenfold. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would’ve been able to live this life.

“Thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Thank you all who have believed in me. And thank you to those who gave me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. Excited for this next chapter of my life!”

Heinicke, 33, signed with the then-Washington Football Team in 2020 after appearing in seven games (one start) over the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers, respectively.

A month after signing to the practice squad, he started Washington’s wild-card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 9, 2021, completing 26 of 44 passes for 306 yards, a touchdown and an interception in a 31-23 loss.

That performance led Washington to sign Heinicke to a two-year contract. He made 15 of his 29 career starts in 2021 for Washington, completing 65% of his passes for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also ran for 313 yards in 2021, finishing with a 7-8 record as a starter.

Heinicke last played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024 and was released from the team during preseason ahead of the 2025 season.

He finishes his career with 6,663 yards, 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in 42 games for the Texans, Panthers, Washington Commanders (2020-22), Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Chargers. Heinicke went 13-15-1 as an NFL starter.

–Field Level Media

Jan 26, 1992; Minneapolis, MN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Washington Redskins linebacker Monte Coleman (51) and linebacker Andre Collins (55) on the sideline during Super Bowl XXVI against the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome. The Redskins defeated the Bills 37-24. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Monte Coleman, 3-time Super Bowl champion for Washington, dies at 68

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Monte Coleman, who won three Super Bowls while playing linebacker his entire NFL career for the Washington franchise, died on Sunday. He was 68.

A cause of death was not given in announcements by the Washington Commanders as well as by Arkansas Pine Bluff, where Coleman was head coach at his hometown university from 2008-17 and was 40-71. The Golden Lions won the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012 as well as the Boxtorow HBCU Division I coaches’ national championship.

“Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB — excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,” UAPB athletic director Chris Robinson said in a statement. “His legacy is not only written in championships and honors, but in the lives he changed every single day.”

The first player drafted from Central Arkansas, Coleman went to Washington in the 11th round of the 1979 NFL Draft, which was 12 rounds at the time.

He played 16 seasons, all for Washington, and totaled 1,002 tackles (999 solo), 49.5 sacks, 17 interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 13 forced fumbles and 14 fumble recoveries in 215 regular-season games (62 starts) from 1979-94.

Coleman also played in 21 playoff games (five starts) and recorded five tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions.

Washington won Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1987 and 1991 and played in the 1983 game.

“Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history,” Commanders owner Josh Harris said in a statement. “He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl-winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.”

Coleman ranks second in franchise history in total games played and solo tackles, and sixth in sacks.

He was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and Washington’s Ring of Fame in 2015.

“That was one of the greatest accolades I’ve ever received,” Coleman said of his Washington honor. “To be listed among those players, I will always cherish that. That means a whole lot to me.”

Coleman is survived by his wife of 43 years Yvette and his children Jasmine, Kyndall, Kyle, Corey and Londie.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (22) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys with wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) in the second quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

New Commanders uniforms coming on April 15

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The Washington Commanders will unveil their new uniforms for the 2026 season on April 15, the team announced Thursday with a video teaser on social media.

Reports from the nation’s capital have suggested that the team is planning to permanently adopt the “Super Bowl Era” throwback uniforms introduced last season.

The Commanders wore those uniforms, featuring white jerseys and burgundy helmets and pants — as their alternate look for three games in 2025.

The Commanders, who formally changed the team name and logo in 2022 after two seasons as the Washington Football Team, were known controversially as the Washington Redskins from 1937 to 2019. The franchise won Super Bowls during the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons.

“These uniforms recognize the most successful era of our franchise — one that reflects a culture of excellence and encompasses many historical moments and special memories amongst our fanbase,” team president Mark Clouse said when the Super Bowl Era uniforms were unveiled. “Our coaches, players and the entire organization could not be more excited to celebrate our team’s legacy while creating new memories in these uniforms this season.”

Since that 1991 Super Bowl championship, Washington has qualified for the postseason just eight times.

–Field Level Media

Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves (39) celebrates his interception against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Commanders extend contract of S Jeremy Reaves

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The Washington Commanders extended the contract of safety Jeremy Reaves, the team announced on Thursday without disclosing terms of the deal.

Reaves, a former first-team All-Pro known more for his special teams prowess, started a career-high eight of 17 games played last season, setting career marks for tackles (91), tackles for loss (five) and passes defensed (seven). He also recorded one interception and one sack.

For his career, Reaves, 29, has 219 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks, one forced fumble and 12 passes defensed in 81 regular-season games (19 starts) with Washington (2018-present).

He was selected a first-team All-Pro and the special teams starter on the Pro Bowl team in 2022.

The Philadelphia Eagles signed the undrafted free agent out of South Alabama in May 2018 and released him that September, when he signed with Washington’s practice squad.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) warms up before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Report: Commanders sign RB Jerome Ford to 1-year deal

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Free-agent running back Jerome Ford agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, NFL Network reported Saturday.

Ford leaves the Cleveland Browns after four seasons with the team that picked him in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Last offseason, he agreed to reduce his 2025 salary by half — from $3.49 million to a guaranteed $1.75 million — to remain in Cleveland.

Ford, 26, was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 9 after not playing more than 17 snaps in a game since Week 6 when he was slowed by a hamstring injury. In 13 games (no starts) in the 2025 season, he had 73 yards rushing on 24 carries and 26 receptions for 103 yards.

His best season with the Browns came in 2023, when he gained 1,132 yards from scrimmage and scored nine touchdowns.

In his career, Ford has 1,463 rushing yards, 647 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 57 games (18 starts).

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; The NFL logo at midfield is seen prior to the 2025 NFL Madrid Game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Former NFL All-Pro guard Tre’ Johnson dies at 54

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Former NFL offensive lineman Tre’ Johnson, an All-Pro with Washington in 1999, died on Sunday during a family trip, his wife posted on social media. He was 54.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my husband, Tre’ Johnson, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday … during a brief family trip,” Irene Johnson posted on Facebook. “His four children, Chloe, EJ, EZ and Eden, extended family, friends, and I are devastated and in shock.”

Johnson played for the Washington franchise from 1994-2000 and in his final season in 2002 after one year with the Cleveland Browns (three games, all starts) in 2001. He started 72 of the 93 regular-season games he played and both playoff contests, nearly all at guard.

He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1999 and voted All-Pro second team by the Associated Press that season.

“We’re heartbroken to learn of the loss of former Washington All-Pro guard Tre’ Johnson,” the Washington Commanders posted on the team’s X account. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Born in New York City, Johnson attended Peekskill (N.Y.) High School before playing at Temple. The Washington Redskins selected him in the second round (31st overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft.

Johnson became a high school history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Md., where he also is listed as a coach and mentor on its website. His wife wrote in Sunday’s Instagram post, “His recent battles with health issues forced him to take a leave of absence.”

–Field Level Media

Aug 2, 2014; Canton, OH, USA; Sonny Jurgensen waves to the crowd at the TimkenSteel Grand Parade on Cleveland Avenue in advance of the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Hall of Fame QB Sonny Jurgensen dies at 91

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Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen has died at age 91, his family announced Friday.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our husband, father and grandfather, Sonny Jurgensen,” said a statement from the Jurgensen family, distributed by the Washington Commanders.

“We are enormously proud of his amazing life and accomplishments on the field, marked not only by a golden arm, but also a fearless spirit and intellect that earned him a place among the legends in Canton.”

Jurgensen spent the final 11 seasons of his 18-year career playing for the Washington franchise.

A native of Wilmington, N.C., Jurgensen was a fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles out of Duke in 1957. He was the backup to Norm Van Brocklin when Philadelphia won the 1960 NFL Championship before becoming the Eagles’ starter the following season.

That was the only NFL title of his career.

In 1964 he was traded to Washington, where his No. 9 is retired. After his playing career, he became a longtime radio and television broadcaster for Washington.

“Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football. He was a brilliant leader, Hall of Fame quarterback, and had one of the best arms the game has ever seen. After his career on the field, Sonny’s voice became a fixture of Washington Sundays for decades, shaping the way generations of fans experienced the game,” Commanders’ managing partner Josh Harris said in a statement Friday.

Jurgensen is in Washington’s Ring of Fame and the Eagles’ Hall of Fame and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

A first-team All-Pro in 1961, he was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and named to the Hall of Fame’s All-1960s team.

Jurgensen led the league in passing yards five times. His 32,224 career passing yards ranks 51st all-time.

He finished 69-71-7 in 218 games (147 starts) with Philadelphia (1957-1963) and Washington (1964-1974), throwing 255 touchdown passes. He added 15 on the ground and ran for 493 yards in his career.

–Field Level Media

QB Demond Williams Jr. staying at Washington after portal stir

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Demond Williams Jr. changed his mind, again.

The quarterback announced Thursday that he will no longer enter the transfer portal and will remain at Washington instead.

The reversal concluded a busy period for Williams, who signed an NIL contract reportedly worth around $4 million last week to stay at Washington.

He then told his social media followers on Tuesday that he planned to enter the portal, with reports linking him to a move to LSU.

Washington appeared to threaten legal action when a deputy athletic director told the Seattle Times on Wednesday that the university would “pursue all legal avenues to protect our institution” in response to an inquiry about Williams.

Earlier Thursday, his former agent Doug Hendrickson announced he was parting ways with his client “due to philosophical differences.” Later, Williams revealed his change of plans.

“After thoughtful reflection with my family, I am excited to announce that I will continue my football journey at the University of Washington,” Williams wrote on social media Thursday. “I am deeply grateful to my coaches, teammates, and everyone in the program for fostering an environment where I can thrive both as an athlete and as an individual.

“I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building.”

Williams started all 13 games as a sophomore as the Huskies went 9-4, including a 38-10 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl on Dec. 13. He was 15 of 24 for 215 yards and four touchdowns in the game.

For the season, Williams completed 246 of 354 passes (69.5%) for 3,065 yards, 25 TDs and eight interceptions. He also ran for 611 yards, which was second on the team, and six TDs.

For his Washington career, Williams completed 71.5% of his passes for 4,009 yards, 33 TDs and nine interceptions in 26 games (2024-25). He also rushed for 893 yards and eight touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Report: Washington mulls legal action vs. QB Demond Williams Jr.

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Washington seemingly is planning legal action against Demond Williams Jr. after the quarterback announced he would enter the transfer portal just days after signing a revenue-sharing and NIL (name, image and likeness) contract with the school.

“UW will pursue all legal avenues to protect our institution,” Kurt Svoboda, a deputy athletic director, said in an email sent to The Seattle Times on Wednesday. He declined to be more specific.

The newspaper reported Williams signed a $4 million, one-year contract with Washington on Jan. 2.

Front Office Sports cited a source saying that Washington’s goal would be to hold Williams accountable for specific provisions in his contract. In short, a buyout would be on the table given that Williams is leaving before the expiration of the agreement.

Per Front Office Sports, Washington has yet to submit Williams’ name to the transfer portal.

Williams’ motive to leave Washington is not immediately clear, however CBS Sports reported on Tuesday that Lane Kiffin and LSU are expected to pursue him.

“I have to do what is best for me and my future,” Williams wrote Tuesday on social media. “After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal.”

Williams earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in the coaches’ vote and also was selected to the Big Ten All-Academic team.

He thanked his coaches, teammates, Huskies fans and the Seattle community in the social media post before concluding with his announcement that he intended to transfer.

Williams started all 13 games as a sophomore as the Huskies went 9-4, including a 38-10 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl on Dec. 13. He was 15 of 24 for 215 yards and four touchdowns in the game.

For the season, Williams completed 246 of 354 passes (69.5%) for 3,065 yards, 25 TDs and eight interceptions. He also ran for 611 yards, which was second on the team, and six TDs.

For his Washington career, Williams completed 71.5% of his passes for 4,009 yards, 33 TDs and nine interceptions in 26 games (2024-25). He also rushed for 893 yards and eight touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

QB Demond Williams Jr. to transfer despite Washington contract

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Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. announced he was entering the transfer portal on Tuesday night despite signing a contract to return to the Huskies.

“I have to do what is best for me and my future,” Williams said on social media. “After much thought and prayer, I will be entering the transfer portal.”

ESPN reported that the deal for Williams to return to Seattle for his junior season was near the top of the market. CBS Sports reported that LSU is one of the teams to watch for Williams’ landing spot.

Washington will pursue all legal avenues to enforce Williams’ signed contract, ESPN reported.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound QB earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in the coaches’ vote and also was selected to the Big Ten All-Academic team.

Williams thanked his coaches, teammates, Huskies fans and the Seattle community in the social media post before concluding with his announcement to transfer.

He started all 13 games as a sophomore as the Huskies went 9-4, including a 38-10 win over Boise State in the LA Bowl on Dec. 13. Williams was 15 of 24 for 215 yards and four touchdowns in the game.

For the season, Williams completed 246 of 354 passes (69.5%) for 3,065 yards, 25 TDs and eight interceptions. He also ran for 611 yards, which was second on the team, and six TDs.

For his Washington career, Williams completed 71.5% of his passes for 4,009 yards, 33 TDs and nine interceptions in 26 games (2024-25). He also rushed for 893 yards and eight touchdowns.

–Field Level Media