Super Bowl XVII: Riggins Runs, Redskins Rise
On January 30, 1983, the NFL returned to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, for Super Bowl XVII. The game was more than a contest between the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins—it was a moment of redemption for Washington, a reassertion of dominance for Miami, and a celebration of grit and determination for everyone involved.
What unfolded was a game for the ages, featuring a defining play that has become NFL lore and one of the most iconic Super Bowl performances of all time.
The 1982 NFL season was unlike any other. A players’ strike shortened the schedule to just nine games, creating chaos in the standings and forcing the league to adopt an expanded playoff format. Amid this turmoil, the Washington Redskins emerged as a surprise powerhouse, led by head coach Joe Gibbs and a bruising running back named John Riggins. The Miami Dolphins, guided by legendary head coach Don Shula, brought a stout defense nicknamed the “Killer Bees” and a young quarterback, David Woodley, whose potential was as unpredictable as his passes.
The buildup to the game was as electric as the California sunshine, though some fans were skeptical about Washington’s Cinderella run. As one sportswriter quipped, “They’re good, but they’re no Disney princess.” Gibbs and his team were determined to prove otherwise.
The Game
The Dolphins struck first, setting the tone early. On a play that seemed to come out of nowhere, Woodley found receiver Jimmy Cefalo streaking downfield for a 76-yard touchdown. It was a statement play, reminding everyone why the Dolphins were perennial contenders under Shula.
Washington, however, wasn’t rattled. Behind the steady play of quarterback Joe Theismann and the relentless pounding of Riggins, the Redskins chipped away at Miami’s defense. Mark Moseley, the NFL’s last full-time straight-on kicker, booted a pair of field goals to keep Washington within striking distance.
The first half ended with the Dolphins clinging to a 17-10 lead, thanks to a Fulton Walker kickoff return touchdown that stunned the crowd and energized Miami’s sideline.
The Turning Point
The third quarter was a defensive slugfest, with both teams struggling to move the ball. But in the fourth quarter, Washington seized its opportunity. Trailing 17-13, the Redskins faced a crucial 4th-and-1 at Miami’s 43-yard line. Gibbs didn’t hesitate—he called “70 Chip,” a play designed for one man: John Riggins.
Riggins, nicknamed “The Diesel,” had been punishing defenders all game, and this play would define his career. As the ball was snapped, Riggins took the handoff, barreled toward the left side, and met a wall of Miami defenders. But just as quickly, he broke through, thanks to a critical block by tight end Clint Didier. The Diesel surged forward, shedding tacklers like an old coat, and rumbled 43 yards into the end zone.
The Rose Bowl erupted. Riggins raised his arms in triumph, and the Redskins took a 20-17 lead they would never relinquish. Years later, Gibbs would reflect on the play: “I wasn’t sure if we’d get the first down, but with Riggins, you just let him do his thing.”
Washington Seals the Deal
With momentum firmly on their side, Washington’s defense shut down Miami’s offense, forcing Woodley into a disastrous 4-for-14 passing performance. Theismann and the Redskins offense added a late touchdown to seal a 27-17 victory.
As the clock ticked down, Theismann famously said to his teammates, “We’re not losers anymore. We’re champions.” It was a moment of catharsis for a franchise that had endured years of mediocrity before Gibbs’ arrival.
The Aftermath
Super Bowl XVII marked the Redskins’ first championship since 1942, cementing Gibbs as one of the NFL’s brightest minds and elevating Riggins to legendary status. His 166 rushing yards and game-changing touchdown earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. “It wasn’t a fancy run,” Riggins said afterward, grinning. “Sometimes, you just have to let the Diesel roll.”
For Miami, the loss was a bitter pill. Shula’s Dolphins were a strong team, but questions about their quarterback position loomed large. While the Killer Bees had stung many offenses that season, they couldn’t contain Washington’s ground-and-pound attack.
Legacy of Super Bowl XVII
Super Bowl XVII wasn’t just a game—it was a statement. It proved that hard-nosed football, exemplified by Riggins’ relentless running and Washington’s dominant offensive line, could still win championships. It also highlighted the genius of Joe Gibbs, whose ability to adapt his game plan to his personnel set a standard for coaching excellence.
For fans, the image of Riggins breaking free on 4th-and-1 remains one of the most iconic in Super Bowl history. It wasn’t just a play—it was a metaphor for the Redskins’ season: a team breaking through doubt, adversity, and opponents to claim the ultimate prize.
As the Redskins celebrated under the California sky, Riggins offered one final quote to reporters: “The Diesel’s got one gear—forward.”
And forward they went, into the annals of NFL greatness.