The Diesel
A first round draft pick of the New York Jets in 1971 from Kansas, John Riggins played with them until 1975 when he became the first player in Jets history to gain a thousand rushing yards. In 1976 he joined the Washington Redskins and stayed with them until 1985 rushing for 7472 yards and 79 touchdowns. Riggins finished his 14 year NFL career with 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns.
Image Gallery of John Riggins, Running Back 1971-1985
The Diesel runs into Detroit Lion defenders Curtis Green (#62) & Ken Fantetti (#57) in an early 1980s NFL matchup.
Led the Redskins in rushing 5 times during his 9 seasons in Washington. Is still the franchise's All time leading runner with 7472 yards. Here he is against the giants with All Pro Russ Grimm blocking.
Early 70s, Jets & Colts - Fullback John Riggins (#44) carries against the Colts defense under the watchful eye of linebacker Mike Curtis (#32).
The Jets leading rusher in 1974 - fullback John Riggins, rushed for 680 yards and 5 touchdowns.
The 1983 NFL All-Pro Quarterback and Fullback - Washington Redskins Joe Theismann (#7) and John Riggins (#44).
Action from the Dolphins perfect 14-0 Super Bowl winning season of 1972. Jets fullback John Riggins is stopped by linebacker Mike Kolen and defensive lineman Vern den Herder. #32 is Jets runner Emerson Boozer.
Portrait of the famous Fullback during his time with the Washington Redskins.
Fullback for 14 years in the NFL. Finished with 11,352 yards (19th best in NFL history) on 2916 carries (13th best) and 104 touchdowns (5th best in league history).
The Washington Redskin fullback set a Super Bowl record for rushing attempts - 38 as well as yards - 166 in the 27-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
The bruising fullback of the Washington Redskins picks up yardage against the Miami Dolphins.
Lions Linebacker Mike Lucci closes in on Joe Namath and John Riggins of the Jets
Bill Stanfill and the Miami Dolphins defense stops John Riggins of the Jets
John Riggins
John Riggins
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John Riggins, Washington Redskins 1976-1985
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As a fullback with the New York Jets Riggins gained 3880 yards. He played from 1971 to 1975 and gained 1005 yards during the 1975 season.
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Linebacker Mike Lucci of the Lions moves in as Jets quarterback Joe Namath turns to hand off to fullback John Riggins.
John Riggins Football Cards
Earned a spot in the Topps 1972 "Pro Action" set for his efforts as a Jets Rookie in 1971 when he picked up 769 yards rushing and ended up with a 4.3 YPC average.
The first New York Jets player to rush for over 1,000 yards. In 1975 he racked up 1005 yards and 8 touchdowns.
John Riggins 1153 team leading rushing yards reflected here on this Topps 1980 card. Riggins was also #9 among the NFL as well.
