John Riggins
John Riggins (born August 4, 1949) is a former American football running back who played 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily for the New York Jets and Washington Redskins, and is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[1][2] Known by his nickname "The Diesel" for his powerful, no-nonsense running style, Riggins was a durable workhorse back who rushed for 11,352 yards and 104 touchdowns over his career, ranking him among the all-time greats at his position.[1][3] His most iconic moment came in Super Bowl XVII in 1983, when he carried 38 times for 166 yards and a touchdown to lead the Redskins to a 27–17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, earning him Super Bowl MVP honors.[3][1] Born in Seneca, Kansas, and raised in nearby Centralia, Riggins starred as a multi-sport athlete at Centralia High School, where he excelled in football and track, winning two state championships in the 100-yard dash.[1][4] At the University of Kansas, he played for the Jayhawks from 1968 to 1970, leading the team in rushing each year and amassing 2,659 yards to break several school records previously held by Gale Sayers, including becoming the Big Eight Conference's rushing champion as a senior.[5][1] An All-Big Eight selection twice and an All-American in 1970, Riggins helped Kansas to a 5–6 record in his senior year, after which he was selected sixth overall in the 1971 NFL Draft by the Jets as the first running back taken.[5][6] Riggins spent his first five NFL seasons with the Jets (1971–1975), where he established himself as a reliable rusher, totaling over 3,000 yards despite playing behind an inconsistent offensive line.[2] He joined the Redskins in 1976 via free agency and rushed for 1,000 yards in 1979, but sat out the entire 1980 season in a high-profile contract holdout, famously declaring to the team upon his return, "I'm bored, I'm broke, I'm back."[7] Reinvigorated in 1981, Riggins powered Washington's offense to NFC Championship games in 1982 and 1983, culminating in the Super Bowl XVII triumph and a runner-up finish in Super Bowl XVIII.[1] In 1983, he led the NFL in rushing with 1,347 yards and a league-record 24 rushing touchdowns, earning his lone Pro Bowl nod.[1][2] Riggins retired after the 1985 season with career totals including 250 receptions for 2,090 yards and 12 touchdowns, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.[1][2]Early life
Family background
Robert John Riggins was born on August 4, 1949, in Seneca, Kansas. He grew up in the small rural community of Centralia in northeastern Kansas alongside his parents, Frank E. Riggins and Mildred Riggins, and his two brothers, Frank Jr. and Bill. The family resided in a modest setting typical of the area's agricultural and small-town environment, where daily life revolved around community ties and outdoor pursuits.[8][9][10] Riggins' father worked as a depot agent for the railroad, providing a stable but demanding livelihood in the rural Midwest, while his mother managed the household for the active family. Frank Riggins was known for his strict demeanor, often advising his sons to avoid actions that would bring shame to the family name, which instilled a sense of discipline and responsibility in young John. This parental guidance, combined with the simplicity of rural Kansas life—marked by activities like fishing for bullheads and exploring creeks—cultivated an early appreciation for perseverance and self-reliance.[9][10] The close-knit sibling dynamic played a key role in shaping Riggins' competitive spirit; his older brother Frank Jr. excelled in athletics, setting a high bar that John often strived to match or surpass, fostering a drive that permeated his later endeavors. Bill, the youngest, also shared in the family's athletic inclinations, creating an environment of friendly rivalry amid their shared rural upbringing. This foundation of familial expectations and brotherly competition contributed to Riggins' resilient character, evident even before his organized sports involvement.[10][9]High school career
John Riggins attended Centralia High School in Centralia, Kansas, from 1963 to 1967, where he emerged as a standout multi-sport athlete.[11] During his high school years, Riggins excelled in football as a running back and defensive player, earning high school All-American honors for his performance.[12] In his senior year, he rushed for 1,456 yards in nine games, averaging 13.2 yards per carry, which showcased his exceptional speed and power.[13] Riggins also lettered in basketball, where he received All-State recognition for his contributions on the court.[14] In track and field, he demonstrated remarkable athletic versatility by winning the Kansas Class B state title in the 100-yard dash twice and securing two indoor state championships at 60 yards, highlighting his speed despite his imposing frame of 6 feet 2 inches and 210 pounds.[15][16] His impressive high school achievements, combining size, speed, and multi-sport prowess, drew recruitment interest from several colleges, positioning him as a highly regarded prospect in Kansas football circles.[14]College career
University of Kansas
Riggins enrolled at the University of Kansas in 1967, following a standout high school career in Centralia, Kansas, that drew the attention of college scouts.[17] Due to NCAA rules at the time making freshmen ineligible for varsity play, he redshirted his first year and joined the Jayhawks' roster as a fullback starting in 1968, where he remained through the 1970 season.[17][5] As a sophomore in 1968, Riggins transitioned into the starting fullback role under head coach Pepper Rodgers, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts in a season marked by competitive Big Eight Conference play.[17][5] He featured prominently in key rivalry matchups, including a narrow 21-19 victory over Missouri on November 23 that helped secure a share of the conference title, and a hard-fought 23-27 loss to Oklahoma on November 9, showcasing his toughness in high-stakes games.[18][19] Rodgers, known for his innovative coaching style, fostered an environment that emphasized physical running plays, allowing Riggins to develop alongside quarterback Bobby Douglass and defensive standout John Zook.[20] During his junior and senior years, Riggins continued as a core component of the Jayhawks' backfield amid fluctuating team performance, including a challenging 1969 campaign.[5] In 1970, his senior season, he earned first-team All-Big Eight honors as the team rebounded to a 5-6 record under Rodgers' guidance.[21] Overall, Riggins' presence helped elevate the program's visibility and competitiveness during his tenure, culminating in his selection as a key contributor to Kansas' storied running back tradition.[1]College statistics
During his three seasons at the University of Kansas from 1968 to 1970, John Riggins amassed 2,659 rushing yards on 518 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, and scored 19 rushing touchdowns.[22] These totals established him as one of the most productive rushers in school history, a mark that ranked among the highest at the time, and ranking fifth all-time at Kansas as of 2024.[5] Riggins also contributed modestly through the air, recording 9 receptions for 67 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns over his career.[23] Riggins' statistical output showed steady progression, with limited involvement as a sophomore giving way to a breakout senior campaign. In 1968, he rushed 139 times for 866 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and 6 touchdowns, serving as a key contributor on a conference championship team.[24] His 1969 season was more modest at 170 carries for 662 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and 1 touchdown, reflecting a down year amid team transitions.[25] As a senior in 1970, Riggins exploded for 209 carries, 1,131 yards (5.4 yards per carry), and 12 rushing touchdowns, earning All-American honors.[5][14][6]| Year | Carries | Yards | Yards per Carry | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | 139 | 866 | 6.2 | 6 |
| 1969 | 170 | 662 | 3.9 | 1 |
| 1970 | 209 | 1,131 | 5.4 | 12 |
| Career | 518 | 2,659 | 5.1 | 19 |