The Washington Commanders don’t always get things right. If you spoke to some, they’d tell you Washington never gets anything right. While that’s not necessarily true, perhaps no team in the NFL faces more avoidable messes than the Commanders.
However, the Commanders got it right this time with Ryan Kerrigan’s retirement. Kerrigan, who signed a one-day contract Friday to retire with Washington, is a franchise legend. Perhaps Kerrigan and Trent Williams will be known as the last great “Redskin.” Kerrigan departed Washington after the 2020 season, spending 2021 in Philadelphia.
For his career, Kerrigan played in 156 games, recorded 454 tackles, 95.5 sacks, three interceptions, three touchdowns and forced 26 fumbles. Kerrigan passed Dexter Manley as the franchise’s all-time sack leader.
Kerrigan was the rare Washington player who deserved a happy ending.
Remember the botched Sean Taylor jersey retirement last season? Or the multiple errors when Washington announced finalists to be added to the 90 greatest players in franchise history. There are other examples, but for once, the Commanders nailed this one.
Is this a sign of things to come?
Sometimes, the criticism of Washington is warranted. Other times, it seems everyone loves to pile on the Commanders because it’s just too easy. The only way that changes is if the team becomes a consistent winner on the field.
While that doesn’t seem fair to the many talented and hard-working people in Washington’s organization who had no connection to the franchise’s ugly past, owner Daniel Snyder’s past misdeeds continue to haunt the entire organization.
But for one day, Washington got things right. In addition to Kerrigan’s on-field exploits, he was widely popular in the community for his philanthropic work in the DMV community. He didn’t miss time. He set an example for all of his teammates, like Chase Young.
Ryan Kerrigan deserved the love he received over the weekend from everyone in Washington’s organization. At some point in the near future, Washington will honor Kerrigan by naming him to the franchise’s Ring of Fame. He will most certainly be honored as one of the 90 greatest players in franchise history.
While Kerrigan deserves the love he continues to receive, so do the Commanders. Washington couldn’t have handled Kerrigan’s retirement and celebration any better. Here’s hoping that’s a sign of things to come.