Jack Kent Cooke Acquisition
The Canadian mogul who built RFK Stadium and restored the Redskins to NFL prominence.
The Jack Kent Cooke era marks a pivotal transformation in franchise history, beginning with his acquisition of the team in 1960 as the Washington Redskins. A Canadian-born media mogul and former owner of the Los Angeles Rams, Cooke brought an unprecedented level of financial stability and modern business acumen to the club. His ownership is defined by the construction of the iconic RFK Stadium, which provided a permanent home in Washington D.C., and a period of sustained competitiveness that included multiple division titles.
- Owner
- Jack Kent Cooke
- Acquisition Year
- 1960
- Key Infrastructure
- Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
- Notable Coach
- George Allen
- Era Status
- Completed (Historical)
- Legacy Impact
- Modernization and Stability
Lore & Background
When Jack Kent Cooke purchased the franchise in August 1960, he inherited a struggling organization that had recently moved from Boston. Unlike many owners of the era, Cooke viewed professional football as a serious business enterprise requiring substantial investment. He immediately focused on securing a permanent home for the team, navigating complex political landscapes to construct what would become Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK). This move ended years of playing in various municipal stadiums and cemented the franchise's identity within the capital city.
In Their Own Story
The autumn sun glinted off the polished chrome of the black Rolls-Royce as it slowly circled the track of RFK Stadium. Jack Kent Cooke stood in the open window, his tuxedo jacket contrasting sharply with the mud-splattered gridiron below. He watched as Sonny Jurgensen orchestrated another drive, knowing that every yard gained was a testament to his vision. This wasn't just a game; it was his empire, built from a struggling franchise into a pillar of Washington life.
Reader's Guide
Cooke's acquisition in 1960 marked the beginning of the modern era for the franchise. His immediate priority was infrastructure, leading to the groundbreaking and eventual opening of RFK Stadium in 1961, which provided a stable home base. Under Cooke's ownership, the team began to stabilize financially and competitively. The late 1960s were transformative, highlighted by the hiring of head coach George Allen in 1970. Allen implemented a disciplined system that maximized the talents of stars like quarterback Sonny Jurgensen and running back Charley Taylor. This era culminated in significant on-field success, including multiple division titles and the team's first Super Bowl appearance in 1982 (though Cooke had passed away by then, the roster was built during his tenure). The cultural shift was profound: the team moved from a nomadic existence to a central fixture of D.C. life, with Cooke's flamboyant style becoming synonymous with the franchise's identity.
Did You Know?
- Jack Kent Cooke was originally from Canada and had previously owned the Los Angeles Rams before buying Washington.
- He is credited with spearheading the construction of RFK Stadium, which served as the team's home until 1996.
- Cooke was known for driving his Rolls-Royce around the stadium track during games to greet fans and players.