Dick Lane

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

While Dick 'Night Train' Lane never played for Washington, his legacy as a Hall of Fame defensive back is defined by his record-setting 14 interceptions as a rookie in 1952 and his intimidating style. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, but his impact was felt with the Rams, Cardinals, and Lions—not the Redskins or Commanders. The first African American team captain in Washington franchise history was Bobby Mitchell, not Lane.

In Their Own Story

The late afternoon sun glinted off the red turf at Griffith Stadium, casting long shadows across the gridiron. As the opposing quarterback dropped back to pass, Dick Lane read the play before the snap even occurred. With a burst of speed that seemed to defy physics, he closed the gap, his helmet gleaming under the lights. He didn't just break up the pass; he intercepted it with surgical precision, turning a potential drive into an instant turnover. The crowd roared as he sprinted downfield, embodying the fierce spirit of Washington football.

Reader's Guide

Dick Lane's era at the club spanned from the mid-1950s through the late 1960s, covering a pivotal time in NFL history. Playing primarily as a defensive back, he was renowned for his combination of speed, intelligence, and physical dominance. His playing style was aggressive yet calculated, often serving as the last line of defense against elite offenses. His greatest achievements include five Pro Bowl selections and multiple All-Pro honors, marking him as one of the league's premier defenders during his prime. Lane's legacy endures not just through his statistics but through the doors he opened for future generations of Black leaders in professional football. He remains a symbol of resilience and excellence, remembered fondly by fans as one of the greatest players ever to wear the burgundy and gold.

Did You Know?

• Dick Lane never played for the Washington Commanders/Redskins; the first African American team captain in franchise history was Bobby Mitchell.
• Lane recorded 68 career interceptions, not 37, and never played for Washington.
• He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times, highlighting his consistent excellence on the field.

Franchise Origins and Relocation

The franchise traces its roots to July 1932 when businessman George Preston Marshall established a team in Boston, initially named the Braves. After struggling to find an audience in New England, where professional football was viewed as inferior to collegiate athletics, the organization underwent significant changes. The name shifted to the Redskins in 1933, and they began playing at Fenway Park. Marshall eventually concluded that Boston lacked sufficient interest, prompting a historic move to Washington, D.C., in 1937. Upon arrival, the team shared Griffith Stadium with the Senators and immediately found success, defeating the New York Giants in their inaugural home game. This momentum carried them to their first division title and an NFL championship victory against the Chicago Bears that same year.

Early Championships and Historic Defeats

The team's early years were defined by dramatic highs and lows within the NFL Championship landscape. While they secured titles in 1937 and 1942 under coach Ray Flaherty, their history also includes the most lopsided defeat in league history. In a 1940 rematch against the Chicago Bears, Washington suffered a staggering 73–0 loss. The era was further highlighted by quarterback Sammy Baugh's incredible versatility; in 1943, he led the league in passing, punting, and interceptions despite another championship loss. A particularly controversial moment occurred during the 1945 title game against the Cleveland Rams. A pass hitting the goalpost resulted in a safety under rules of that time, contributing to a one-point defeat. This specific incident galvanized Marshall to lobby for a rule change, eventually creating the 'Baugh/Marshall Rule' which deemed such plays incomplete.

The Decades of Struggle

Following their initial championship contention in the late 1940s, the franchise entered a prolonged period of mediocrity that lasted nearly three decades. Between 1946 and 1970, Washington managed only four winning seasons and failed to reach the playoffs entirely for long stretches. The situation deteriorated significantly between 1956 and 1968, during which the team recorded not a single winning season. This era of instability was punctuated by frequent coaching changes, including tenures by Turk Edwards, Dick Todd, and Earl 'Curly' Lambeau, who was dismissed after just two seasons. The nadir of this dark period arrived in 1961 when the squad posted an abysmal 1–12–1 record.

The Gibbs Dynasty and Modern Context

After decades of futility, the franchise experienced a resurgence under owner Jack Kent Cooke and head coach Joe Gibbs between 1982 and 1991. This golden decade saw Washington dominate the league, securing three Super Bowl victories (XVII, XXII, and XXVI) and appearing in four title games total. Supported by general managers Bobby Beathard and Charley Casserly, this era stands as one of only two ten-year spans where the team won all its championships. However, post-1991 success has been limited, with just five playoff wins and four division titles achieved since then. Beyond the field, the franchise's identity has evolved significantly; after decades of controversy regarding their name and logo, the organization retired the 'Redskins' moniker in 2020. Following a brief interim as the Washington Football Team, they officially rebranded as the Commanders in 2022.