John Riggins Career NFL Stats 1971-1985 |
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G |
RATT |
YARDS |
YPR |
RTD |
REC |
RECYARDS |
RECTD |
TOUCHES |
SCRIMMAGE |
TOTTD |
175 |
2,916 |
11,352 |
3.9 |
104 |
250 |
2,090 |
12 |
3,166 |
13,442 |
116 |
Robert John Riggins, nicknamed ‘The Diesel’, was born on August 4, 1979 in Centrailia, KS. He is the son of Mildred and Franklin Riggins. Growing up in the small town of Centrailia, John and his older brothers participated in a variety of sports. He loved to play sports but the Hall of Fame running back didn't love the game of football. He stuck with it only because he was good at it.
Riggins attended Centrailia High School. He was a three-sport athlete as he played football, basketball and ran track. He was a star in all three. John received All-State honors in basketball and All-American honors in football. In track he won state gold in the 100 meter relay. When it came to continuing his football career, Riggins stayed in-state and accepted a scholarship to the University of Kansas.
John Riggins College Career Stats and Notes
Riggins played for Kansas from 1968-70. He rushed for 2,659 yards and 19 TDs during his college career. He led the Jayhawks to a 1969 Orange Bowl appearance. Riggins was an All-American and a two-time All-Big Eight selection.
Awards and Achievements |
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MVP
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All-Pro
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1st Team: 1983 |
Pro Bowl Selections |
1975
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Rushing Titles: |
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Achievements
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John Riggins NFL Career Stats and Notes
Riggins was selected 6th overall in the 1971 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. The Diesel spent his first five seasons in the league with the Jets before signing with the Washington Redskins. He spent ten years with the Redskins and led them to two Super Bowl appearances. His punishing style of running earned him the nickname ‘The Diesel’. Riggins retired after the 1985 season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
John Riggins Super Bowl XVII MVP Performance
The Diesel provided one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history. In Super Bowl XVII the Washington Redskins trailed the Miami Dolphins 17-13 early in the fourth. The teams lined up for a 4th and 1 with the Redskins trying to take the lead.
Riggins, the rugged veteran, had already racked up almost 100 yards on the night. On his 30th carry of the game Riggins ran off the left side, bursting through a would-be tackler and gashed the Dolphins for a 43-yard TD run. It was the longest run from scrimmage in Super Bowl history up to that point. The Diesel finished with 166 yards on 38 carries; both were Super Bowl records as well. His Super Bowl punctuated a dominant postseason as It also marked the fourth straight playoff game Riggins carried the ball 30 or more times.