Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 31 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 31?
Don Bosseler (1957-64) was a fullback out of the University of Miami, Washington, drafted ninth overall in the 1957 draft. In his eight seasons with Washington, Bosseler carried the ball 775 times for 3,112 yards (4.0 per carry) for 22 touchdowns. He also caught 136 passes for 1,083 yards (8.0 per reception). He was a Pro Bowl fullback in 1959 when he rushed 119 times, gaining 644 yards for a very impressive 5.4 yards per carry.
#OTD in 1956 the Washington Redskins draft Don Bosseler of Batavia in the first round with the 9th pick of the NFL draft. Other players of note drafted are Jim Brown, Len Dawson, Paul Hornung, Jim Parker, Don Maynard, and Sonny Jurgensen pic.twitter.com/hzH00k7zvP
— ThisDateInBuffaloSportsHistory (@BuffSportsHstry) November 26, 2021
Kamren Curl (2020 – current) was drafted in the 7th round by Washington (216 overall) in the 2020 draft. The former Arkansas Razorback Curl has intercepted three passes, including a 76-yard touchdown return against the 49ers in 2020. This past season, Curl registered 83 tackles, including six for a loss, which is a career high thus far. However, Curl missed four games with an ankle and thumb injury. Washington was 2-3 in those games Curl missed.
3 years ago today the #Commanders found a GEM in the 7th round 💎
Kam Curl has been one of the best players for Washington’s defense ever, since getting drafted. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/p0dSSj52zl
— Commanders Core (@CommandersCore) April 25, 2023
Charlie Harraway (1969-73) came to Washington following his first three NFL seasons in Cleveland. In his five Washington seasons, Harraway started 68 of his 69 games, rushing for 2,659 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 146 passes for 1,142 and six touchdown receptions. Harraway teamed with Larry Brown all five seasons as the duo proved to be one of the better pair of starting running backs in the NFL. Also, in 1969, Harraway collected a then-record 55 receptions by a running back in the Vince Lombardi offense. Harraway was instrumental for the 1971-73 playoff teams, back when only four teams in a conference qualified.
