Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 32 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 32?
Washington has not had a great player wearing No. 32, but three players deserve special mention.
Jack Pardee (1971-72) came to Washington at age 35, an outside linebacker who had previously spent 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Pardee was brought to Washington by George Allen his former head coach with the Rams. The former Texas A&M Aggie had a huge first year in Washington when he intercepted five passes, returning one for a touchdown. Pardee was also a team captain on the 1972 Super Bowl team. He retired following the 1972 season at age 36. Pardee became the head coach of the Redskins from 1978-1980 seasons compiling a 24-24 record. He died of cancer in 2013 at the age of 76.
Today would’ve been the 82nd birthday for former All-Pro LB and Oilers/Redskins HC Jack Pardee! May he Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/wBumo4aNy5
— Four Verts 🏈 (@FourVerticals_) April 19, 2018
Ricky Ervins (1991-94) was drafted 76th overall by Washington in the 1991 draft. The former USC running back rushed for 2,026 yards, eight touchdowns, and 32 first downs in his four Washington seasons. Coming out of the backfield, Ervins also caught 115 passes for 849 yards, two touchdowns and 12 first downs. Ervins most effective season was with the 1991 Super Bowl Championship team when he averaged 4.7 yards a carry and 11.3 yards a reception. Ervins scored on a 17-yard run against the Falcons in the 1991 playoffs and rushed for 72 yards in 13 carries in Super Bowl XXVI.
NEXT! Former @Redskins RB & #SuperBowl XXVI Champ Ricky Ervins @RickDocWalker talking all things #Redskins RBs & more LIVE on @team980 & The Team 980 App! pic.twitter.com/NZykkdV14m
— The Team 980 (@team980) August 20, 2018
Vernon Dean (1982-87) was drafted by Washington 49th overall out of San Diego State in the 1982 draft. The cornerback started all but one game of the 1982 Super Bowl championship team. He was a starting cornerback from 1982 through half of the 1986 season when he was replaced by the emerging Barry Wilburn. Dean played in 12 games for the 1987 Super Bowl XXII champions, his last season in Washington. In his six Washington seasons, Dean intercepted 21 passes, returning two for touchdowns, and recovered six fumbles, one for a touchdown.
