Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 36 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 36?
The history of jersey No. 36 in Washington history has several twists and turns.
In 1987, RB Timmy Smith only carried the ball 29 times for 126 yards and no touchdowns. Keith Griffin, Kelvin Bryant and George Rogers all received more carries. But with George Rogers breaking down with an injury and Joe Gibbs determining to keep Kelvin Bryant primarily a third-down back, Smith was called upon in the playoffs for 16 carries at Chicago, then 13 carries against the Vikings. Gibbs decided to start Smith in Super Bowl XXII and the Hogs were tremendous. Smith rushed 22 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns. But Smith lost touch with reality and held out for more money the next season. When he reported to camp, he was clearly not in NFL running back physical condition. As a result, Smith started only eight games, averaged only 3.0 yards per carry, fumbled four times and was released after the season.
Linebacker Su’a Cravens was a second-round pick out of USC in 2016. He had an early-season interception in a win against the N.Y. Giants. But before 2017 began, Cravens was texting some teammates, announcing he was retiring. He sat out in 2017, and decided to return, but Washington said “No Mas,” trading him to Denver, where he never started and appeared in only five games.
Free Safety D.J. Swearinger came to Washington after having already played in Houston, Tampa and Arizona in his first four NFL seasons. Before the 2018 season concluded, Swearinger had criticized the team to the media, and also stated that he prepared more than defensive coaches. He was warned multiple times yet continued to sound off and was released in December. BTW, the following season (2019), Swearinger was with three teams (Raiders, Saints, Cardinals) and his last season was 2020 (Saints) at age 29.
Sean Taylor wore No. 36 only his first NFL season (2004). He then wore No. 21 for his next three seasons. Taylor was a Pro Bowler his last two seasons (2006-07) but was tragically killed in 2007, cutting his career and life much too short. He will be discussed regarding jersey No. 21.
Frank Wycheck was a tight end from Maryland drafted 160th overall by Washington in 1993. The Redskins released Wycheck after he had gotten little opportunity, though he swore he worked hard and was more than able. Sure enough, the Oilers/Titans picked up Wycheck, and he did more than prove the Reskins coaches wrong. Wycheck proceeded to play nine seasons for the Oilers / Titans, catching 482 passes for 4,958 yards for 27 touchdowns and 264 first downs. Wycheck was a Pro Bowler three consecutive seasons (1998-2000) and was All-Pro 2nd team in 2000. The Redskins were dead wrong about Wycheck, he told them so, and he was the best player in Washington history to wear jersey No. 36, though he proved it with another team.
