Commanders Wire begins a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 84 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 84?
Washington fans that know some of the history, at least of the Super Bowl era, are altogether certain this is a “no-brainer.” Gary Clark is without question the greatest player in franchise history to wear No. 84.
Here are Gary Clark’s ten longest NFL touchdowns.
Playing his high school football at Pulaski High in Dublin, VA, Clark moved on to college football, remaining in Virginia. Clark at James Madison University earned honorable mention All-American honors in 1982-83 in the Dukes (1-AA) program.
Drafted in the USFL by the Jacksonville Bulls in 1984, Clark led the team in receptions and receiving yards. Washington then drafted Clark 55th overall in round 2 of the 1984 Supplemental Draft.
When Clark was signed by Washington in 1985, the former JMU receiver instantly earned his respect, starting ten games, catching 72 passes (12.9 ypr) 5 for touchdowns.
For five seasons, Clark caught at least 70 passes, while for six seasons, Clark was on the receiving end of at least seven touchdown passes for the Burgundy and Gold, including ten in the Super Bowl Championship 1991 season in which No. 84 averaged a very impressive 19.1 yards on his 70 receptions.
This catch by Gary Clark is one of the best ever, but it’s never included on the all-time highlight reels #HTTR #Redskins #Commanders pic.twitter.com/4iIYlq1QvX
— John (@Skinsfan0528) June 15, 2023
For four seasons, Clark was voted a Pro Bowler, and in 1987 (another Super Bowl Championship season), Clark was voted Associated Press All-Pro First Team.
In his eight Washington seasons (1985-92), Clark collected 549 receptions for 8,742 yards, averaging 15.9 yards a reception and 58 regular season touchdown passes.
Clark also had a touchdown reception in both Super Bowls XXII and XXVI, which were Washington Redskins victories over Denver (42-10) and Buffalo (38-24). Here are Gary Clark’s Super Bowl touchdown receptions.
