Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 46 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 46?
Frank Grant (1973-78) was drafted 332nd overall by Washington in the 1972 NFL draft. Grant (WR) started 44 of his 75 games in six seasons for Washington. He had 141 receptions for 2,374 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 16.8 yards per reception. Grant averaged 31.7 receiving yards per game, and in 1975 he made the longest touchdown reception that season of 96 yards.
1976 Topps #151 Frank Grant Redskins (Near Mint) *507371 https://t.co/w9y7dJDSAs pic.twitter.com/hPVVn1VAW4
— Amazing SportCards (@AmazingSportCa) September 25, 2016
Rickie Harris (1965-70) came to Washington having been undrafted out of Arizona. In his six Washington seasons, Harris started at all four defensive back positions, starting 61 games, intercepting 12 passes (1 TD) and recovering 8 fumbles. Harris was a good returner, leading the NFL in punt returns averaging 12.2 on each return in 1965. In 1969 Harris had the longest punt return in the NFL of 86 yards.
September 15, 1968 – Washington Redskins DB Rickie Harris tries to bring down Chicago Bears RB Gale Sayers as the #Bears take on the #Redskins at Wrigley Field. With 41,321 fans in attendance, Washington defeats Chicago 38-28.#NFL #1960s #Chicago #DaBears #Washington pic.twitter.com/FwLMVVeR3u
— JVAN (@VanderlansJim) May 30, 2023
Ladell Betts (2002-09) was drafted 56th overall by Washington in the 2002 NFL draft. Betts, out of Iowa, was for all of his years a reserve running back who also returned kickoffs. Betts backed up Clinton Portis for the 2004-2009 seasons. But in 2006, with Portis injured, Betts started 9 games, rushing for 1,154 yards averaging a very impressive 4.7 yards per carry with four rushing touchdowns. He also had 53 receptions for 445 yards (8.4 per reception). In his eight Washington seasons, he rushed 776 times for 3,176 yards (4.1 per carry) 13 touchdowns and 164 first downs. He also collected 165 receptions for 1,505 yards (9.1 per reception) and three touchdowns. In 2005 Betts returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown.
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— SportsCardKing.com (@SportsCardKing_) March 16, 2019
Alfred Morris (2012-15) was drafted 173rd overall by Washington in the 2012 draft. Washington realizing Donovan McNabb was finished, traded him to the Vikings for this draft choice, which they wisely used to select Morris. Morris was a workhorse running back who mostly is forgotten to have rushed for 1,613 yards in the 2012 season. Morris also gained 1,275, 1,074 and 751 yards in his other three seasons in Washington. A Pro Bowler in 2013 and 2014, Morris, in his four Washington seasons, gained 4,713 yards (4.4 per carry), scoring 29 rushing touchdowns and 235 first downs.
Top 10 Rushing Seasons of the 2010s — #5 Redskins Alfred Morris 2012 (via @nflthrowback) pic.twitter.com/R1GghVNhzx
— All-Pro Reels (@allproreels) May 17, 2020
