The Washington Commanders are one of the oldest and most storied franchises in NFL history. They have had legendary players. Iconic coaches. Wild seasons. Heartbreak losses. And yes—Super Bowl glory. But the story is not simple. The team has changed names. Cities. Stadiums. Owners. Still, fans always ask the same question.
Have the Washington Commanders ever won a Super Bowl?
TLDR: Yes. The Washington Commanders have won three Super Bowls. They won in the 1982, 1987, and 1991 seasons. All three victories happened when the team was known as the Washington Redskins. They have not won a Super Bowl since the 1991 season.
A Quick History Lesson
The franchise began in 1932. Not in Washington. In Boston. They were called the Boston Braves. Then the Boston Redskins. In 1937, they moved to Washington, D.C.
That same year, they won an NFL Championship. But that was before the Super Bowl existed.
The Super Bowl era began in 1966. Since then, the team has appeared in five Super Bowls. They won three of them.
Here is the simple breakdown:
- Super Bowl XVII – Won
- Super Bowl XVIII – Lost
- Super Bowl XXII – Won
- Super Bowl XXVI – Won
- Super Bowl VII – Lost
Now let’s look at each championship victory.
Super Bowl XVII – First Title of the Super Bowl Era
Season: 1982
Opponent: Miami Dolphins
Final Score: 27–17
This was the team’s first Super Bowl win.
The 1982 season was strange. There was a players’ strike. Only nine regular-season games were played. But Washington made the most of it.
The team was led by head coach Joe Gibbs. He would become a legend in Washington.
The offense featured a powerful offensive line known as “The Hogs.” They dominated defenders. They controlled games.
The MVP of the Super Bowl was running back John Riggins.
He had one unforgettable play. On 4th and 1, late in the game, Riggins broke free for a 43-yard touchdown run. He shrugged off a defender. He sprinted to the end zone.
Game over.
This moment became one of the most famous plays in Super Bowl history.
The Commanders had their first championship of the modern era.
Super Bowl XVIII – A Tough Loss
Season: 1983
Opponent: Los Angeles Raiders
Final Score: 38–9
After winning it all in 1982, Washington returned to the Super Bowl the very next season.
The expectations were high. Very high.
But the Raiders crushed them.
It was one of the most lopsided losses in Super Bowl history at the time. Washington simply had no answer.
Still, back-to-back appearances proved something important.
This team was not a one-year wonder.
Super Bowl XXII – A Jaw-Dropping Comeback
Season: 1987
Opponent: Denver Broncos
Final Score: 42–10
This may be the most surprising championship win in franchise history.
The game started badly. Very badly.
The Broncos jumped to a 10–0 lead. Washington looked shaky.
Then something exploded.
Quarterback Doug Williams caught fire.
He threw four touchdown passes in the second quarter alone.
That was a Super Bowl record.
By halftime, Washington had 35 points. The game was basically over.
Doug Williams made history that night.
- First Black quarterback to start a Super Bowl
- First Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl
- Super Bowl MVP
It was a dominant performance. One of the greatest single-quarter displays ever seen.
Washington had championship number two.
Super Bowl XXVI – The Peak of the Franchise
Season: 1991
Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Final Score: 37–24
Many fans believe the 1991 team was the best Washington team ever.
Some even call it one of the best teams in NFL history.
The roster was stacked.
- QB Mark Rypien
- RB Earnest Byner
- WR Art Monk
- WR Gary Clark
- CB Darrell Green
They dominated the regular season with a 14–2 record.
In the Super Bowl, they controlled the game from start to finish.
Mark Rypien was named Super Bowl MVP.
This was the franchise’s third Super Bowl title.
And it remains their most recent one.
How Many Super Bowls Have They Won Total?
The simple answer: Three.
Here is a clear summary:
- 1982 Season – Won Super Bowl XVII
- 1987 Season – Won Super Bowl XXII
- 1991 Season – Won Super Bowl XXVI
They have also lost two Super Bowls:
- 1972 Season – Lost Super Bowl VII
- 1983 Season – Lost Super Bowl XVIII
Five appearances. Three wins. That’s a strong record.
What About the Name Change?
You may notice something.
All three Super Bowl wins happened when the team was called the Washington Redskins.
In 2020, the franchise retired that name.
For two seasons, they were known as the Washington Football Team.
In 2022, they officially became the Washington Commanders.
The championships still count. Same franchise. Same history.
Just a different name.
Why Haven’t They Won Since 1991?
This is where things get frustrating for fans.
Since the 1991 season, Washington has not returned to a Super Bowl.
That is more than three decades without an appearance.
Why?
There are several reasons:
- Front office instability
- Frequent coaching changes
- Quarterback struggles
- Ownership controversy
- Poor draft decisions
The team made the playoffs occasionally. But they never broke through.
Rival teams like the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants had more postseason success.
For a proud franchise, that gap has felt long.
Who Was the Most Important Coach?
Without question: Joe Gibbs.
He coached all three Super Bowl-winning teams.
What makes this even more impressive?
He won those three Super Bowls with three different starting quarterbacks:
- Joe Theismann
- Doug Williams
- Mark Rypien
That is rare. Extremely rare.
Most coaches rely on one superstar quarterback.
Gibbs built complete teams. Strong defense. Dominant offensive lines. Clutch players.
He is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
How Do They Compare to Other Teams?
Three Super Bowl wins puts Washington in solid company.
They have more titles than many NFL franchises.
But they trail historic dynasties like:
- Pittsburgh Steelers (6)
- New England Patriots (6)
- San Francisco 49ers (5)
- Dallas Cowboys (5)
- Green Bay Packers (4 in Super Bowl era)
Still, three championships is nothing to dismiss.
Especially considering only 12 franchises have won three or more Super Bowls.
Are the Commanders Close to Another One?
That is the big question.
The team has gone through major changes in recent years.
New ownership arrived in 2023. That brought hope.
Fans believe a fresh start could mean a brighter future.
The NFL changes fast.
One great draft. One great quarterback. One smart coach.
That’s all it takes.
Until then, fans remember the glory years.
The Hogs paving the way.
Riggins breaking tackles.
Doug Williams lighting up the scoreboard.
Confetti falling in 1991.
Final Answer
So, have the Washington Commanders ever won a Super Bowl?
Yes. Three times.
They built a powerhouse in the 1980s and early 1990s.
They captured championships in 1982, 1987, and 1991.
Since then, they have been chasing another.
The trophy case still holds three Lombardi Trophies.
And in the NFL, nobody can take those away.
For longtime fans, those memories are golden.
For new fans, they are proof that it can happen again.
Because in football, history matters.
And the Washington Commanders have championship history.
