John Riggins is a former American football player who has had a successful career in the National Football League (NFL).
Born in Seneca, Kansas on August 4, 1949, Riggins is best known for his time with the New York Jets and Washington Redskins.
Throughout his entire career, Riggins was known for his “bell cow” running style and productivity well into the later years of his career.
As of 2024, John Riggins’ net worth is estimated to be $6 million.
A notable portion of the property that he achieved in his life was from the fortune of his football career.
By dedicating his life to the field of football, he became able to be such a rich man with a flourishing career.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
John Riggins was born on August 4, 1949, in Seneca, Kansas.
He was the youngest of four children to Emil and Mildred Riggins.
His father was a farmer and his mother was a homemaker.
Riggins attended Centralia High School in Kansas, where he was a standout athlete.
He excelled in football, basketball, and track.
He was an all-state selection in basketball and won the state title in track two years in a row for the 100-meter dash while also participating in the long jump.
After graduating from high school, Riggins attended the University of Kansas, where he played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks.
He was a two-time All-American and led the team in rushing for three consecutive seasons.
In 1971, Riggins was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the NFL Draft.
He played for the Jets for five seasons before being traded to the Washington Redskins in 1976.
Overall, Riggins’ early life and education played a significant role in his success as a football player.
His athletic abilities were evident from a young age, and he continued to develop his skills throughout his high school and college years.
Professional Career
Washington Redskins
John Riggins’s professional playing career was highlighted by his time with the Washington Redskins.
In 1976, he was traded to the Redskins and quickly became one of the most successful players in franchise history.
Riggins’s powerful running style and ability to gain tough yards made him a fan favorite in Washington.
He was a key member of the Redskins’ Super Bowl XVII championship team, rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown in the game and earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
Career Highlights and Awards
During his football careers, John Riggins’ accomplishments were numerous.
He was a member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Riggins was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro in 1983.
He was also a member of the Redskins’ Ring of Fame.
Contract Dispute and Relationship with Coaches
In 1980, John Riggins had a contract dispute with the Redskins that caused him to sit out the entire season.
However, he returned to the field in 1981 and had one of the best seasons of his career, rushing for 1,347 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Despite his success, Riggins had a strained relationship with head coach Joe Gibbs and offensive coordinator Joe Bugel.
Riggins felt that he was not being used enough in the offense and was frustrated with the team’s conservative play-calling.
Retirement and Post-Career Activities
John Riggins retired from football after the 1985 season.
He finished his career with 11,352 rushing yards, 104 rushing touchdowns, and 2,090 receiving yards.
After retiring, Riggins remained active in the football community, working as a commentator and analyst for various media outlets.
He also pursued other interests, including acting and politics.
In 1994, Riggins was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives, where he served for two terms.
Net Worth and Financial Aspects
John Riggins’s net worth is $6 million.
What are John Riggins’s Sources of Income?
John Riggins’s primary source of income was his football career.
He played for the New York Jets and Washington Redskins, where he earned a significant amount of money.
In addition to his football career, Riggins has also been involved in various other ventures that have contributed to his net worth.
For example, he has appeared in commercials, endorsed products, and even tried his hand at acting.
Overall, John Riggins’s net worth reflects his successful career in the NFL, as well as his ability to capitalize on other opportunities.
While his net worth may not be as high as some of his contemporaries, he has still managed to build a significant amount of wealth through hard work and dedication.
Personal Life
John Riggins was born on August 4, 1949, in Seneca, Kansas, United States.
He is an American former professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets and Washington Redskins.
Riggins was married to Lisa-Marie Riggins, and they have two children, Portia and Coco Riggins.
Riggins’ personal life has been relatively private, and there is not much information available about his relationships or personal interests.
However, it is known that he is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing.
He also owns a ranch in Cabin John, Maryland, where he spends much of his time.
In terms of physical appearance, Riggins is known for his distinctive hair color, which is a shade of reddish-brown.
He is also known for his towering height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and his muscular build.
Riggins is a proud American, and he has been involved in several philanthropic activities throughout his life.
He has been a vocal supporter of veterans’ rights and has worked with several organizations to support military families.
He has also been a supporter of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he has donated both time and money to support the school’s programs.
Overall, Riggins’ personal life has been relatively low-key, and he has maintained a private life outside of his football career.
Legacy and Influence
John Riggins’ legacy and influence in the NFL are undeniable.
He was a key player in the Washington Redskins’ Super Bowl XVII victory, and his performance in that game is still remembered as one of the greatest in NFL history.
Riggins’ contributions to the sport have been recognized by his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Off the field, Riggins has been involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of retired NFL players.
He was a vocal advocate for the Fairness for Athletes in Retirement Act, which aimed to provide better pensions and health benefits for former players.
Riggins’ advocacy work helped bring attention to the issue and led to some positive changes for retired players.
Riggins has also been involved in the media world, co-hosting a show on Sirius Satellite Radio and making appearances on various TV shows and documentaries.
His insights and analysis have been highly valued by football fans and experts alike.
Riggins’ influence extends beyond the NFL. He played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks and was a standout player during his time there.
His success at the college level helped pave the way for his professional career.
In addition to his football career, Riggins is also known for his acting and entertainment work.
He made a memorable appearance in the movie “The Longest Yard” and has been involved in various other film and TV projects.
Overall, John Riggins’ impact on the NFL and the world of sports and entertainment is significant and lasting.
His contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come, and his advocacy work for retired players has helped improve the lives of many.
Media and Business Endeavors
John Riggins has been a successful businessman and media personality outside of his football career.
He has appeared on various TV shows and hosted his own radio show, “The John Riggins Show.” Riggins has also been a commentator for the NFL on CBS and has provided analysis for various sports networks.
In addition to his media work, Riggins has been involved in various business ventures.
He has owned and operated a successful construction company and has also been involved in real estate development.
Riggins has also been a spokesperson for various products and brands over the years.
Riggins has also been involved in philanthropy, including his work with the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
He has also been a supporter of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation.
One of Riggins’ most notable business ventures was his ownership of RFK Stadium, the former home of the Washington Redskins.
Riggins purchased the stadium in 1995 and operated it as a concert venue and sports facility.
He sold the stadium in 2005.
Riggins has also been involved in the world of horse racing.
He has owned and raced horses, and has been a commentator for horse racing events.
Riggins has also been involved in various other sports, including auto racing and the 40-yard dash.
Overall, John Riggins’ success in business and media has contributed to his net worth, which is estimated to be in the millions.
Career Statistics and Records
John Riggins is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
He played 14 seasons for the New York Jets and Washington Redskins, and his career statistics are impressive.
Riggins had 2,916 carries for 11,352 yards, 250 catches for 2,090 yards, and scored 116 touchdowns.
He was selected to play in one Pro Bowl.
Riggins was a workhorse back who was known for his toughness and durability.
He carried the ball 25 or more times in a game 50 times in his career, and he rushed for over 100 yards in a game 36 times.
He also set several records during his career, including the record for most rushing touchdowns in a single postseason with six.
Riggins’ best season came in 1983, when he rushed for 1,347 yards and 24 touchdowns.
He was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player that season, and he led the Redskins to a Super Bowl victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Despite his impressive statistics and records, Riggins was never one to boast about his accomplishments.
He was a humble player who always put the team first, and he was beloved by his teammates and fans alike.
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