The 2002 Redskins season finale was a day of fond farewells. This largely unremarkable season will be remembered for two important things: 1) those sharp retro uni's (which we love) and 2) being the final chapter of the storied career of Redskin legend Darrell Green (whom we love even more). Completing his incredible 20-year career, Green made history with every snap played, done with unmatched grace and grit. Widely lauded as the NFL's Fastest Man with 275 starts, 300+ games played, 54 interceptions, Green's bust was no doubt completed and installed in Canton a decade prior to this, his final game. Although he played sparingly in this game (as over the whole '02 season), Green got the ceremonial start and his snappy reverse-punt return in the second quarter was a shiny little moment that brought it all back one more time. An appropriate final bow for a true legend.
On this December afternoon, there were other farewells to be had. Redskin nemesis Emmitt Smith played his final game in a Cowboy's uniform, behind an offensive line that gave him no chance to put one last hurting on the 'Skins. And finally, this would be the last Redskin game called by the great Pat Summerall, now semi-retired and calling games with Brian Baldinger following the departure of John Madden to ABC. Referred to as "royalty in the broadcast booth" by Dallas owner Jerry Jones, Summerall called both the opener and finale of the Redskins '02 season, both wins for Washington that we're grateful to have enjoyed.
The game itself was an afterthought. The Cowboys were in such chaos by this point, their head coach stated that if the Redskins couldn't beat them on this day, they might never again. It wasn't pretty, but Washington got is long-overdue win over the Cowboys to allow "Mr. Redskin" Darrell Green to go out a winner just as it should be.
Of course, on this channel it's never a true goodbye to the fleet-footed Green, whose heroics abound in our highlight videos, with plenty more to come! HTTR!
BECOME A RETROSKINS CONTRIBUTOR! -- Do you have old 'Skins VHS or digital game recordings? If it's something I don't have in my collection, maybe I could do a remaster for you. Hit me up at RetroSkins91@gmail.com