It was an honor 31 years in the making. Replacement players traveled from all around the country to Ashburn, Virginia Tuesday to attend a special ceremony at Redskins Park.
In 1987, NFL players went on strike and players refused to go on the field. So, franchise owners hired replacement players to cross the picket line. The Redskins replacement team went undefeated for the three games they played and led the Redskins to victory taking Super Bowl XXII.
Tuesday, they finally received their Superbowl rings.
“Better late than never,” said replacement quarterback Tony Robinson.
“This is a blessing,” said Willard Scissum, who played right tackle.
It wasn’t easy being a replacement player for the 1987 Redskins.
“How about Darryl Grant? He stands in front of the bus, and I’ve seen demonstrations, but never this before, he punches the window and breaks the window of the bus! Welcome to the replacement team,” recalled former Redskins General Manager Charlie Casserly.
“We saw those guys beating on the bus, but as long as they didn’t touch me I wasn’t gonna touch them,” said Scissum, “I stayed focused on what I was supposed to do and do it to the best of my ability.”
Scissum played college ball, but was working as a security guard at the 7-Eleven on North Capitol Street SW when he got the call.
“It wasn’t anything as intense as being in the 7-Elevent at night time, I can tell you that,” he laughed.
The replacement players got a share of the Super Bowl cash prize but never got their rings.
Ted Karras can now join his family's legacy because his dad has a ring with the 1963 Chicago Bears, and his son with the 2018 New England Patriots. While this ring is sweet, he already earned some jewelry as a college football coach.
“They do care and everything and we’re part of the Redskins and that our three games were important,” said Robinson.
“Without your contributions we wouldn’t be here today,” said Casserly.
