WASHINGTON — Washington football fans are invited to celebrate one of the franchise's greatest players, this weekend. Darrell Green will have his jersey number retired during a ceremony at Northwest Stadium on Sunday. But before that, Mayor Muriel Bowser will present Green with the key to the city.
Green will join just a handful of players in franchise history to have his number retired during Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. Green, nicknamed the "The Ageless Wonder," played a record 20 seasons for the team, and is widely considered one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play the game.
Known for his speed, Green is a four-time winner of the NFL's Fastest Man Competition, was named an Associated Press All-Pro three times and was voted into seven Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, and played in two of Washington's Super Bowl victories.
"For 20 years, Darrell Green gave everything he had to this organization and fanbase. Even after retiring from the burgundy and gold, he remained committed to giving back to this community, which to this day holds him in the highest regard," said Josh Harris, of the Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient. "No one on our team will ever again wear No. 28. Thank you, Darrell, for embodying what it means to be a Washington football player, both on and off the field."
Green told WUSA9's Chick Hernandez he was completely blown away and emotional when he learned his number would be retired.
"I didn't anticipate it, I didn't expect it, I wasn't looking for it," Green said. "I humble myself to say dude I was happy. I was happy and appreciative."
Green joins Sonny Jurgensen (No. 9), Bobby Mitchell (No. 49), Sammy Baugh (No. 33), and Sean Taylor (No. 21) as the only Washington players to receive the honor.
When asked what it means that no one would wear No. 28 again, it was clear it was still sinking in for the star player, who describes himself as a sober guy.
"In this case, I'm giving myself the freedom to celebrate," he said with a pause. "I appreciate that people appreciate me."
The people are invited to show their appreciation for Green on Saturday at Franklin Park at 10 a.m.