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Commanders season opener in 63 days: Washington’s best No. 63

ivan lambert
·2 min read

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 63 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 63?

Raleigh McKenzie is hands down the best player in Washington football history to wear No. 63.

In addition are two players who deserve an honorable mention.

Will Montgomery (2009-13) came to Washington following an uneventful season with the Panthers and one with the Jets. With Washington, Montgomery developed into a very dependable guard and center. The former Virginia Tech Hokie played in all 16 games in four of his five seasons in Washington, starting all 16 in the final three seasons. Montgomery scored his highest grades in the 2012 season, helping the inside running game of Alfred Morris, who gained 1,613 yards.

Rod Breedlove (1960-64), born and raised in Maryland, was drafted by the 49ers 35th overall in the 1960 NFL draft. He then was traded to Washington during the preseason. The former Maryland Terrapin proved Washington right, intercepting three passes that season. In 1962, Breedlove again intercepted three passes, recovered three fumbles and had four quarterback sacks from his linebacker position, being voted a Pro Bowler. In his five Washington seasons at linebacker, he intercepted 9 passes, recovered 5 fumbles, and registered 10.5 quarterback sacks.

Raleigh McKenzie (1985-94) was drafted by Washington in the 11th round (290) in the 1985 NFL draft. The former Tennessee Volunteer, in his first season, backed up veteran center Jeff Bostic. McKenzie’s value to the Redskins multiplied greatly as he exhibited the flexibility to play center and both guard positions during his next nine seasons in Washington. When HOF left guard Russ Grimm went down early in 1987, McKenzie stepped in mightily, starting 12 games, as Washington rolled to a 42-10 Super Bowl XXII victory over Denver. Again in 1991, Grimm was injured early, McKenzie started 14 games, and Washington went on to win Super Bowl XXVI over Buffalo. In his last three seasons with Washington, McKenzie started all 16 games at center (1992), center and right guard (1993) and right guard (1994).

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire