Who Is John Riggins? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on August 4, 1949, John Riggins, now 75 years old, is a retired American football player renowned for his exceptional skills as a running back. A two-time Super Bowl champion and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Riggins played the majority of his career with the Washington Redskins, where he became a fan favorite for his remarkable playing style and charismatic personality. His journey from college football at the University of Kansas to NFL stardom has inspired many aspiring athletes.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 4, 1949 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Seneca, Kansas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
John Riggins's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
John Riggins stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and has typically played around 230 pounds (104 kg) during his career. His impressive physique contributed to his dominance on the field, allowing him to showcase both speed and power. As he ages, Riggins maintains a dedicated fitness regimen, keeping him active and healthy.
Riggins was among the top ten rushers in the American Football Conference in 1974 despite missing four games with a shoulder injury. After only four years with the Jets, he was already the fourth-leading rusher in team history with 2,875 yards.
In 1975, Riggins became the first player in franchise history to rush for 1,000 or more yards in a season. On December 21, 1975, he ran for 121 yards against the Dallas Cowboys which gave him 1,005 for the season. In what turned out to be his last season with the Jets, Riggins made his only appearance in the Pro Bowl.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, John Riggins is known to be in a happy relationship, although details about his girlfriend remain relatively private. He has previously been married, and his family has been an important part of his life. Riggins has kept his family matters relatively undisclosed, focusing more on his career and public persona.
On October 12, 2012, John with his brothers Frank (Junior) and Bill Riggins were on hand to dedicate the Centralia High School football field renaming it Riggins Field in honoring their parents, Franklin Eugene and Mildred Riggins. The Pro Football Hall of Fame dedicated a plaque and NFL Films was there to film the event.
The Riggins brothers took center field for the opening coin toss and the Centralia High School Panthers went on to beat the Troy (Kansas) High School Trojans with a final score of 55–0.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, John Riggins boasts an estimated net worth of around $5 million. This income primarily derives from his successful football career, coupled with endorsements and various business ventures. Though he no longer plays professionally, Riggins continues to engage in various projects and promotional activities that contribute to his financial stability.
Career, Business and Investments
John Riggins had a remarkable NFL career, making a name for himself as one of the best running backs in the league's history. He was famous for his decisive running and ability to break tackles, earning him the nickname "The Diesel." After retiring from professional football, Riggins ventured into sports commentary and business. He has also invested in various enterprises, including restaurants and memorabilia, further expanding his portfolio.
Robert John Riggins (born August 4, 1949), nicknamed "Riggo" and "Diesel", 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. He played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks.
Riggins was known for his "bell cow" running style and productivity well into the later years of his career. In the 1983 season, at age 34, he rushed for a then-NFL record of 24 touchdowns, a record which stood for almost 20 seasons. Riggins again led the league in rushing touchdowns during the 1984 season at age 35.
Although he earned only one Pro Bowl appearance in his career, Riggins had his greatest success in the postseason and was named MVP of Super Bowl XVII where he scored one touchdown and rushed for 166 yards in a 27–17 win for the Redskins over the Miami Dolphins. Riggins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Social Network
John Riggins maintains an active presence on social media, often engaging with fans and sharing insights into his life post-football. He can be found on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where he shares updates about his interests, community involvement, and personal anecdotes. His charismatic personality resonates well with his followers, making him a beloved figure in the sports community.
Riggins played 175 games in 14 seasons, had 13,442 total yards (11,352 rushing and 2,090 receiving) and 116 total touchdowns (104 rushing and 12 receiving). Riggins rushed over 1,000 yards five times in his career and over 100 yards in 35 games, including a then-record six in post-season. He rushed 251 times for 996 yards in the playoffs.
He also had 12 touchdowns in nine post-season contests, good for fourth all-time tied with Terrell Davis and Marshawn Lynch. He was the second player ever to rush for over 100 touchdowns in NFL history, and the first to do it since Jim Brown reached the milestone in 1965.
Education
John Riggins attended the University of Kansas, where he made a significant impact on the football team, earning accolades that eventually led him to the NFL. His college education laid the groundwork for his understanding of the game and his successful transition into professional sports. Riggins has often emphasized the importance of education in sports, encouraging young athletes to value their academic pursuits alongside their athletic endeavors.
In conclusion, John Riggins remains an influential figure in American football history, with a legacy that continues to inspire future generations. His life in 2025 showcases a blend of personal achievements, financial success, and active engagement with fans, solidifying his place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts.
While there, he was a three-sport athlete, earning high school All-American recognition in football, all-state honors in basketball and twice winning the Class B 100-yard dash state title.
