Washington Commanders

Super Bowl moment No. 11: John Riggins breaks free on fourth down

Published Jan. 22, 2016 11:00 a.m. ET

Alex Marvez

As we count down to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif., it's time to look back on the magical and memorable moments in the 49 previous Super Bowls. FOX Sports senior NFL writer Alex Marvez has ranked the 50 greatest moments in the big game's big history, and every weekday from now until Feb. 7 we'll unveil the latest addition to our countdown. Today, we look back at moment No. 11, when John Riggins came through with a big play that sealed the win for the Redskins in Super Bowl XVII on Jan. 30, 1983.

One of the most physical runs in Super Bowl history came from a player nicknamed "The Diesel."

On a fourth-and-1 from the Miami 43-yard line in the fourth quarter, Dolphins cornerback Don McNeal hit Washington's John Riggins squarely at the line of scrimmage, only to bounce off the Redskins running back and lose grasp of his jersey. Riggins chugged to the right sideline and finished off the "I-Right 70 Chip" play call with a 43-yard score that gave Washington its first lead of the game at 20-17.

The touchdown further deflated the Dolphins, which failed to complete a pass and produced only two first downs in the second half. Riggins set Super Bowl records for rushing yardage (166) and carries (38) to earn MVP honors.

You can watch highlights of Super Bowl XVII right here.

Final score: Washington 27, Miami 17