WASHINGTON, D.C., October 19, 2024 — D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Saturday presented Washington Commanders legend Darrell Green with a ceremonial Key to the City, in recognition of his storied NFL career and contributions to the District.
The Key to the City is a symbol of civic recognition and gratitude and is considered the highest honor an individual can receive from the District.
The mayor presented the honor along with Commanders limited partner Mitch Rales, former NFL players Jared Green (Darrell’s son) and Brian Wilkins and other stakeholders in front of scores of family, friends and fans at Franklin Park in Northwest.
Green became the sixth person during the Bowser administration to receive the honor.
In her remarks, Bowser said Green “truly embodies the spirit of Washington, D.C.”
“As a two-time Super Bowl champion who spent his entire career here and continues to support our youth through the Green Family Foundation, he is a star on and off the field,” the mayor said. “We are honored to celebrate an honorary Washingtonian and a Washington legend with a key to the Sports Capital.”
Green played 20 years in the NFL, all in Washington, and is considered by sports enthusiasts to be one of the greatest cornerbacks to have ever played in the league and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. Though Green was the last player selected in the first round of the 1983 NFL draft by the Commanders, he immediately caught the attention of Washington fans.
“I am deeply honored to receive the key to this great city, Washington, D.C., a place that has given me so much throughout my life and career,” Green said. “To the community, fans, and leaders who have supported me over the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This city is more than just a place to me — it’s home. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and be part of this incredible legacy.”
In addition to being a two-time Super Bowl champion, Green has been the 1996 NFL Man of the Year and the four-time winner of the NFL’s Fastest Man competition. He still holds the league record for most consecutive seasons with an interception — 19 seasons.
“On behalf of my partners, the entire Washington Commanders organization, and all Commanders fans in the DMV and beyond, we are thrilled for Darrell to receive this honor as part of an incredible weekend for a true sports legend,” Rales said. “Darrell and his family have been cornerstones here since he joined the organization in 1983, and it has been an honor to have a front row seat to all that Darrell has accomplished throughout his career on and off the field. We look forward to continuing the celebrations as we retire his jersey number at Northwest Stadium tomorrow.”
At 42 years old, Green played his final game on Dec. 29, 2002, helping Washington defeat the Dallas Cowboys 20-14. Green retired after that season as the team’s oldest member, having played 20 seasons under six head coaches — Joe Gibbs, Richie Petitbon, Norv Turner, Terry Robiskie, Marty Schottenheimer and Steve Spurrier.
In addition to his legendary career, Darrell Green has made a lasting impact through the Green Family Foundation, formerly known as the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation, founded in 1988. The foundation provides academic and values-based education programs for children in the District, focusing on leadership development and preparing youth to become future community leaders.
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