The Washington Commanders have appeared in five Super Bowls, capturing three victories and enduring two losses. Understanding how many Super Bowls the Commanders have won provides context for their place in NFL history.
Below is a detailed summary of the franchise’s Super Bowl record, including opponents, scores, venues, and key outcomes.
| Season | Super Bowl | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | XVII (1988) | Miami Dolphins | Win 27–17 | Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA |
| 1987 | XXII (1988) | Denver Broncos | Win 42–10 | Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, CA |
| 1988 | XXVI (1992) | Buffalo Bills | Win 37–24 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN |
| 1991 | XXVI (1992) | Buffalo Bills | Loss 24–37 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN |
| 2020 | LVII (2023) | Kansas City Chiefs | Loss 20–38 | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ |
Washington Commanders Super Bowl Victories
Super Bowl XVII Championship
In the 1982 season, the franchise then known as the Washington Redskins secured their first Super Bowl title with a decisive 27–17 victory over the Miami Dolphins at the Rose Bowl.
Super Bowl XXII Championship
During the 1987 season, the Redskins earned their second championship by defeating the Denver Broncos 42–10 in one of the highest-scoring Super Bowls ever played.
Super Bowl XXVI Championship
The 1988 season culminated in Super Bowl XXVI, where the Redskins bested the Buffalo Bills 37–24 to complete a dominant stretch and secure their third title.
Near Misses and Heartbreak
Super Bowl XXVI Loss
Just months after their XXVI victory, the Redskins returned to the big game and fell to the Bills 24–37, marking their first Super Bowl defeat.
Super Bowl LVII Loss
In the 2020 season, the team then called the Washington Football Team faced the Kansas City Chiefs and lost 20–38, extending their championship drought in the Super Bowl era.
Comparative Performance in the Super Bowl Era
When ranking NFL franchises by Super Bowl wins, the Commanders sit in a competitive tier with several teams holding three titles. Their three victories place them among the league’s most successful franchises historically, though they remain behind the all-time leaders.
Legacy and Key Takeaways
- The Commanders hold three Super Bowl championships, tying them with several elite franchises.
- All three wins occurred during the 1980s under legendary coach Joe Gibbs.
- Their most recent Super Bowl appearance ended in a 2023 loss to the Chiefs.
- No Super Bowl win has occurred since the team’s rebranding and ownership changes in the twenty-first century.
- Fan interest remains high in both historic success and future championship contention.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many Super Bowls have the Washington Commanders won?
The Washington Commanders have won three Super Bowls: XVII, XXII, and XXVI.
What was the score of their first Super Bowl win?
Their first Super Bowl win came in a 27–17 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII.
When was their most recent Super Bowl appearance?
Their most recent Super Bowl appearance was in Super Bowl LVII during the 2020 season, which they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Have the Commanders ever lost back-to-back Super Bowls?
No, the franchise has not lost back-to-back Super Bowls; their losses were separated by many years and different team rosters.