The Redskins Best 4th Round Pick: Don "The Dutchman" Warren

When most people think about the most prolific area of the Redskins offensive line (1981-1984) they think about George “Head Hog” Starke, Russ Grimm, Jeff “Bosco” Bostic, Mark May, and Joe “Jake” Jacoby; they think about John “Ground Hog” Riggins running for more than 7,400 yards behind this incredible offensive line. Of course, let’s not forget about the cornerstone of the group offensive line coach Joe “Boss Hog” Bugel, but the story of the Hogs would not be complete without mentioning one of the lesser sung Hogs Donald “The Dutchman” Warren. Don Warren is a Redskins legend in his own right not only for his amazing blocking ability, but also his ability as a receiving tight end as well. Don spent his entire career with the Redskins, which ties his tenure with the Redskins franchise for third, and he is only one of three players to play for the Redskins in three different decades. Heck, he even played with the likes of Jim Lachey, Raleigh Mckenzie, and Mark Schlereth in the second version of the Hogs offensive line. However, his biggest accolade was playing for the Redskins when they won it all three times.

In 1979 the 6’4, 242 lbs tight end out of San Diego State was drafted in the fourth round (the 103rd pick overall) by the Redskins. This kid from Bellingham, Washington, that they nicknamed “The Dutchman”, because of his unique haircut would make a lasting impression on the team for reasons more than his distinctive hair-style. Over the course of 14 years he started in 193 games with the Redskins, during those years he accrued 244 receptions for 2,536 yards and 7 touchdowns. He also average 10.4 per carry. The Hogs are considered by many to be the best offensive line of their era; they were so superb because they were like a family, a family in which Don Warren was very much a part of. This family atmosphere allowed them to gain a sense of continuity on the offensive line that led them to win the 1983, 1988, and 1992 Super Bowls. In 1992 Don Warren retired from football, when asked about the Super Bowl victories and his time with the Redskins he had this to say “the first meant the most, because no one gave us a shot”…. “I’m proudest of spending my entire career with the same team.” After his retirement Don spent a few years coaching baseball and football at Centreville High School in Centreville, Virginia. In 2005 Don Warren rejoined the Redskins, but this time he wasn’t suiting up in a burgundy and gold jersey that had his name and the number 85 on the back. This time around he would be a scout for the team. However, the reunion was short lived; in 2010 the Redskins released him. He eventually went on to become a scout for the Carolina Panthers. The amount of dedication, skill, and sportsmanship that Don Warren displayed for over a decade embody the true spirit of a Redskin. He has quietly left his signature in the autographed year book of the greatest Redskins of all time.