Redskins by the (Jersey) Numbers: #75 Terry Hermeling

If we’re to believe the “Approximate Value” (AV) system used by our friends at Pro Football Reference, there is a clear-cut winner in the race for the greatest #75 in Redskins history.

Many Washington fans in 2017 have probably never heard of him.

Terry Hermeling’s relative anonymity owes to a few factors. First, he played all but the final year of his career in the 1970s. By the time Hermeling retired after the 1980 season, the NFL was only in the formative years of the popularity boom that it would ride to become America’s undisputed most popular spectator sport.

He played on the Redskins’ first Super Bowl team, but, as we all know, they came up just short against the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins. He unfortunately missed out on the bit of immortality that comes with being a World Champion.

Secondly, he was an offensive lineman, the paragons of football anonymity. There are exceptions for perennial Pro Bowl players—but Hermeling actually never made a Pro Bowl. “All” he did was turn in about a decade of very solid play for the Redskins, starting over 100 games during his time in Washington.

His play didn’t escape notice, however. Nor was it forgotten.

Hermeling was the starting left tackle for some very good seasons under George Allen. And, when Washington updated its “70 Greatest Redskins” list to add ten names for the franchise’s 80th anniversary, there was Hermeling among the greatest players in franchise history.

Despite the honor, Hermeling’s status as the greatest #75 in Redskins’ history may be in jeopardy. Brandon Scherff has already racked up 18 AV points in PFR’s scoring system in a mere three seasons. If Scherff continues to progress, he could eclipse Hermeling before he turns 30.

For now, Terry Hermeling easily holds the title of being the Redskins’ all-time best #75.