Redskins by the (Jersey) Numbers: #56 LaVar Arrington

Couretesy of Pro Football Reference

LaVar Arrington was the greatest player to wear the number 56 for the Washington Redskins. He was a staple for the Redskins defense during his time with the team 2000-2005). He was drafted by the Washington Redskins second overall in the 2000 NFL Draft.

In his seven year NFL career (Redskins and New York Giants), he recorded 357 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, one touchdown and 37 passes defensed. He also was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Redskins in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Arrington was an enforcer and play maker for the Redskins defense. I was seven years old when he got drafted in 2000 so for much of my childhood I was able to see him play. As you will see in his career highlights below, Arrington was always an explosive player with a high motor even going back to his years with the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Even though LaVar Arrington didn’t have a relatively long career with the Redskins or in the NFL, he still managed to make an impact. Injuries are what caused the end of his career. In a motorcycle accident in 2007, just a year after he was out of the NFL, broke a bone in his arm, three broken bones in his leg and had cuts and bruises when his motorcycle lost control and crashed onto a highway ramp according to ESPN.

The year before, he ruptured his Achilles tendon and only played six games with Giants that year.

Outside of football, Arrington continued to stay in the game as he became an analyst on several NFL Network morning shows.

Another notable linebacker that wore the number 56 was Perry Riley. Riley played linebacker but was also known for his play making ability on special teams.

So now it is time for you, the fans, to decide who is the greatest Redskins player wear the number 56.