Hail Tales: Stories from Washington Football History

Hail Tales: Stories from Washington Football History

Washington football history hasn’t been told like this before. From legendary games to beloved traditions, Hail Tales sheds new light on the moments that have shaped the Burgundy & Gold. Episodes feature exclusive interviews with iconic players, media members, diehard fans and more.

Episodes

August 7, 2025 23 mins

On December 12, 1937, Washington bested the Bears at Wrigley Field to lift its first league title. That championship gave rise to a group of legends and laid the first brick of a legacy!

 

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A linebacker with a grudge, a QB who loved to air it out and an innovative kicker helped lift Washington to the kind of win the league may never see again!

 

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Ahead of Week 10 during the 1990 season, Philadelphia head coach Buddy Ryan said his team would deliver Washington a beating so bad that “they’ll have to be carted off in body bags.” What happened in that matchup left a mark on the Burgundy & Gold in more ways than one!

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A pioneer in pro sports entertainment, Washington’s marching band made its debut during the Burgundy & Gold’s first season in D.C. nearly 90 years ago. Since then, it has established fan favorite traditions and become a cherished gameday presence!

 

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In 1969, Vince Lombardi made the surprising move to join Washington as its new head coach and general manager. With his unique brand of leadership, the legendary Lombardi planted seeds that would set in motion a turnaround for the Burgundy & Gold!

 

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On September 19, 2005, Washington traveled west to Texas Stadium to face bitter rival Dallas on Monday Night Football. What unfolded in the last minutes of the game was one of the most thrilling and memorable spectacles in the last 25 years of Washington football!

 

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On December 22, 1996, Washington beat Dallas 37-10 in front of a sellout crowd. The postgame scenes were a sight to behold: fans tore up seats on their way to storming the field, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ played, a fire was set inside a helmet. The outpouring of emotion was about more than just a win over the Cowboys; it was about closing a chapter and saying goodbye to hallowed grounds that meant so much to so many.

 

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Season 1 of Hail Tales wraps up with a compilation of fun stories from the old days of training camp in Carlisle, PA.

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For 34 years, Washington held training camp at Dickinson College, a small DIII school two and a half hours outside of D.C. The two-a-days were grueling. The isolation and slower pace could be uncomfortable. Not to mention those college dorm rooms. Yet, a whole lot of fun was had. The time here made a big impact on the team and the Carlisle, PA community.

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During the 1987 season, a labor strike turned the league on its head. Players refused to take the field. Tensions flared. The NFL said the show must go on. Every team faced the same challenges, but no one rose to the occasion like Washington. What the Burgundy & Gold did during the strike period was nothing short of spectacular.

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The only NFL coach to win three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. Hall of Fame inductee. The maestro behind so many of the happiest Burgundy & Gold memories. We know the magic Joe Gibbs helped create in Washington, but what took place to get him here in the first place? Spotify: bit.ly/HailTalesSpotify Apple Podcast: bit.ly/HailTalesApple

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For decades, special teams was an over-looked part of football. Then, George Allen came along. His focus on this group left a lasting impact both in Washington and the NFL at large. Players, journalists and former front office staff talk about the late great coach. bit.ly/HailTalesSpotify bit.ly/HailTalesApple

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On January 31, 1988, Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. The lead-up to the historic moment was full of drama. Doug Williams, Joe Gibbs, former front office staff and more talk about what took place during those important days.  Hail Tales: Stories from Washington Football History Apple Podcast: bit.ly/HailTalesApple Spotify: bit.ly/HailTalesSpotify

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PREMIERE: JULY 9, 2024. Subscribe to not miss any episode this season! bit.ly/HailTalesSpotify bit.ly/HailTalesApple

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