Legendary former NFL cornerback Pat Fischer has died at the age of 84, the team has announced.
Fischer, a two-time First-Team All-Pro who earned three Pro Bowl selections, spent the last decade of his career with Washington – then known as the Redskins.
The Commanders said in a statement: ‘The Washington Commanders mourn the loss of Pat Fischer. Fischer was one of the greatest defensive backs in franchise history, ranking in the top 10 in both interceptions and interception return yardage.
‘Fischer is a member of the Washington Ring of Fame and was an All-Pro and Pro Bowl caliber player for the franchise during his 10-year career with Washington from 1968-77.’
Legendary former NFL cornerback Pat Fischer has passed away at the age of 84
Fischer, who played college football for Nebraska, started his NFL career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961 and went on to spend seven seasons with the team.
It was in St. Louis where he received his first two Pro Bowl selections in 1964 and 1965, while he was also named an All-Pro for the first time after the latter season.
The Nebraska-born player moved to Washington as a free agent in 1968 and went on to seal a legacy as one of the greatest defenders in the team’s history.
As well as being named an All-Pro and Pro Bowler again, Fischer helped the Redskins make it to the 1973 Super Bowl, where they were beaten by the Miami Dolphins. It proved his one and only Super Bowl appearance.
Over the course of his 17-year career, he made 213 appearances and registered a total of 56 interceptions.
Fischer’s 27 interceptions and 412 career interception return yards with Washington are the seventh and fourth highest in franchise history respectively, while his 56 interceptions are still in the NFL’s all-time top 20.