B4 The Afro-American November 2, 2024 - November 8, 2024
D.C. officials honor Darrell Green with key to the city By J.Pamela Stills Special to the AFRO Two-time Super Bowl champion Darrell Green, with his family on hand, accepted a key to the city from Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Oct. 19. Family, friends, well-wishers and representatives from the Washington Commanders organization gathered at Franklin Park to celebrate Green. Green spent his entire football career with one team, playing 20 seasons for the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders. He won the Walter Payton Man-ofthe-Year award in 1996 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall
of Fame in 2008. However, these accomplishments alone did not garner the recognition and award from the city. “You get the key to the city because you’ve done a lot for the community,” said the Commanders’ limited partner, Mitchell Rales, in his speech at the celebration. In her remarks, Mayor Bowser said Green “represents D.C. values … represents the D.C. spirit: scrappy, fast, underestimated and a champion.” Before presenting Green with the key to the city, Bowser told the crowd she is stingy with the honor, bestowing it only a handful of times. In ending her remarks, Mayor
Holding his key to the city, Darrell Green implores attendees to better their communities in his acceptance speech on Oct. 19.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Darrell Green (left), accepts the key to the city from Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Washington Commanders fan Daryl Johnson witnesses NFL legend Darrell Green receive a key to the city from Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Bowser told the crowd that even though the Commanders plan to retire Green’s jersey, no one can retire his spirit. In his acceptance, Green acknowledged his family and the work he does with his wife, Jewell, to positively impact the D.C. community. Green told the crowd they all have a metaphorical piece of the “key” and he wants them to go out and serve. Green was picked in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, then went on to play as a cornerback for the Washington NFL team for 20 seasons. Green played his last NFL game in 2002 at the age of 42 against the Dallas Cowboys. Green won the NFL’s Fastest Man competition four times and holds the league record for most consecutive seasons with an interception at 19. AFRO Photos/ J. Pamela Stills
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expounds on Green’s service to the community.
Family, friends, fans and representatives from the Washington Commanders organization gather at Franklin Park to celebrate Darrell Green.
To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com