1972 Washington Redskins Roster: The NFC Champions

The 1972 Washington roster was built around veteran players who knew how to handle the tight moments. George Allen's team went 11-3, won the NFC East, and earned Washington's first Super Bowl appearance. Mike Bass was part of a defense that made the season possible, while Larry Brown, Billy Kilmer, and Charley Taylor supplied the offense that carried the club through a memorable fall.

THE TEAM THAT REACHED WASHINGTON'S FIRST SUPER BOWL

Washington's 1972 season remains a landmark because it turned a promising team into a conference champion. The club finished with an 11-3 regular-season record, scored 336 points, and allowed 218, the third-lowest total in the league. It then beat Green Bay 16-3 and Dallas 26-3 before meeting Miami in Super Bowl VII.

The roster had a clear identity. Allen leaned on experienced players, a physical running game, and a defense that made opponents work for every score. That mix matters when reading the names today. This was not a team carried by one famous highlight. The Super Bowl trip came from a group that could control a game in different ways, then stay composed when the stakes rose.

For Mike Bass, 1972 sat inside a larger Washington career that began in 1969 and lasted seven seasons. He was a regular at right cornerback on a defense that gave the offense room to win. His best-known moment came in the Super Bowl, but the roster tells the fuller story of the teammates around him.

Mike Bass making an interception during his Washington football career

THE HEADLINERS OF THE 1972 ROSTER

Larry Brown supplied the season's most valuable offensive production. He rushed for 1,216 yards and eight touchdowns, added 473 receiving yards, and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. His ability to carry the ball and contribute as a receiver made Washington difficult to defend when games tightened.

Billy Kilmer led the offense at quarterback, with veteran Sonny Jurgensen also on the roster. Kilmer did not need to chase spectacular numbers every week. On a team with a strong defense and running game, the job was to protect the football, find Charley Taylor and Roy Jefferson when the opening was there, and keep the offense on schedule.

Charley Taylor was the leading receiver, catching 49 passes for 673 yards and seven touchdowns. Roy Jefferson added a second dependable target, while Charlie Harraway gave the backfield a powerful complement to Brown.

On defense, linebacker Chris Hanburger, safety Brig Owens, cornerback Pat Fischer, and Bass helped create the backbone of the team. The group did not need to win every game with a turnover. It simply made scoring difficult, then let the offense take advantage of the field position and chances it created.

MIKE BASS AND THE WASHINGTON SECONDARY

Bass belonged to the starting secondary that made Washington hard to throw against. He had already established himself as a dependable cornerback by 1972, and he was part of the team's steady defensive structure throughout the regular season and playoffs. The 1972 club allowed 218 points, a record that reflects the collective work of the front, linebackers, and defensive backs.

Late in Super Bowl VII, Bass created the play that introduced many fans to his name. Washington blocked a Miami field-goal try, Garo Yepremian's attempted pass went into the air, and Bass returned it 49 yards for Washington's only touchdown. Read the full story behind that Super Bowl VII touchdown for the sequence that turned a loose ball into one of Washington's most remembered plays.

The play was a dramatic ending to a season of more routine, demanding work. Bass's value came from being part of a unit that held its shape, covered receivers, and made opponents earn their way down the field. That consistency helped give Washington the chance to play for a championship.

Mike Bass playing defense for Washington

1972 WASHINGTON ROSTER

The NFL's 1972 Washington roster lists the following players. This guide groups them by the roles they filled on the team, while keeping every name from the official roster together in one place.

OFFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS

Billy Kilmer, Sonny Jurgensen, Sam Wyche, Larry Brown, Charlie Harraway, Bob Brunet, George Nock, Mike Bragg, Charley Taylor, Roy Jefferson, Alvin Haymond, Clifton McNeil, Jerry Smith, Mack Alston, Jon Jaqua, Len Hauss, Paul Laaveg, Mike Fanucci, George Burman, Terry Hermeling, John Wilbur, Walt Rock, Ray Schoenke, Jeff Jordan, and Curt Knight.

DEFENSE

Mike Bass, Verlon Biggs, Bill Brundige, Speedy Duncan, Pat Fischer, Chris Hanburger, Mike Hull, Jimmie Jones, Bill Malinchak, Ron McDole, Harold McLinton, Herb Mul-key, Jack Pardee, Richie Petitbon, Myron Pottios, Jeff Severson, Manny Sistrunk, Diron Talbert, Rosey Taylor, Rusty Tillman, Ted Vactor, and Brig Owens.

Names can appear in more than one historical roster grouping because players contributed on special teams as well as offense or defense. For the exact alphabetical roster, including every player listed by the league, see the NFL's 1972 Washington roster.

WHY THIS GROUP WORKED

The 1972 roster had balance. Brown gave the offense a reliable centerpiece. Taylor and Jefferson offered proven targets. The veteran line gave the running game a chance to set the tone. Then the defense limited big plays and gave Washington a realistic path in close games.

That balance showed up in the postseason. Washington did not need a shootout against Green Bay or Dallas. It held both opponents to three points. When the team got to the Super Bowl, Bass's touchdown return showed that the defense and special teams could still create a moment when the offense needed help.

For a deeper look at the season as a whole, visit the 1972 Washington championship run and the 1972 Washington statistics reference. Together, they add the record, playoff path, and numbers behind the names on this roster.

WHERE TO GO NEXT

The roster is a useful starting point for exploring an era that still means a great deal to Washington fans. Start with Mike Bass's Washington career for the story behind his seven seasons, then see the highlights and interviews that preserve the memories of the players and moments that defined the team.

For fans and collectors who want a personal connection to that history, the signed Mike Bass collection includes photographs, cards, and a personalized football. The items carry more weight when the player's place in a championship-era roster is part of the story.

KEEP THE WASHINGTON STORY CLOSE.

Explore Mike's career, revisit the 1972 run, or find a signed piece connected to the Washington years.

EXPLORE THE CAREER ›VIEW SIGNED ITEMS ›

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who was the quarterback on the 1972 Washington team?

Billy Kilmer was Washington's primary quarterback in 1972. Veteran Sonny Jurgensen and Sam Wyche were also on the roster.

Who were the biggest stars on the 1972 Washington roster?

Running back Larry Brown, quarterback Billy Kilmer, wide receiver Charley Taylor, linebacker Chris Hanburger, and cornerback Mike Bass were among the best-known members of the 1972 NFC championship team.

How did the 1972 Washington team finish?

Washington went 11-3, won the NFC East, defeated Green Bay and Dallas in the playoffs, and reached Super Bowl VII.

Was Mike Bass on the 1972 Washington roster?

Yes. Mike Bass was a starting cornerback on the 1972 Washington team. He later returned a fumble 49 yards for Washington's only touchdown in Super Bowl VII.