Relive the early days of indoor football with this exclusive Washington Commandos tee!
This premium throwback shirt celebrates one of the pioneering teams from the Arena Football League's inception. The Washington Commandos were one of the four original franchises when the Arena Football League launched in 1987, bringing the exciting fast-paced indoor game to the nation's capital region.
The Commandos made history by participating in the very first regular-season AFL game on June 19, 1987, narrowly losing to the Pittsburgh Gladiators 48-46 at the Civic Arena. They quickly rebounded to earn their first victory the following week against the Denver Dynamite with a 36-20 win in their home opener.
Despite playing in just a brief six-week inaugural season, the team drew impressive crowds, averaging 11,525 fans at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. The Commandos featured an exciting high-scoring offense led by quarterback Rich Ingold, who topped the league with 29 touchdown passes and 1,726 yards, along with standout receiver Dwayne Dixon (68 catches, 11 TDs).
After their initial 1987 campaign where they finished with a 2-4 record, the Commandos didn't play in 1988 but returned in 1989 as the "Maryland Commandos," going winless in a shortened season. For their final year in 1990, they reverted back to the Washington name but moved to the smaller Patriot Center at George Mason University. Their 1990 roster featured former Washington Redskins Pro Bowl wide receiver Charlie Brown and 1987 Arena MVP Russell Hairston. Despite these notable additions, the team struggled to a 2-6 record and folded quietly after the season.
Our distressed, vintage-look design captures that authentic late-80s football nostalgia with a perfectly weathered, cracked appearance that looks like it's been in your collection since the AFL's inaugural season.
Product Details:
- Premium Gildan 5000 heavy cotton (5.3 oz, 100% preshrunk)
- Classic unisex fit available in sizes S-5XL
- Multiple color options available
- Tear-away label for maximum comfort
- Vintage design printed on front only (back is blank)
- Produced using cutting-edge direct-to-garment printing technology
Perfect for Arena Football League historians, Washington sports enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates vintage memorabilia from professional football's most innovative league. Own a piece of indoor football history today!