When we think of U.S. presidents, we often imagine them dealing with political crises or addressing the nation, not calling football plays. However, Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, was a passionate football fan who couldn’t resist getting involved in the game. One of the most famous stories about Nixon’s involvement with American football came when he personally suggested a play to the Washington Redskins—a call that ended in disaster.
Nixon’s Passion for Football
Richard Nixon’s love for football was well-known during his presidency. He had a deep affection for the sport, often attending games and even befriending some of the NFL’s top coaches. Nixon’s passion went beyond that of a casual fan—he was known to study playbooks and discuss strategies with coaches and players. His enthusiasm for the game, particularly for the Washington Redskins, became a hallmark of his presidency.
For Nixon, football represented a microcosm of the values he cherished: discipline, strategy, and toughness. It was no surprise, then, that he found ways to immerse himself in the sport, even while in the Oval Office.
The Infamous Play Call: Nixon and the Redskins
The most famous episode of Nixon’s involvement in football came during the 1971 NFL playoffs. At the time, the Washington Redskins were coached by George Allen, who had formed a strong bond with Nixon. Allen’s Redskins were known for their gritty, defensive-minded play, but they faced a tough opponent in the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Playoff.
Nixon, eager to contribute, reportedly called Coach Allen the night before the game to suggest a trick play that he thought could catch the 49ers off guard. The play Nixon suggested was a reverse, designed to fool the defense by having the quarterback hand the ball off to a receiver running in the opposite direction. Coach Allen, knowing Nixon’s fondness for football and perhaps sensing some good PR in taking advice from the President of the United States, decided to use the play during the game.
The Redskins lined up for Nixon’s reverse early in the game, ready to execute the president’s strategy. However, the 49ers’ defense wasn’t fooled. The play was blown up behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a significant loss of yards. The failed play became a turning point in the game, which the Redskins ultimately lost 24-20, ending their playoff run.
The Fallout: A Presidential Fumble
The story of Nixon’s failed play call quickly became part of NFL lore. While the exact details of how much influence Nixon had on the Redskins’ game plan are debated, it’s clear that his enthusiasm for the sport had crossed into a more active role than usual for a sitting president. The play’s failure, combined with the high-profile nature of the playoffs, turned what might have been a fun presidential moment into a cautionary tale about meddling in professional sports.
Nixon, for his part, took the failed play in stride. Although it became a subject of jokes and criticism, Nixon’s passion for football never wavered. He remained a devoted fan of the Redskins and continued to offer his thoughts on the game, though he stayed away from making any more play calls.
Nixon’s Relationship with Football Coaches
Nixon’s relationship with football extended beyond the Redskins. He had strong friendships with several famous coaches, including Don Shula of the Miami Dolphins and Tom Landry of the Dallas Cowboys. These relationships further solidified Nixon’s reputation as a football-loving president, and he often used football metaphors to explain his political strategies and decisions.
Though his involvement with the Redskins’ playbook didn’t go as planned, Nixon’s connections with these coaches illustrated how sports, particularly football, had become a significant part of American culture—even influencing the highest office in the land.
Legacy: Nixon’s Football Moment in American History
For international fans, the story of Nixon’s play call for the Washington Redskins offers a unique glimpse into the unusual ways in which American politics and football can intersect. While it’s rare for a president to give tactical advice to an NFL team, Nixon’s involvement reflects the passion many Americans have for football and the way the sport transcends the playing field, impacting everyday life—even at the presidential level.
Despite the failed reverse play, Nixon’s legacy as a football fan is still remembered fondly by many. His enthusiasm for the game, along with his relationships with some of the sport’s greatest minds, shows how deeply football is woven into the fabric of American life, even influencing its leaders.
When Politics and Football Collide
Richard Nixon’s infamous play call for the Washington Redskins is one of the most unique stories in the history of American football. It’s a reminder that even the President of the United States can’t resist the allure of trying to influence the outcome of a game. While the play itself may have been a failure, the story endures as a fun example of the intersection between sports and politics.