Russ Washington

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Russ Washington
1968
 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:200
Games started:196
Fumble recoveries:7
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Russell Eugene Washington (December 17, 1946 – August 5, 2021)[1] was an American professional football offensive tackle who played for the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) from 1968 to 1982, playing his first two seasons as a defensive tackle. He was taken in the first round (4th overall) of the 1968 NFL/AFL draft. He played college football for the Missouri Tigers.

Washington was noted for his size (6 foot 6 inches, close to 300 pounds) and durability. A

offensive line that played a key role in the record-breaking Air Coryell
passing attack.

Collegiate career

Described by the

offensive tackle that year,[7] though he still played defensive end and defensive tackle sometimes when replacing injured teammates,[9] as well as some plays as a fullback.[10] Washington won numerous honors at season's end, being voted Associated Press All-Big Eight,[11] The Sporting News first-team All-American,[10] and Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) second team All-American.[12]

Professional career

Defensive tackle (1968–69)

The

defensive player of the year award.[17] Washington returned for a second year on defense,[18] but had difficulty catching opposing quarterbacks.[19]

Offensive tackle (1970–82)

San Diego switched Washington to offensive tackle in

MVP by his teammates.[26]

Washington c. 1981

Washington was voted to the

Escondido Times-Advocate article written between these seasons dubbed him "the closest thing the Chargers have to being a superstar."[30] Washington missed the Pro Bowl in 1976 but the Chargers,[26] a losing team throughout most of his career, began to improve during that season.[31] San Diego head coach Tommy Prothro had been rebuilding the team extensively, with Washington and fellow lineman Doug Wilkerson entering the 1977 season as the only two players on the roster who had been Chargers for more than three years.[a][33] Washington was again a Pro Bowler that year,[34] and also won the Forrest Gregg offensive lineman of the year award.[35] He set a new club record for consecutive appearances during 1978, passing the old record of 153 shared by Walt Sweeney and John Hadl.[36][37] As well as another Pro Bowl appearance, Washington was named a first-team All-Pro in the player-voted NEA awards.[38] With the team having improved under new head coach Don Coryell, Washington entered the 1979 season hopeful of making his first playoff appearance in his 12th year in San Diego.[39] Aided by another Pro Bowl season from Washington, the Chargers managed to clinch the AFC West division title in the final game of the season.[40] He said, "All those years, I never gave up. I'm an optimist. I always thought it would get better. I thought there would be a day like this."[41] San Diego were disappointing in the playoffs, losing at home to the Houston Oilers in their first game.[42]

In 1980 Washington missed games through injury for the first time in his professional career.[43] During a week 6 defeat to the Oakland Raiders, Washington had his left foot planted while blocking John Matuszak, and was struck from that side; his cleats caught in the turf, resulting in torn knee ligaments and a dislocated knee and kneecap. The injury put him out for the season, ending streaks of 178 consecutive appearances and 148 consecutive starts.[44] Washington was bothered by his knee for most of 1981, but he was still a standout player,[45] and played in all but three games.[46][47] The strike-shortened 1982 season proved to be Washington's last in the league. He was part of a veteran offensive line who played in every game and only allowed Fouts to be sacked twelve times in nine regular season games, despite the San Diego offense revolving around the pass.[b][49] Fouts had broken numerous passing records by this time, and gave his line a lot of the credit for this success.[50]

"I figure I've been really blessed to play as long as I have. Since I've been out of college, most of the good things that happened to me happened because I was a Charger. I have nothing to be bitter about at all."

—Washington, on being cut after fifteen years with the Chargers.[51]

Washington planned to continue his career in 1983 and signed a new contract during the offseason,[52] but was surprisingly waived in favor of Andrew Gissinger shortly before the season began.[53] San Diego made the playoffs in each of Washington's four seasons, though they never reached the Super Bowl.[54] The Chargers were less effective at pass protection after the departure of Washington and some of his fellow linemen,[48] and did not reach the playoffs again until 1992.[55]

Legacy

Standing at 6 foot 6 inches tall[c] and with a playing weight close to 300 pounds,[58][59] Washington was among the largest players of his era.[60][57] His teammates nicknames him "Big Rew" due to his initials (R.E.W.) and his size.[61] Bum Phillips, Washington's defensive coordinator during the first two years of his career, described him as "so big, he looks like a haystack with a tarpaulin thrown over it," while Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long said that facing Washington was like "trying to throw a condo." He also possessed good technique according to another opposing lineman, Jerry Mays: "Washington is not at all susceptible to being turned or twisted."[59] Teammate Ed White described him as, "an extremely fluid athlete, who stymies people, engulfs them on the line"[56]

Washington was described as quiet but friendly by both teammates and journalists,[62] with one reporter writing that he was "hard to find and easy to talk to."[36] His durability led him to start at right tackle in every game for over a decade.[27] He set franchise records for appearances (200), starts (196), consecutive appearances (178) and consecutive starts (148).[63] The Chargers inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 1995, and he was later voted to the franchise's 40th and 50th anniversary teams.[64] Other organizations to honor Washington were the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association and the San Diego-based Breitbard Hall of Fame.[20][65]

Career statistics

Season Team Pos. GP GS
1968 San Diego DT 14 12
1969 San Diego DT 14 13
1970 San Diego
T
 14 13
1971 San Diego
T
 14 14
1972 San Diego
T
 14 14
1973 San Diego
T
 14 14
1974 San Diego
T
 14 14
1975 San Diego
T
 14 14
1976 San Diego
T
 14 14
1977 San Diego
T
 14 14
1978 San Diego
T
 16 16
1979 San Diego
T
 16 16
1980 San Diego
T
 6 6
1981 San Diego
T
 13 13
1982 San Diego
T
 9 9
Career 200 196

Accolades

Collegiate

Professional

Personal life

Washington owned various businesses after retirement, including a car wash in National City, California.[67] He was married to Inez, a native of Paata.[68] Washington would spend time between seasons living on with her on Paata, an island in Chuuk State with a population of approximately 600 in 1982.[69] The couple had two children.[56]

Washington died on August 5, 2021 at the age of 74. No cause of death was given.[70]

Footnotes

  1. ^ A third, quarterback Dan Fouts, returned from a holdout later in the year.[32]
  2. ^ His fellow linemen were Billy Shields, Doug Wilkerson, Don Macek and Ed White.[48]
  3. ^ Some sources list Washington at 6 foot 7 inches.[56][57]

References

  1. ^ Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74
  2. ^ "Missouri lands Russ Washington, 6-6 K.C. star end". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. February 18, 1964. p. 4C – via newspapers.com.
  3. Maryville Daily Forum
    . March 30, 1965. p. 8 – via newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Van Valkenburg, Jim (December 22, 1965). "Facing standout quarterbacks". Springfield Leader and Press. AP. p. 31 – via newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Unlettered Mizzou hopes to write off QB worries". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. March 23, 1966. p. 28 – via newspapers.com.
  6. ^ "Missouri victim of powerful UCLA". Moberly Monitor-Index. October 3, 1966. p. 8 – via newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b "Halfbacks prime need as M.U. opens spring grid drills Monday". Jefferson City Daily Capital News. March 31, 1967. p. 10 – via newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Missouri Tigers will being practice Friday". Sedalia Democrat. September 1, 1967. p. 8 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Van Valkenburg, Jim (October 4, 1967). "Shanklin dominates all-purpose running". Sedalia Democrat. p. 4B – via newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b c "Sporting News honors MU's Washington". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. December 7, 1967. p. 2E – via newspapers.com.
  11. ^ a b "Liggins, Meylan on Big 8 squad". Jefferson City Post-Tribune. AP. November 30, 1967. p. 13 – via newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b Eddlemon, Marty (November 30, 1967). "Sports Seens". Springfield Leader and Press. p. 51 – via newspapers.com.
  13. Sacramento Bee
    . AP. January 30, 1968. p. C4 – via newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Chargers sign pick". Sacramento Bee. AP. May 19, 1968. p. D12 – via newspapers.com.
  15. Pomona Progress-Bulletin
    . UPI. September 3, 1968. p. 36 – via newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "San Diego charges by Broncos". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. AP. December 2, 1968. p. 3-C – via newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Valli, Bob (December 26, 1968). "Atkinson ties for defensive rookie prize". Oakland Tribune. p. E53 – via newspapers.com.
  18. ^ Olderman, Murray (September 5, 1969). "Pro charts". Lompoc Records. p. 9 – via newspapers.com.
  19. ^ "Chargers need stiffer defense". Great Bend Tribune. AP. September 9, 1970. p. 7 – via newspapers.com.
  20. ^ a b c d Paris, Jay (February 12, 2002). "Reliability was biggest asset of OL 'Big Rew'". Temecula Californian. pp. C-3, C-6 – via newspapers.com.
  21. San Pedro News-Pilot
    . Copley News Service. p. 11 – via newspapers.com.
  22. Roseville Press-Tribune
    . UPI. September 7, 1971. p. 9 – via newspapers.com.
  23. San Mateo Times
    . p. 15 – via newspapers.com.
  24. ^ Olderman, Murray (August 9, 1973). "Pro charts". Merced Sun-Star. p. 14 – via newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "'Juice' unanimous pick for AFC all-star team". Bristol Herald Courier. UPI. December 21, 1973. p. 16 – via newspapers.com.
  26. ^ a b Marshall, Tom (November 17, 1974). "Don't let Washington's looks fool you". Columbia Daily Tribune. p. 13 – via newspapers.com.
  27. ^ a b c d e f "Russ Washington stats". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  28. Kingsport Times
    . UPI. December 19, 1974. p. 2C – via newspapers.com.
  29. ^ Wallace, William N. (August 31, 1976). "3. San Diego Chargers". Shreveport Journal. p. 6-A – via newspapers.com.
  30. Escondido Times-Advocate. pp. B-1, B-2
    – via newspapers.com.
  31. Santa Fe New Mexican
    . p. B3 – via newspapers.com.
  32. ^ "Dan Fouts ends long holdout". Tallahassee Democrat. AP. November 19, 1977. p. 19 – via Newspapers.com.
  33. Berkeley Gazette
    . AP. September 14, 1977. p. 16 – via newspapers.com.
  34. ^ "2 Chargers get Pro Bowl bids". Escondido Times-Advocate. AP. December 16, 1977. p. A-17 – via newspapers.com.
  35. ^ a b "Gregg award to Washington". Green Bay Press-Gazette. January 19, 1978. p. C-3.
  36. ^ a b Distel, Dave (November 24, 1978). "The one sure thing". Los Angeles Times. pp. III-1, III-15 – via newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Three Chargers named to 'Bowl". Escondido Times-Advocate. AP. December 14, 1978. p. D-1 – via newspapers.com.
  38. Salisbury Daily Times
    . p. 22.
  39. ^ Felser, Larry (September 16, 1979). "Land of optimism". Buffalo News. p. C-2 – via newspapers.com.
  40. Palm Springs Desert Sun
    . Associated Press. December 13, 1979. p. B1 – via newspapers.com.
  41. ^ Spander, Art (December 18, 1979). "American dream revisited". San Francisco Examiner. p. 45 – via newspapers.com.
  42. Lancaster Sunday News
    . AP. December 30, 1979. p. C-3 – via newspapers.com.
  43. ^ "Outlook bright for fallen Washington". Escondido Times-Advocate. AP. October 14, 1980. p. D-1 – via newspapers.com.
  44. ^ Norcross, Don (August 4, 1981). "Training camp No. 14 anything but a routine for Washington". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. D-3 – via newspapers.com.
  45. Newspapers.com
    .
  46. ^ Maffei, John (November 7, 1981). "Quotebook". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. D1 – via newspapers.com.
  47. ^ "Buffalo at San Diego". Asbury Park Press. December 6, 1981. p. 50 – via newspapers.com.
  48. ^ a b Distel, Dave (December 26, 1987). "If Fouts cannot get it done for Chargers, then who can?". Los Angeles Times. pp. III-1, III-11, III-11 – via newspapers.com.
  49. Miami News. pp. 1C, 2C
    – via newspapers.com.
  50. ^ Janofsky, Michael (December 20, 1982). "Veteran linemen give Fouts protection". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 5C – via newspapers.com.
  51. ^ Norcross, Don (September 1, 1983). "Washington — bye". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. C1 – via newspapers.com.
  52. Boston Globe
    . Wire reports. July 31, 1983. p. 67 – via newspapers.com.
  53. ^ "Big names bite dust". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. UPI. August 30, 1983. p. 5C – via newspapers.com.
  54. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  55. ^ "Chargers fans get early present". North County Times. December 21, 1992. pp. C-1, C-4 – via newspapers.com.
  56. ^ a b c Janofsky, Michael. "Line is better with age". New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  57. ^ a b Olderman, Murray (September 14, 1975). "Just ask". Thousand Oaks Star. p. 18 – via newspapers.com.
  58. Kansas City Star
    . p. Sports 1 – via newspapers.com.
  59. ^ a b Richardson, Bill (November 28, 1970). "Big Russ does big job". Kansas City Times. p. 1C – via newspapers.com.
  60. ^ Olderman, Murray (August 12, 1971). "Pro charts". Austin American-Statesman. p. B14 – via newspapers.com.
  61. ^ McKinney, Jack (April 18, 1974). "Bell rings up $1.5M for Charger MVPs". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 54 – via newspapers.com.
  62. Miami News. pp. 1C, 2C
    – via newspapers.com.
  63. ^ Ooley, Geoffrey; O'Neill, Shaun (December 6, 1994). "Winslow heads picks for Chargers Hall". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. C4 – via newspapers.com.
  64. ^ a b Canepa, Nick (November 16, 2009). "Greatest Chargers list rings true". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on January 14, 2010.
  65. ^ a b McDowell, Sam. "Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association to induct second Hall of Fame class". kansascity.com. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  66. ^ Ooley, Geoffrey (September 11, 1995). "Quick hits". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. C2 – via newspapers.com.
  67. ^ Sheridan, Tom (December 6, 1994). "Winslow, Washington, Duncan to be inducted". North County Times. p. C-3 – via newspapers.com.
  68. ^ Norcross, Don (August 4, 1981). "Training camp No. 14 anything but a routine for Washington". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. D-3 – via newspapers.com.
  69. Cincinnati Post
    . p. 5C – via newspapers.com.
  70. ^ Krasovic, Tom. "Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74". San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved February 18, 2024.

External links

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