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* [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team]] |
* [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team]] |
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* [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame]] |
* [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame]] |
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* Second-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1967 College Football All-America Team|1967]]) |
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| statlabel1 = Games played |
| statlabel1 = Games played |
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| statvalue1 = 200 |
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'''Russell Eugene Washington''' (December 17, 1946 – August 5, 2021)<ref>[https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers-rams/story/2021-08-06/russ-washington-chargers-all-pro-tackle-death Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74]</ref> was an American professional [[American football|football]] [[Tackle (gridiron football position)|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 football|Missouri Tigers]]. |
'''Russell Eugene Washington''' (December 17, 1946 – August 5, 2021)<ref>[https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers-rams/story/2021-08-06/russ-washington-chargers-all-pro-tackle-death Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74]</ref> was an American professional [[American football|football]] [[Tackle (gridiron football position)|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 football|Missouri Tigers]]. |
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Washington was noted for his size (6 foot 6 inches, close to 300 pounds) and durability. A [[List of National Football League players who spent their entire career with one franchise|one-team man]], he played in 200 games for the Chargers, including a 148-game streak as their starting right tackle that lasted over a decade. A strong player on a weak team throughout much of his career, his only playoff appearances came in his last four seasons. During this time he was part of an experienced [[offensive line]] that played a key role in the record-breaking [[Air Coryell]] passing attack. |
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== Collegiate career == |
== Collegiate career == |
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Described by the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' as a "widely-sought recruit", Washington signed for the [[Missouri Tigers]] in 1964.<ref>{{cite news |title=Missouri lands Russ Washington, 6-6 K.C. star end |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-joins-missouri/139079229/ |newspaper=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |date=February 18, 1964 |page=4C |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> He became a starting [[defensive end]] the following year,<ref>{{cite news |title=In the world of sports |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-starting-as-so/139079362/ |newspaper=[[Maryville Daily Forum]] |date=March 30, 1965 |page=8 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> and was voted the [[Big Eight Conference football|Big Eight]] lineman of the year despite missing two games with a knee injury.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Valkenburg |first1=Jim |title=Facing standout quarterbacks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/springfield-leader-and-press-knee-injury/139079397/ |newspaper=Springfield Leader and Press |agency=AP |date=December 22, 1965 |page=31 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Unlettered Mizzou hopes to write off QB worries |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-two-way-plans/139306830/ |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=March 23, 1966 |page=28 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington scored his only career [[touchdown]] during his [[Junior (education year)|junior year]], [[blocked punt|blocking a punt]] and then returning it to the end zone during a defeat by [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Missouri victim of powerful UCLA |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/moberly-monitor-index-and-moberly-evenin/139306966/ |newspaper=[[Moberly Monitor-Index]] |date=October 3, 1966 |page=8 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> He again missed time with a knee injury that year, this time being out for six games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Halfbacks prime need as M.U. opens spring grid drills Monday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-capital-news-changed-to-ot/139307521/ |newspaper=[[News Tribune (Jefferson City)|Jefferson City Daily Capital News]] |date=March 31, 1967 |page=10 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Entering his [[Senior (education)|senior]] year, the ''[[Sedalia Democrat]]'' described Washington as one of the few "glittering stars" in the Tigers ranks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Missouri Tigers will being practice Friday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sedalia-democrat-glittering-hero/139307322/ |newspaper=[[Sedalia Democrat]] |date=September 1, 1967 |page=8 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Missouri switched him to [[offensive tackle]] that year,<ref |
Described by the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' as a "widely-sought recruit", Washington signed for the [[Missouri Tigers]] in 1964.<ref>{{cite news |title=Missouri lands Russ Washington, 6-6 K.C. star end |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-joins-missouri/139079229/ |newspaper=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |date=February 18, 1964 |page=4C |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> He became a starting [[defensive end]] the following year,<ref>{{cite news |title=In the world of sports |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-maryville-daily-forum-starting-as-so/139079362/ |newspaper=[[Maryville Daily Forum]] |date=March 30, 1965 |page=8 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> and was voted the [[Big Eight Conference football|Big Eight]] lineman of the year despite missing two games with a knee injury.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Valkenburg |first1=Jim |title=Facing standout quarterbacks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/springfield-leader-and-press-knee-injury/139079397/ |newspaper=Springfield Leader and Press |agency=AP |date=December 22, 1965 |page=31 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Unlettered Mizzou hopes to write off QB worries |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-two-way-plans/139306830/ |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=March 23, 1966 |page=28 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington scored his only career [[touchdown]] during his [[Junior (education year)|junior year]], [[blocked punt|blocking a punt]] and then returning it to the end zone during a defeat by [[UCLA Bruins football|UCLA]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Missouri victim of powerful UCLA |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/moberly-monitor-index-and-moberly-evenin/139306966/ |newspaper=[[Moberly Monitor-Index]] |date=October 3, 1966 |page=8 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> He again missed time with a knee injury that year, this time being out for six games.<ref name="prime">{{cite news |title=Halfbacks prime need as M.U. opens spring grid drills Monday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-capital-news-changed-to-ot/139307521/ |newspaper=[[News Tribune (Jefferson City)|Jefferson City Daily Capital News]] |date=March 31, 1967 |page=10 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Entering his [[Senior (education)|senior]] year, the ''[[Sedalia Democrat]]'' described Washington as one of the few "glittering stars" in the Tigers ranks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Missouri Tigers will being practice Friday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sedalia-democrat-glittering-hero/139307322/ |newspaper=[[Sedalia Democrat]] |date=September 1, 1967 |page=8 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Missouri switched him to [[offensive tackle]] that year,<ref name="prime"/> though he still played defensive end and defensive tackle sometimes when replacing injured teammates,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Van Valkenburg |first1=Jim |title=Shanklin dominates all-purpose running |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sedalia-democrat-filling-in-on-defen/139307600/ |newspaper=Sedalia Democrat |date=October 4, 1967 |page=4B |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> as well as some plays as a [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]].<ref name="tsn1">{{cite news |title=Sporting News honors MU's Washington |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-all-american-fo/139307511/ |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=December 7, 1967 |page=2E |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington won numerous honors at season's end, being voted [[Associated Press]] All-Big Eight,<ref name="big8">{{cite news |title=Liggins, Meylan on Big 8 squad |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/jefferson-city-post-tribune-all-big-eigh/139307570/ |newspaper=Jefferson City Post-Tribune |agency=AP |date=November 30, 1967 |page=13 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> ''[[The Sporting News]]'' first-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]],<ref name="tsn1"/> and [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]] (NEA) second team All-American.<ref name="nea2">{{cite news |last1=Eddlemon |first1=Marty |title=Sports Seens |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/springfield-leader-and-press-nea-second/139307617/ |newspaper=Springfield Leader and Press |date=November 30, 1967 |page=51 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> |
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== Professional career == |
== Professional career == |
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=== Defensive tackle (1968–69) === |
=== Defensive tackle (1968–69) === |
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The [[San Diego Chargers]] selected Washington fourth overall in January's |
The [[San Diego Chargers]] selected Washington fourth overall in January's 1968 NFL/AFL common draft,<ref>{{cite news |title=Linemen go fast; Saints pick Hardy |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-fourth-pick-in-the-dr/139380501/ |newspaper=[[Sacramento Bee]] |agency=AP |date=January 30, 1968 |page=C4 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> and he signed for them in May.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chargers sign pick |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-signs-for-chargers/139380438/ |newspaper=Sacramento Bee |agency=AP |date=May 19, 1968 |page=D12 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> San Diego opted to use him as a defensive lineman, hoping to improve a weak [[pass rush]] and boost a defense that had ranked last in the league the previous season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chargers' offense blooming |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/progress-bulletin-playing-defense/139380553/ |newspaper=[[Pomona Progress-Bulletin]] |agency=UPI |date=September 3, 1968 |page=36 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> During [[1968 San Diego Chargers season|his rookie season]], Washington appeared on the scoresheet for the only time in his professional career, sharing a [[Safety (gridiron football score)|safety]] with teammate [[Steve DeLong]] during a victory over the [[Denver Broncos]].<ref>{{cite news |title=San Diego charges by Broncos |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-half-a-safety/139381056/ |newspaper=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |agency=AP |date=December 2, 1968 |page=3-C |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> He received 2 of the available 29 votes for the [[American Football League]] [[National Football League Rookie of the Year Award|defensive player of the year award]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Valli |first1=Bob |title=Atkinson ties for defensive rookie prize |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/oakland-tribune-defensive-rookie-votes/139380904/ |newspaper=[[Oakland Tribune]] |date=December 26, 1968 |page=E53 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington returned for [[1969 San Diego Chargers season|a second year]] on defense,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olderman |first1=Murray |title=Pro charts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lompoc-record-ponderous/139450291/ |newspaper=Lompoc Records |date=September 5, 1969 |page=9 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> but had difficulty catching opposing quarterbacks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chargers need stiffer defense |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/great-bend-tribune-reason-for-move/139450549/ |newspaper=Great Bend Tribune |agency=AP |date=September 9, 1970 |page=7 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> |
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=== Offensive tackle (1970–82) === |
=== Offensive tackle (1970–82) === |
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San Diego switched Washington to offensive tackle in [[1970 San Diego Chargers season|1970]] after a [[training camp]] session where he filled in for the injured [[Gene Ferguson]].<ref name="bbhof">{{cite news |last1=Paris |first1=Jay |title=Reliability was biggest asset of OL 'Big Rew' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-breitbard/140273364/ |newspaper=[[North County Times|Temecula Californian]] |date=February 12, 2002 |pages=C-3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-breitbard/140273299/ C-6] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> In one of his first games at the new position he was repeatedly beaten by [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] defensive end [[Deacon Jones]], who had three sacks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Jack |title=Chargers don't want to ponder 1975 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-pilot-struggles-with-deacon/139450648/ |newspaper=[[San Pedro News-Pilot]] |agency=Copley News Service |date=October 5, 1970 |page=11 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Entering [[1971 San Diego Chargers season|1971]], a [[United Press International]] (UPI) article listed Washington's ability to master offensive tackle as a question mark that would determine the line's effectiveness;<ref>{{cite news |title=Trades give Chargers 'new look' for '71 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-press-tribune-question-mark/139591339/ |newspaper=[[Roseville Press-Tribune]] |agency=UPI |date=September 7, 1971 |page=9 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> they went on to lead the [[American Football Conference|AFC]] in [[pass protection]], allowing 19 sacks in 14 games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bluth |first1=Jack |title=49ers vs. Chargers—an improvement test |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-led-afc-in-1971/139591485/ |newspaper=[[San Mateo Times]] |date=September 16, 1972 |page=15 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> After the [[1972 San Diego Chargers season|1972]] season, |
San Diego switched Washington to offensive tackle in [[1970 San Diego Chargers season|1970]] after a [[training camp]] session where he filled in for the injured [[Gene Ferguson]].<ref name="bbhof">{{cite news |last1=Paris |first1=Jay |title=Reliability was biggest asset of OL 'Big Rew' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-breitbard/140273364/ |newspaper=[[North County Times|Temecula Californian]] |date=February 12, 2002 |pages=C-3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-breitbard/140273299/ C-6] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> In one of his first games at the new position he was repeatedly beaten by [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] defensive end [[Deacon Jones]], who had three sacks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Jack |title=Chargers don't want to ponder 1975 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-pilot-struggles-with-deacon/139450648/ |newspaper=[[San Pedro News-Pilot]] |agency=Copley News Service |date=October 5, 1970 |page=11 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Entering [[1971 San Diego Chargers season|1971]], a [[United Press International]] (UPI) article listed Washington's ability to master playing at offensive tackle as a question mark that would determine the line's effectiveness;<ref>{{cite news |title=Trades give Chargers 'new look' for '71 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-press-tribune-question-mark/139591339/ |newspaper=[[Roseville Press-Tribune]] |agency=UPI |date=September 7, 1971 |page=9 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> they went on to lead the [[American Football Conference|AFC]] in [[pass protection]], allowing 19 sacks in 14 games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bluth |first1=Jack |title=49ers vs. Chargers—an improvement test |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-led-afc-in-1971/139591485/ |newspaper=[[San Mateo Times]] |date=September 16, 1972 |page=15 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> After the [[1972 San Diego Chargers season|1972]] season, sports journalist [[Murray Olderman]] rated the offense line as probably the Chargers' best unit and "comparable with any in the league."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olderman |first1=Murray |title=Pro charts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/merced-sun-star-line-in-1972/139591584/ |newspaper=[[Merced Sun-Star]] |date=August 9, 1973 |page=14 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington earned an individual honor in [[1973 San Diego Chargers season|1973]], as UPI placed him in their All-AFC second team.<ref>{{cite news |title='Juice' unanimous pick for AFC all-star team |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-upi-second-team-1/139591616/ |newspaper=[[Bristol Herald Courier]] |agency=UPI |date=December 21, 1973 |page=16 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> He was also voted the Chargers' [[Most Valuable Player|MVP]] by his teammates.<ref name="looks">{{cite news |last1=Marshall |first1=Tom |title=Don't let Washington's looks fool you |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/columbia-daily-tribune-1974-profile/139591993/ |newspaper=[[Columbia Daily Tribune]] |date=November 17, 1974 |page=13 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> |
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[[File:Russ Washington circa 1981.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Washington {{circa}} 1981]] |
[[File:Russ Washington circa 1981.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Washington {{circa}} 1981]] |
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Washington was voted to the [[Pro Bowl]] five times in the six-year period from 1974 to 1979.<ref>{{cite web |title=Russ Washington stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WashRu00.htm |website=pro-football-reference.com |access-date=February 14, 2024}}</ref> In the first two of these, [[1974 San Diego Chargers season|1974]] and [[1975 San Diego Chargers season|1975]], he was the only player on his team to gain the honor;<ref>{{cite news |title=Miami, Oakland top selections for Pro Bowl game |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-first-pro-bowl/139591821/ |newspaper=[[Kingsport Times]] |agency=UPI |date=December 19, 1974 |page=2C |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=William N. |title=3. San Diego Chargers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-shreveport-journal-lone-pro-bowler-c/139949432/ |newspaper=[[Shreveport Journal]] |date=August 31, 1976 |page=6-A |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> an ''[[Escondido Times-Advocate]]'' article written between these seasons dubbed him "the closest thing the Chargers have to being a superstar."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mack |first1=Charlie |title=Washington one Charger who can afford to relax |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-1975-profile/139949191/ |newspaper=[[Escondido Times-Advocate]] |date=August 10, 1975 |pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-1975-profile/139949184/ B-2] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington missed the Pro Bowl in [[1976 San Diego Chargers season|1976]] but the Chargers,<ref name="looks"/> a losing team throughout most of his career, began to improve during |
Washington was voted to the [[Pro Bowl]] five times in the six-year period from 1974 to 1979.<ref name="stats">{{cite web |title=Russ Washington stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WashRu00.htm |website=pro-football-reference.com |access-date=February 14, 2024}}</ref> In the first two of these, [[1974 San Diego Chargers season|1974]] and [[1975 San Diego Chargers season|1975]], he was the only player on his team to gain the honor;<ref>{{cite news |title=Miami, Oakland top selections for Pro Bowl game |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kingsport-times-first-pro-bowl/139591821/ |newspaper=[[Kingsport Times]] |agency=UPI |date=December 19, 1974 |page=2C |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wallace |first1=William N. |title=3. San Diego Chargers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-shreveport-journal-lone-pro-bowler-c/139949432/ |newspaper=[[Shreveport Journal]] |date=August 31, 1976 |page=6-A |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> an ''[[Escondido Times-Advocate]]'' article written between these seasons dubbed him "the closest thing the Chargers have to being a superstar."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mack |first1=Charlie |title=Washington one Charger who can afford to relax |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-1975-profile/139949191/ |newspaper=[[Escondido Times-Advocate]] |date=August 10, 1975 |pages=B-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-1975-profile/139949184/ B-2] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington missed the Pro Bowl in [[1976 San Diego Chargers season|1976]] but the Chargers,<ref name="looks"/> a losing team throughout most of his career, began to improve during that season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Magee |first1=Jerry |title=San Diego off to a startling start |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-santa-fe-new-mexican-chargers-in-197/139949402/ |newspaper=[[Santa Fe New Mexican]] |date=September 30, 1976 |page=B3 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> San Diego head coach [[Tommy Prothro]] had been rebuilding the team extensively, with Washington and fellow lineman [[Doug Wilkerson]] entering the [[1977 San Diego Chargers season|1977]] season as the only two players on the roster who had been Chargers for more than three years.{{efn|A third, quarterback [[Dan Fouts]], returned from a holdout later in the year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dan Fouts ends long holdout |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/93834894/fouts-ends-holdout-19-nov-1977/ |agency=AP |page=19 |newspaper=[[Tallahassee Democrat]] |date=November 19, 1977 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Prothro retains only 2 from '74 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-berkeley-gazette-one-of-three/139950015/ |newspaper=[[Berkeley Gazette]] |agency=AP |date=September 14, 1977 |page=16 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington was again a Pro Bowler that year,<ref>{{cite news |title=2 Chargers get Pro Bowl bids |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-1977-pro-bowl/139950033/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |agency=AP |date=December 16, 1977 |page=A-17 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> and also won the [[Forrest Gregg]] offensive lineman of the year award.<ref name="fga">{{cite news |title=Gregg award to Washington |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-gregg-award-winn/140968264/ |work=[[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] |date=January 19, 1978 |page=C-3}}</ref> He set a new club record for consecutive appearances during [[1978 San Diego Chargers season|1978]], passing the old record of 153 shared by [[Walt Sweeney]] and [[John Hadl]].<ref name="sure">{{cite news |last1=Distel |first1=Dave |title=The one sure thing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-1978-profile/140017623/ |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 24, 1978 |pages=III-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-1978-profile/140017611/ III-15] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Three Chargers named to 'Bowl |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-1978-pro-bowl/140017503/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |agency=AP |date=December 14, 1978 |page=D-1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> As well as another Pro Bowl appearance, Washington was named a first-team [[All-Pro]] in the player-voted NEA awards.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olderman |first1=Murray |title=Seahawks' quarterback Zorn tops NEA All-Pro grid team |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times-nea-first-team/141020984/ |work=[[Salisbury Daily Times]] |date=January 10, 1979 |page=22}}</ref> With the team having improved under new head coach [[Don Coryell]], Washington entered the [[1979 San Diego Chargers season|1979]] season hopeful of making his first playoff appearance in his 12th year in San Diego.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Felser |first1=Larry |title=Land of optimism |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-yet-to-make-playoffs/140018344/ |newspaper=Buffalo News |date=September 16, 1979 |page=C-2 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Steelers dominate AFC unit |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-desert-sun-1979-pro-bowl/140018064/ |newspaper=[[Palm Springs Desert Sun]] |agency=Associated Press |date=December 13, 1979 |page=B1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Spander |first1=Art |title=American dream revisited |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-divisional-ti/140018276/ |newspaper=San Francisco Examiner |date=December 18, 1979 |page=45 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> San Diego were disappointing in the playoffs, losing at home to the [[Houston Oilers]] in their first game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Phillips: 'character exhibited' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119690816/chargers-17-14-oilers/ |newspaper=[[Lancaster Sunday News]] |agency=AP |date=December 30, 1979 |page=C-3 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> |
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In [[1980 San Diego Chargers season|1980]] Washington missed games through injury for the first time in his professional career.<ref>{{cite news |title=Outlook bright for fallen Washington |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-knee-injury/140086899/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |agency=AP |date=October 14, 1980 |page=D-1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> 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 [[Cleat (shoe)|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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Norcross |first1=Don |title=Training camp No. 14 anything but a routine for Washington |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-recovery/140089038/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=August 4, 1981 |page=D-3 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington was bothered by his knee for most of [[1981 San Diego Chargers season|1981]], but he was still a standout player,<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Mattei|title=Look for many changes in Chargers' 1982 edition|date=January 14, 1982|newspaper=Times-Advocate|pages= [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-chargers-1981-wrap-up/136318887/ D1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/138222180/ D2]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-chargers-1981-wrap-up/136318887/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 7, 2024}}</ref> and played in all but three games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maffei |first1=John |title=Quotebook |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-knee-injured-again/140198285/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=November 7, 1981 |page=D1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Buffalo at San Diego |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-sore-knee/140198805/ |newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]] |date=December 6, 1981 |page=50 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The strike-shortened [[1982 San Diego Chargers season|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.<ref name="sacks">{{cite news |last1=Distel |first1=Dave |title=If Fouts cannot get it done for Chargers, then who can? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-fouts-near-retirem/140236878/ |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=December 26, 1987 |pages=III-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-fouts-near-retirem/140236933/ III-11], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-fouts-near-retirem/140236983/ III-11] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Magee |first1=Jerry |title=No man is an island - yet |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news-1983-profile/140225958/ |newspaper=[[Miami News]] |date=January 12, 1983 |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news-1983-profile/140225949/ 2C] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> |
In [[1980 San Diego Chargers season|1980]] Washington missed games through injury for the first time in his professional career.<ref>{{cite news |title=Outlook bright for fallen Washington |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-knee-injury/140086899/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |agency=AP |date=October 14, 1980 |page=D-1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> 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 [[Cleat (shoe)|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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Norcross |first1=Don |title=Training camp No. 14 anything but a routine for Washington |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-recovery/140089038/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=August 4, 1981 |page=D-3 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington was bothered by his knee for most of [[1981 San Diego Chargers season|1981]], but he was still a standout player,<ref>{{cite news|first=John|last=Mattei|title=Look for many changes in Chargers' 1982 edition|date=January 14, 1982|newspaper=Times-Advocate|pages= [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-chargers-1981-wrap-up/136318887/ D1], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate/138222180/ D2]|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-chargers-1981-wrap-up/136318887/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=January 7, 2024}}</ref> and played in all but three games.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maffei |first1=John |title=Quotebook |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-knee-injured-again/140198285/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=November 7, 1981 |page=D1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Buffalo at San Diego |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-sore-knee/140198805/ |newspaper=[[Asbury Park Press]] |date=December 6, 1981 |page=50 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The strike-shortened [[1982 San Diego Chargers season|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.{{efn|His fellow linemen were [[Billy Shields]], [[Doug Wilkerson]], [[Don Macek]] and [[Ed White (American football)|Ed White]].<ref name="sacks">{{cite news |last1=Distel |first1=Dave |title=If Fouts cannot get it done for Chargers, then who can? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-fouts-near-retirem/140236878/ |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=December 26, 1987 |pages=III-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-fouts-near-retirem/140236933/ III-11], [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-fouts-near-retirem/140236983/ III-11] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Magee |first1=Jerry |title=No man is an island - yet |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news-1983-profile/140225958/ |newspaper=[[Miami News]] |date=January 12, 1983 |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news-1983-profile/140225949/ 2C] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Fouts had broken numerous passing records by this time, and gave his line a lot of the credit for this success.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Janofsky |first1=Michael |title=Veteran linemen give Fouts protection |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-offensive-line/94263609/ |newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=December 20, 1982 |page=5C |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> |
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{{quote box|align=right|width=30%|style=padding:10px|quote="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."|source=—Washington, on being cut after fifteen years with the Chargers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Norcross |first1=Don |title=Washington — bye |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-quote-on-waiving/140229712/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=September 1, 1983 |page=C1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>}} |
{{quote box|align=right|width=30%|style=padding:10px|quote="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."|source=—Washington, on being cut after fifteen years with the Chargers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Norcross |first1=Don |title=Washington — bye |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-quote-on-waiving/140229712/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=September 1, 1983 |page=C1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref>}} |
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=== Legacy === |
=== Legacy === |
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Standing at 6 foot |
Standing at 6 foot 6 inches tall{{efn|Some sources list Washington at 6 foot 7 inches.<ref name="nyt"/><ref name="biggest"/>}} and with a playing weight close to 300 pounds,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Richardson |first1=Bill |title=Countdown to season opener begins for Chiefs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-big-line/139450274/ |newspaper=[[Kansas City Star]] |date=September 14, 1969 |page=Sports 1 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="big">{{cite news |last1=Richardson |first1=Bill |title=Big Russ does big job |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-mays-assessment/139450468/ |newspaper=Kansas City Times |date=November 28, 1970 |page=1C |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Washington was among the largest players of his era.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olderman |first1=Murray |title=Pro charts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/austin-american-statesman-use-beef/139591371/ |newspaper=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |date=August 12, 1971 |page=B14 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="biggest">{{cite news |last1=Olderman |first1=Murray |title=Just ask |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/thousand-oaks-star-sheer-bulk/139949106/ |newspaper=[[Ventura County Star|Thousand Oaks Star]] |date=September 14, 1975 |page=18 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> His teammates nicknames him "Big Rew" due to his initials (R.E.W.) and his size.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McKinney |first1=Jack |title=Bell rings up $1.5M for Charger MVPs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/philadelphia-daily-news-nickname/139591895/ |newspaper=[[Philadelphia Daily News]] |date=April 18, 1974 |page=54 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> [[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 [[Condominium|condo]]." He also possessed good technique according to another opposing lineman, [[Jerry Mays (defensive lineman)|Jerry Mays]]: "Washington is not at all susceptible to being turned or twisted."<ref name="big"/> Teammate [[Ed White (American football)|Ed White]] described him as, "an extremely fluid athlete, who stymies people, engulfs them on the line"<ref name="nyt"/> |
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Washington was described as quiet but friendly by both teammates and journalists,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Magee |first1=Jerry |title=No man is an island - yet |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news-1983-profile/140225958/ |newspaper=[[Miami News]] |date=January 12, 1983 |pages=1C, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-news-1983-profile/140225949/ 2C] |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> with one reporter writing that he was "hard to find and easy to talk to."<ref name="sure"/> His durability led him to start at right tackle in every game for over a decade.<ref name="stats"/> He set franchise records for appearances (200), starts (196), consecutive appearances (178) and consecutive starts (148).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ooley |first1=Geoffrey |last2=O'Neill |first2=Shaun |title=Winslow heads picks for Chargers Hall |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-car-wash/140239350/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=December 6, 1994 |page=C4 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The Chargers inducted him into their [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] in 1995, and he was later voted to the franchise's 40th and 50th anniversary teams.<ref name="50th"/> Other organizations to honor Washington were the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association and the San Diego-based [[San Diego Hall of Champions|Breitbard Hall of Fame]].<ref name="bbhof"/><ref name="kchof"/> |
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=== Career statistics === |
=== Career statistics === |
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== Accolades == |
== Accolades == |
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=== Collegiate === |
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Washington was selected 2nd Team [[All-Pro]] twice in his career (1979 and 1982), 1st Team All-AFC in 1974 and 1978 and 2nd Team All-AFC in 1973 and 1977. He was selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] on five occasions 1974–75 and 1977–79 and won the [[Forrest Gregg]] Award as the NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year for 1977. |
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*[[Associated Press|AP]] All-Big Eight ([[1967 All-Big Eight Conference football team|1967]])<ref name="big8"/> |
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⚫ | |||
*[[The Sporting News|TSN]] first-team [[College Football All-America Team|All-American]] ([[1967 College Football All-America Team|1967]])<ref name="tsn1"/> |
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*[[Newspaper Enterprise Association|NEA]] second-team All-American ([[1967 College Football All-America Team|1967]])<ref name="nea2"/> |
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=== Professional === |
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* 2x AP second-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1979 All-Pro Team|1979]], [[1982 All-Pro Team|1982]])<ref name="stats"/> |
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* NEA first-team All-Pro ([[1978 All-Pro Team|1978]])<ref name="stats"/> |
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* 2x NEA second-team All-Pro ([[1974 All-Pro Team|1974]], [[1979 All-Pro Team|1979]])<ref name="stats"/> |
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* 5× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1975 Pro Bowl|1974]], [[1976 Pro Bowl|1975]], [[1978 Pro Bowl|1977]], [[1979 Pro Bowl|1978]], [[1980 Pro Bowl|1979]])<ref name="stats"/> |
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* Forrest Gregg Offensive Lineman of the Year (1977)<ref name="fga"/> |
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* [[Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame]] (1995)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ooley |first1=Geoffrey |title=Quick hits |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-duncan-inducted/110260660/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=September 11, 1995 |page=C2 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> |
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* [[San Diego Hall of Champions|Breitbard Hall of Fame]] (2002)<ref name="bbhof"/> |
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⚫ | * Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2016)<ref name="kchof">{{cite web |last1=McDowell |first1=Sam |title=Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association to induct second Hall of Fame class |url=https://www.kansascity.com/sports/high-school/article75160732.html |website=kansascity.com |access-date=February 17, 2024}}</ref> |
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* [[San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team]]<ref name="bbhof"/> |
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* [[San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team]]<ref name="50th">{{cite news |last=Canepa|first=Nick |title=Greatest Chargers list rings true |date=November 16, 2009 |newspaper=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]] |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/16/this-chargers-list-rings-true-canepa/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114050717/http://signonsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/16/this-chargers-list-rings-true-canepa/ |url-status=dead|archivedate=January 14, 2010}}</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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Washington owned various businesses after retirement, including a car wash in [[National City, California]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sheridan |first1=Tom |title=Winslow, Washington, Duncan to be inducted |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times-three-inducted/140239592/ |newspaper=[[North County Times]] |date=December 6, 1994 |page=C-3 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> He was married to Inez, a native of [[Chuuk State#Municipalities|Paata]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Norcross |first1=Don |title=Training camp No. 14 anything but a routine for Washington |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-recovery/140089038/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=August 4, 1981 |page=D-3 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harmon |first1=Pat |title=Chargers' tackle calls South Sea island home |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-cincinnati-post-1982-profile/140200065/ |newspaper=[[Cincinnati Post]] |date=January 8, 1982 |page=5C |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The couple had two children.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news |last1=Janofsky |first1=Michael |title=Line is better with age |work=The New York Times |date=20 December 1982 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/20/sports/line-is-better-with-age.html |access-date=February 18, 2024}}</ref> |
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He later owned a car wash in [[National City, California]]. |
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Washington died on August 5, 2021 at the age of 74. No cause of death was given.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Krasovic |first1=Tom |title=Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74 |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers-rams/story/2021-08-06/russ-washington-chargers-all-pro-tackle-death |website=San Diego Union Tribune |date=7 August 2021 |access-date=February 18, 2024}}</ref> |
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== |
== Footnotes == |
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{{notelist|50em}} |
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*[[List of American Football League players|Other American Football League players]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
Latest revision as of 20:28, 29 April 2024
No. 85, 70 | |||||||
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Position: | Offensive tackle | ||||||
Personal information | |||||||
Born: | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | December 17, 1946||||||
Died: | August 5, 2021 San Diego, California, U.S. | (aged 74)||||||
Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | ||||||
Weight: | 289 lb (131 kg) | ||||||
Career information | |||||||
High school: | Southeast (Kansas City, Missouri) | ||||||
College: | Missouri | ||||||
NFL draft: | 1968 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4 | ||||||
Career history | |||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||
| |||||||
Career NFL statistics | |||||||
| |||||||
Player stats at 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 one-team man, he played in 200 games for the Chargers, including a 148-game streak as their starting right tackle that lasted over a decade. A strong player on a weak team throughout much of his career, his only playoff appearances came in his last four seasons. During this time he was part of an experienced offensive line that played a key role in the record-breaking Air Coryell passing attack.
Collegiate career
Described by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as a "widely-sought recruit", Washington signed for the Missouri Tigers in 1964.[2] He became a starting defensive end the following year,[3] and was voted the Big Eight lineman of the year despite missing two games with a knee injury.[4][5] Washington scored his only career touchdown during his junior year, blocking a punt and then returning it to the end zone during a defeat by UCLA.[6] He again missed time with a knee injury that year, this time being out for six games.[7] Entering his senior year, the Sedalia Democrat described Washington as one of the few "glittering stars" in the Tigers ranks.[8] Missouri switched him to 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 San Diego Chargers selected Washington fourth overall in January's 1968 NFL/AFL common draft,[13] and he signed for them in May.[14] San Diego opted to use him as a defensive lineman, hoping to improve a weak pass rush and boost a defense that had ranked last in the league the previous season.[15] During his rookie season, Washington appeared on the scoresheet for the only time in his professional career, sharing a safety with teammate Steve DeLong during a victory over the Denver Broncos.[16] He received 2 of the available 29 votes for the American Football League 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 1970 after a training camp session where he filled in for the injured Gene Ferguson.[20] In one of his first games at the new position he was repeatedly beaten by Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones, who had three sacks.[21] Entering 1971, a United Press International (UPI) article listed Washington's ability to master playing at offensive tackle as a question mark that would determine the line's effectiveness;[22] they went on to lead the AFC in pass protection, allowing 19 sacks in 14 games.[23] After the 1972 season, sports journalist Murray Olderman rated the offense line as probably the Chargers' best unit and "comparable with any in the league."[24] Washington earned an individual honor in 1973, as UPI placed him in their All-AFC second team.[25] He was also voted the Chargers' MVP by his teammates.[26]
Washington was voted to the Pro Bowl five times in the six-year period from 1974 to 1979.[27] In the first two of these, 1974 and 1975, he was the only player on his team to gain the honor;[28][29] an 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
- AP All-Big Eight (1967)[11]
- TSN first-team All-American (1967)[10]
- NEA second-team All-American (1967)[12]
Professional
- 2x AP second-team All-Pro (1979, 1982)[27]
- NEA first-team All-Pro (1978)[27]
- 2x NEA second-team All-Pro (1974, 1979)[27]
- 5× Pro Bowl (1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979)[27]
- Forrest Gregg Offensive Lineman of the Year (1977)[35]
- Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame (1995)[66]
- Breitbard Hall of Fame (2002)[20]
- Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2016)[65]
- San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team[20]
- San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team[64]
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
References
- ^ Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74
- ^ "Missouri lands Russ Washington, 6-6 K.C. star end". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. February 18, 1964. p. 4C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "In the world of sports". Maryville Daily Forum. March 30, 1965. p. 8 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Van Valkenburg, Jim (December 22, 1965). "Facing standout quarterbacks". Springfield Leader and Press. AP. p. 31 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Unlettered Mizzou hopes to write off QB worries". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. March 23, 1966. p. 28 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Missouri victim of powerful UCLA". Moberly Monitor-Index. October 3, 1966. p. 8 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Missouri Tigers will being practice Friday". Sedalia Democrat. September 1, 1967. p. 8 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Van Valkenburg, Jim (October 4, 1967). "Shanklin dominates all-purpose running". Sedalia Democrat. p. 4B – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "Sporting News honors MU's Washington". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. December 7, 1967. p. 2E – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Liggins, Meylan on Big 8 squad". Jefferson City Post-Tribune. AP. November 30, 1967. p. 13 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Eddlemon, Marty (November 30, 1967). "Sports Seens". Springfield Leader and Press. p. 51 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Linemen go fast; Saints pick Hardy". Sacramento Bee. AP. January 30, 1968. p. C4 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Chargers sign pick". Sacramento Bee. AP. May 19, 1968. p. D12 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Chargers' offense blooming". Pomona Progress-Bulletin. UPI. September 3, 1968. p. 36 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "San Diego charges by Broncos". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. AP. December 2, 1968. p. 3-C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Valli, Bob (December 26, 1968). "Atkinson ties for defensive rookie prize". Oakland Tribune. p. E53 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Olderman, Murray (September 5, 1969). "Pro charts". Lompoc Records. p. 9 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Chargers need stiffer defense". Great Bend Tribune. AP. September 9, 1970. p. 7 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Murphy, Jack (October 5, 1970). "Chargers don't want to ponder 1975". San Pedro News-Pilot. Copley News Service. p. 11 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Trades give Chargers 'new look' for '71". Roseville Press-Tribune. UPI. September 7, 1971. p. 9 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Bluth, Jack (September 16, 1972). "49ers vs. Chargers—an improvement test". San Mateo Times. p. 15 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Olderman, Murray (August 9, 1973). "Pro charts". Merced Sun-Star. p. 14 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "'Juice' unanimous pick for AFC all-star team". Bristol Herald Courier. UPI. December 21, 1973. p. 16 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Marshall, Tom (November 17, 1974). "Don't let Washington's looks fool you". Columbia Daily Tribune. p. 13 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c d e f "Russ Washington stats". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ "Miami, Oakland top selections for Pro Bowl game". Kingsport Times. UPI. December 19, 1974. p. 2C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Wallace, William N. (August 31, 1976). "3. San Diego Chargers". Shreveport Journal. p. 6-A – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Mack, Charlie (August 10, 1975). "Washington one Charger who can afford to relax". Escondido Times-Advocate. pp. B-1, B-2 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Magee, Jerry (September 30, 1976). "San Diego off to a startling start". Santa Fe New Mexican. p. B3 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Dan Fouts ends long holdout". Tallahassee Democrat. AP. November 19, 1977. p. 19 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Prothro retains only 2 from '74". Berkeley Gazette. AP. September 14, 1977. p. 16 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "2 Chargers get Pro Bowl bids". Escondido Times-Advocate. AP. December 16, 1977. p. A-17 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Gregg award to Washington". Green Bay Press-Gazette. January 19, 1978. p. C-3.
- ^ a b Distel, Dave (November 24, 1978). "The one sure thing". Los Angeles Times. pp. III-1, III-15 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Three Chargers named to 'Bowl". Escondido Times-Advocate. AP. December 14, 1978. p. D-1 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Olderman, Murray (January 10, 1979). "Seahawks' quarterback Zorn tops NEA All-Pro grid team". Salisbury Daily Times. p. 22.
- ^ Felser, Larry (September 16, 1979). "Land of optimism". Buffalo News. p. C-2 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Steelers dominate AFC unit". Palm Springs Desert Sun. Associated Press. December 13, 1979. p. B1 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Spander, Art (December 18, 1979). "American dream revisited". San Francisco Examiner. p. 45 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Phillips: 'character exhibited'". Lancaster Sunday News. AP. December 30, 1979. p. C-3 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Outlook bright for fallen Washington". Escondido Times-Advocate. AP. October 14, 1980. p. D-1 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Norcross, Don (August 4, 1981). "Training camp No. 14 anything but a routine for Washington". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. D-3 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Mattei, John (January 14, 1982). "Look for many changes in Chargers' 1982 edition". Times-Advocate. pp. D1, D2. Retrieved January 7, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Maffei, John (November 7, 1981). "Quotebook". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. D1 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Buffalo at San Diego". Asbury Park Press. December 6, 1981. p. 50 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Magee, Jerry (January 12, 1983). "No man is an island - yet". Miami News. pp. 1C, 2C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Janofsky, Michael (December 20, 1982). "Veteran linemen give Fouts protection". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. p. 5C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Norcross, Don (September 1, 1983). "Washington — bye". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. C1 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "NFL roundup". Boston Globe. Wire reports. July 31, 1983. p. 67 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Big names bite dust". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. UPI. August 30, 1983. p. 5C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ "Chargers fans get early present". North County Times. December 21, 1992. pp. C-1, C-4 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c Janofsky, Michael (20 December 1982). "Line is better with age". The New York Times. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
- ^ a b Olderman, Murray (September 14, 1975). "Just ask". Thousand Oaks Star. p. 18 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Richardson, Bill (September 14, 1969). "Countdown to season opener begins for Chiefs". Kansas City Star. p. Sports 1 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ a b Richardson, Bill (November 28, 1970). "Big Russ does big job". Kansas City Times. p. 1C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Olderman, Murray (August 12, 1971). "Pro charts". Austin American-Statesman. p. B14 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ McKinney, Jack (April 18, 1974). "Bell rings up $1.5M for Charger MVPs". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 54 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Magee, Jerry (January 12, 1983). "No man is an island - yet". Miami News. pp. 1C, 2C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Ooley, Geoffrey; O'Neill, Shaun (December 6, 1994). "Winslow heads picks for Chargers Hall". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. C4 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b McDowell, Sam. "Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association to induct second Hall of Fame class". kansascity.com. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
- ^ Ooley, Geoffrey (September 11, 1995). "Quick hits". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. C2 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Sheridan, Tom (December 6, 1994). "Winslow, Washington, Duncan to be inducted". North County Times. p. C-3 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Norcross, Don (August 4, 1981). "Training camp No. 14 anything but a routine for Washington". Escondido Times-Advocate. p. D-3 – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Harmon, Pat (January 8, 1982). "Chargers' tackle calls South Sea island home". Cincinnati Post. p. 5C – via newspapers.com.
- ^ Krasovic, Tom (7 August 2021). "Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74". San Diego Union Tribune. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
External links
- Profile on NFL.com