Washington, who never knew his father, was born to 16-year old Marion Washington in Plainfield, New Jersey in 1946. She was often unable to support him, and he spent much of his childhood being raised by his grandmother, as well as some time in an orphanage.
Washington played for Wyoming from 1965 to 1967, as a running back, defensive back, and kick returner. As a sophomore, he intercepted three passes and returned 34 punts for 443 yards. In his Junior season, Washington set school records for punt return yards in a season (53 for 565 yards and 2 touchdowns) and in a single game (145 yards). He also had a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, 40 tackles, 22 pass deflections, and four interceptions. With a team that featured Washington and star running back Jim Kiick, Wyoming finished the season undefeated at 10–0 before losing to Louisiana State University in the Sugar Bowl, 28–13.[2]
The Sugar Bowl loss turned out to be Washington's final college game. A few months later, Washington was charged with assaulting a 19-year-old student referee during an intermural basketball game. He pleaded guilty and received 5-day suspended jail sentence and a 25-dollar fine. Wyoming permanently expelled him. Despite this, Wyoming still voted him into their athletic hall of fame in 2005.[3]
After signing with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, he rushed for 811 yards with a 4.2 average, led the league with 1,986 all-purpose yards, was named to his only Pro Bowl and helped to lead the team to the National Football Conference finals in 1971. In a 49ers loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs the next season, he returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown setting the NFL postseason record for longest kickoff return. He finished his professional football career with the Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills. Washington retired with 129 kickoff returns for 3,341 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 2,028 yards and 16 touchdowns, and catching 130 passes for 1,090 yards and 5 scores.
Washington struggled heavily after his playing career was over, due to lingering injuries and a drug addiction, which led to the breakup of his marriage and a brief period of homelessness. In 1983 he filed for disability benefits with the NFL, citing a degenerative bone disease and depression. He was awarded $750 a month out of a possible $4,000.[4]
Death
Washington died in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on December 31, 2008, at the age of 62. He was survived by his four children and three grandchildren.[5]
