Former Baltimore Colts running back Joe Washington is to be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., Saturday.
A two-time All-American with Oklahoma, Washington remains a Baltimore resident after spending three seasons in a Colts uniform.
“I think as you get older, and those days of playing are further behind, being recognized like this is simply fantastic,” Washington said Thursday night prior to a jacket presentation. “It?s an honor, and I?m going in with people that I?m truly familiar with and have a relationship with from my career.”
Washington, 52, is being enshrined with former NFL teammates Roosevelt Leaks and Mark May. Washington also caught up with former USC running back Anthony Davis.
“He?s one of my contemporaries,” a giddy Washington said. “We were All-Americans and runners up to Archie Griffin for the Heisman.”
Washington compared his running style to that of a more recent Heisman-winner: Reggie Bush.
“The quickest way and easiest way from Point A to Point B isn’t always a straight line,” said Washington, who was a shifty runner at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds.
He was the Chargers? first round pick in 1976 out of Oklahoma. With the Sooners, he was twice a first-team All-American, and finished third in the Heisman Trophy award vote in 1974.
“I was fortunate enough to be on some unbelievable college football teams, all started by an unbelievable coach in Barry Switzer,” Washington said.
Washington played three seasons for the Colts, from 1978-80, before moving to the Redskins for the next four seasons. He was an All-Pro with the Colts in 1979, having rushed for 884 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught an NFL-best 82 passes for a career-best 750 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
“My dad coached me in high school, and he made sure my brother and I were well-rounded athletes,” Washington said, explaining his receiving ability.
Washington grew up a Colts fan, and his experiences in Baltimore have led him to build his home and family here.
He and his wife, Meadow Lark, have a home in Lutherville. Their daughter, Brandy, 23, is a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.
HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT
» The late Maryland State coach Vernon “Skip” McCain was inducted posthumously after a career record of 102-21-5. Maryland State is now University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
» Johnny Holliday, “The Voice of the Terps,” was the recipient of the Chris Schenkel Award for “a distinguished career in college football broadcasting.”
