RIP Russ "Big Rue" Washington

[Hound Dog32]

I am (by far) not the most qualified to post this, as I never saw him play a down for the Tigers & only a few games in the NFL in the late '70s/early '80s for Air Coryell (teammate of Kellen Winslow), but former All-American Tiger & San Diego Charger Russ Washington passed away evidently within the past few days and needs to be acknowledged here. 15-years with the Chargers, 5 Pro Bowls. Not likely to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but certainly worthy of consideration -- and I cannot imagine looking at what he accomplished that he isn't one of the Top 10 Tigers of all-time in terms of his NFL career.

A couple of cool things in reading about Russ, who was a mountain back in those days (6'6 and 295 lbs or thereabouts). Played D-Line for Devine's teams at MIZZOU in the late '60s. Drafted by the Chargers in the 1st round in 1968 (4th overall) and don't believe he even converted to OL until around his 3rd or 4th year with the Chargers. Also held the Chargers record for consecutive starts until Philip Rivers broke it very late in his career.

Finally, Russ was from KC where he went to Southeast HS -- and I read won the MO State Track & Field Title in the Hurdles! Evidently had 2 brothers who also played at MIZZOU -- Dave & Wayne (who I do remember though I was young). And from all accounts, a gentle giant who was very popular with his former Chargers teammates and remained a big part of the community in San Diego after retirement from the NFL (Russ owned a car wash in a suburb called National City for many years). Anyway, these are the kind of Tigers we cannot forget and should celebrate here. I've included some pics and links below for anyone interested. He was 74. RIP, Big Fella.

Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74

Russ Washington, a Pro Bowl right tackle for San Diego Chargers offenses that took flight under coach Don Coryell, has died, according to former teammates and a former team spokesman. He was 74.&#8…

www.sandiegouniontribune.com

Remembering Chargers Tackle Russ Washington

https://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2021/08/rest-in-peace-russ-mount-washington.html

MSN

 

[SEC ENDZONE]

Thank You for your thoughtful post. Russ was a great player and good man. RIP

 

[BornagainTIGSHOW]

He was the uncle of one of my closest friends.

 

[jessjamz]

Sad news !

 

[firsttiger]

If memory serves, Devine used him on occasion at fullback in goal line situations, a la William “The Refrigerator” Perry.
He was a GREAT Tiger.

 

[muclone]

Very sad! He was one of my dad’s best friends in high school. He’s told me many “Russ” stories over the years.

 

[BornagainTIGSHOW]

Uncle Wayne still lives in CoMo, I believe. He had been working at the games.

I think Uncle David moved to Seattle or something like that.

The other brother, Curtis, was a basketball star and Air Force vet. He’s my friend’s dad.

 

[DSP73]

If memory serves, Devine used him on occasion at fullback in goal line situations, a la William “The Refrigerator” Perry.
He was a GREAT Tiger.

Paul you may know better

I'm doing this from memory but I believe he was taken earliest of any MU player in any drsft



I was told by a Devine coach he could have been a really good TE at MU

He was that gifted

 

[bakker]

Paul you may know better

I'm doing this from memory but I believe he was taken earliest of any MU player in any drsft



I was told by a Devine coach he could have been a really good TE at MU

He was that gifted

That was my impression as well. Number 3 although that may have been matched by Justin Smith. Maybe this was mentioned above but David Washington played OT at MU in either the late 70s or early 80s. A brother I think. I know they were related.

 

[bakker]

Actually I think it was Wayne Washington and he was part of maybe the greatest recruiting class at MU, Phil Bradley, Howard Richards, Eric Wright, Wendell Ray, Johnnie Poe, Bill Whittiker, Tony Green, Jerome Sally and others

 

[KCPAL]

I am (by far) not the most qualified to post this, as I never saw him play a down for the Tigers & only a few games in the NFL in the late '70s/early '80s for Air Coryell (teammate of Kellen Winslow), but former All-American Tiger & San Diego Charger Russ Washington passed away evidently within the past few days and needs to be acknowledged here. 15-years with the Chargers, 5 Pro Bowls. Not likely to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but certainly worthy of consideration -- and I cannot imagine looking at what he accomplished that he isn't one of the Top 10 Tigers of all-time in terms of his NFL career.

A couple of cool things in reading about Russ, who was a mountain back in those days (6'6 and 295 lbs or thereabouts). Played D-Line for Devine's teams at MIZZOU in the late '60s. Drafted by the Chargers in the 1st round in 1968 (4th overall) and don't believe he even converted to OL until around his 3rd or 4th year with the Chargers. Also held the Chargers record for consecutive starts until Philip Rivers broke it very late in his career.

Finally, Russ was from KC where he went to Southeast HS -- and I read won the MO State Track & Field Title in the Hurdles! Evidently had 2 brothers who also played at MIZZOU -- Dave & Wayne (who I do remember though I was young). And from all accounts, a gentle giant who was very popular with his former Chargers teammates and remained a big part of the community in San Diego after retirement from the NFL (Russ owned a car wash in a suburb called National City for many years). Anyway, these are the kind of Tigers we cannot forget and should celebrate here. I've included some pics and links below for anyone interested. He was 74. RIP, Big Fella.

Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74

Russ Washington, a Pro Bowl right tackle for San Diego Chargers offenses that took flight under coach Don Coryell, has died, according to former teammates and a former team spokesman. He was 74.&#8…

www.sandiegouniontribune.com

Remembering Chargers Tackle Russ Washington

https://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2021/08/rest-in-peace-russ-mount-washington.html

MSN

Played in the old KC Interscholastic League in the 1960"s. A force in basketball as well as football. Played against Warren Armstrong an all time star at Central Highschool. Some good matchups at the field house. (Warren of course out performed, but still fun to remember).

 

[firsttiger]

Actually I think it was Wayne Washington and he was part of maybe the greatest recruiting class at MU, Phil Bradley, Howard Richards, Eric Wright, Wendell Ray, Johnnie Poe, Bill Whittiker, Tony Green, Jerome Sally and others

Both David AND Wayne played at Mizzou.

I didn't know Russ, but he was still playing at MU when I got on campus.
I very well remember that there was a young woman in a freshman art class that caught my eye. One night at a local watering hole, I saw her and had a beer or two with her. Then she said, I'd like you to meet a guy I'm seeing; I looked up, and it was Russell Washington. I didn't need any introduction, but I have to say, he was a very nice guy and needn't have worried about me as any competition.

 

[reice]

I have a family friend who went to HS with Russ and he tells a lot of stories about what a freaky athlete he was back in the day. Kind of a 60's version of Sheldon Richardson.

 

[KCTiger75]

Wasn't he referred to as "Russ the Bus"?

 

[Dave Burgess]

Wasn't he referred to as "Russ the Bus"?

You're thinking of Russ McCullough.

 

[16x400]

Sad news, but brings back many memories of Mizzou football and NFL football from back in the day. I love the picture of Russ blocking and reminds me of how hard it was for offensive linemen to block, especially pass block, in the 60's and early 70's. Prior to 1978 in the NFL, not sure of the year for college, linemen had to keep their hands closed and close to the chest. Footwork was even more important back then. Russ had great feet for a big man and used his leverage very well. As to his hs track career, he may have run hurdle races, but was never a State Champion in either the 120yd or 180yd hurdles. He did tie for 5th in the Shot Put in 1964 with a throw of 56' 2.25".

 

[KCTiger75]

You're thinking of Russ McCullough.

Yep, thanks

 

[tigrman4]

I am (by far) not the most qualified to post this, as I never saw him play a down for the Tigers & only a few games in the NFL in the late '70s/early '80s for Air Coryell (teammate of Kellen Winslow), but former All-American Tiger & San Diego Charger Russ Washington passed away evidently within the past few days and needs to be acknowledged here. 15-years with the Chargers, 5 Pro Bowls. Not likely to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but certainly worthy of consideration -- and I cannot imagine looking at what he accomplished that he isn't one of the Top 10 Tigers of all-time in terms of his NFL career.

A couple of cool things in reading about Russ, who was a mountain back in those days (6'6 and 295 lbs or thereabouts). Played D-Line for Devine's teams at MIZZOU in the late '60s. Drafted by the Chargers in the 1st round in 1968 (4th overall) and don't believe he even converted to OL until around his 3rd or 4th year with the Chargers. Also held the Chargers record for consecutive starts until Philip Rivers broke it very late in his career.

Finally, Russ was from KC where he went to Southeast HS -- and I read won the MO State Track & Field Title in the Hurdles! Evidently had 2 brothers who also played at MIZZOU -- Dave & Wayne (who I do remember though I was young). And from all accounts, a gentle giant who was very popular with his former Chargers teammates and remained a big part of the community in San Diego after retirement from the NFL (Russ owned a car wash in a suburb called National City for many years). Anyway, these are the kind of Tigers we cannot forget and should celebrate here. I've included some pics and links below for anyone interested. He was 74. RIP, Big Fella.

Russ Washington, member of Chargers Hall of Fame, dies at 74

Russ Washington, a Pro Bowl right tackle for San Diego Chargers offenses that took flight under coach Don Coryell, has died, according to former teammates and a former team spokesman. He was 74.&#8…

www.sandiegouniontribune.com

Remembering Chargers Tackle Russ Washington

https://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2021/08/rest-in-peace-russ-mount-washington.html

MSN

Very sad news indeed. I was part of a Motown type band and Russ was our lead signer. I was a Delt and we played small gigs at our fraternity annex, The Shack and others. He was a great guy and very tolerant of our bull shit antics. He had a very good voice and we had a good time.
god rest his soul.
I remember I had a 1960 fire engine red Buick convertible and he rode in the back seat and I’d drive him around campus.

 

[Hound Dog32]

Very sad news indeed. I was part of a Motown type band and Russ was our lead signer. I was a Delt and we played small gigs at our fraternity annex, The Shack and others. He was a great guy and very tolerant of our bull shit antics. He had a very good voice and we had a good time.
god rest his soul.
I remember I had a 1960 fire engine red Buick convertible and he rode in the back seat and I’d drive him around campus.

Now, that is cool! And that is also one you only get from PM.

 

[jstark001]

If memory serves, Devine used him on occasion at fullback in goal line situations, a la William “The Refrigerator” Perry.
He was a GREAT Tiger.

Paul I don’t recall that. May have been tether case. I do know that when Southeast got inside the goal line he moved into the backfield and became their single wing tailback. I was a 165# Jr (2nd team) ILB for the NKC Hornets and we played Southeast every year. I got reps against them when Russ was a senior. Not much fun, as their regular TB was a230# bowling ball. As others have noted, Russ was a helluva athlete. .

 

[Tmitch72]

Very sad news indeed. I was part of a Motown type band and Russ was our lead signer. I was a Delt and we played small gigs at our fraternity annex, The Shack and others. He was a great guy and very tolerant of our bull shit antics. He had a very good voice and we had a good time.
god rest his soul.
I remember I had a 1960 fire engine red Buick convertible and he rode in the back seat and I’d drive him around campus.

Sorry for your loss, brother.

 

[gotigers40]

Thank you for posting.

 

[Forever A Tiger]

I was one year behind him at Mizzou and since Freshmen were ineligible then saw him play all three years. I remember the first time I saw him on campus, I was in awe. He was the largest human I had seen and was sculpted. His shoulders were broad and his body tapered down to his waist. I never met him though a couple friends who did said he was the nicest guy.

He was a great player on great teams. RIP.