Russ Washington

Described by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as a "widely-sought recruit", Washington signed for the Missouri Tigers in 1964.{{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}} He became a starting defensive end the following year,{{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}} and was voted the Big Eight lineman of the year despite missing two games with a knee injury.{{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}}{{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}} 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.{{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}} He suffered another knee injury that year, missing six games.{{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=Jefferson City Daily Capital News |date=March 31, 1967 |page=10 |via=newspapers.com}} Entering his senior year, the Sedalia Democrat described Washington as one of the few "glittering stars" in the Tigers ranks.{{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}} Missouri switched him to offensive tackle that year, though he still played defensive end and defensive tackle sometimes when replacing injured teammates,{{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}} as well as fullback on some plays.{{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}} Washington won numerous honors at season's end, being voted Associated Press All-Big Eight,{{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}} The Sporting News first-team All-American, and Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) second team All-American.{{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}}

The San Diego Chargers selected Washington fourth overall in January's 1968 NFL/AFL common draft,{{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}} and he signed for them in May.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} He received 2 of the available 29 votes for the American Football League defensive player of the year award.{{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}} Washington returned for a second year on defense,{{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}} but had difficulty catching opposing quarterbacks.{{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}}

San Diego switched Washington to offensive tackle in 1970 after a training camp session where he filled in for the injured Gene Ferguson.{{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=Temecula Californian |date=February 12, 2002 |pages=C-3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-californian-breitbard/140273299/ C-6] |via=newspapers.com}} 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.{{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}} 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;{{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}} they went on to lead the AFC in pass protection, allowing 19 sacks in 14 games.{{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}} 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."{{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}} Washington earned an individual honor in 1973, as UPI placed him in their All-AFC second team.{{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}} He was also voted the Chargers' MVP by his teammates.{{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}}

File:Russ Washington circa 1981.jpg

Washington was voted to the Pro Bowl five times in the six-year period from 1974 to 1979.{{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}} In the first two of these, 1974 and 1975, he was the only player on his team to gain the honor;{{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}}{{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}} an Escondido Times-Advocate article written between these seasons dubbed him "the closest thing the Chargers have to being a superstar."{{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}} Washington missed the Pro Bowl in 1976 but the Chargers, a losing team throughout most of his career, began to improve during that season.{{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}} 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.{{efn|A third, quarterback Dan Fouts, returned from a holdout later in the year.{{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}}}}{{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}} Washington was again a Pro Bowler that year,{{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}} and also won the Forrest Gregg offensive lineman of the year award.{{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}} He set a new club record for consecutive appearances during 1978, passing the old record of 153 shared by Walt Sweeney and John Hadl.{{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}}{{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}} In addition to another Pro Bowl appearance, Washington was named a first-team All-Pro in the player-voted NEA awards.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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.{{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}} 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."{{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}} The Chargers disappointed in the playoffs, losing at home to the Houston Oilers in their first game.{{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}}

In 1980, Washington missed games due to injury for the first time in his professional career.{{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}} 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 got 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.{{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}} Washington was bothered by his knee for most of 1981, but he was still a standout player,{{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}} and played in all but three games.{{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}}{{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}} The strike-shortened 1982 season proved to be Washington's last in the league. He was part of a veteran offensive line that played in every game and only allowed quarterback Dan 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.{{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}}}}{{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}} Fouts had broken numerous passing records by this time, and gave his line a lot of the credit for this success.{{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}}

{{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.{{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}}}}

Washington planned to continue his career in 1983 and signed a new contract during the offseason,{{cite news |title=NFL roundup |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-signs-for-1983/140226086/ |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=July 31, 1983 |page=67 |via=newspapers.com}} but was surprisingly waived in favor of Andrew Gissinger shortly before the season began.{{cite news |title=Big names bite dust |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-cut-from-roster/140228701/ |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |agency=UPI |date=August 30, 1983 |page=5C |via=newspapers.com}} San Diego made the playoffs in each of Washington's last four seasons, though they never reached the Super Bowl.{{cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers Franchise Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/index.htm |website=pro-football-reference.com |access-date=February 15, 2024}} The Chargers were less effective at pass protection after the departure of Washington and some of his fellow linemen and did not reach the playoffs again until 1992.{{cite news |title=Chargers fans get early present |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83325509/chargers-36-14-raiders-21-dec-1992/ |pages=C-1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/83326034/chargers-36-14-raiders-21-dec-1992/ C-4] |newspaper=North County Times |date=December 21, 1992 |via=newspapers.com}}

Standing at 6 foot 6 inches tall{{efn|Some sources list Washington at 6 foot 7 inches.}} and with a playing weight close to 300 pounds,{{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}}{{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}} Washington was among the largest players of his era.{{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}}{{cite news |last1=Olderman |first1=Murray |title=Just ask |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/thousand-oaks-star-sheer-bulk/139949106/ |newspaper=Thousand Oaks Star |date=September 14, 1975 |page=18 |via=newspapers.com}} His teammates nicknames him "Big Rew" due to his initials (R.E.W.) and his size.{{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}} 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."{{cite news |last1=Norcross |first1=Don |title=Chargers' Gissinger must tackle tough expectations |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/times-advocate-long-on-washington/140234710/ |newspaper=Escondido Times-Advocate |date=December 9, 1983 |page=C1 |via=newspapers.com}} He also possessed good technique according to another opposing lineman, Jerry Mays: "Washington is not at all susceptible to being turned or twisted." Teammate Ed White described him as "an extremely fluid athlete, who stymies people, engulfs them on the line".

Washington was described as quiet but friendly by both teammates and journalists, with one reporter writing that he was "hard to find and easy to talk to." His durability led him to start at right tackle in every game for over a decade. He set franchise records for appearances (200), starts (196), consecutive appearances (178) and consecutive starts (148).{{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}} 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. Other organizations to honor Washington were the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association and the San Diego–based Breitbard Hall of Fame.

Washington owned various businesses after retirement, including a car wash in National City, California.{{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}} He was married to Inez, a native of Paata. 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.{{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}} The couple had two children.{{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}}

Washington died on August 5, 2021, at the age of 74. No cause of death was given.{{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}}

• AP All-Big Eight (1967)
• TSN first-team All-American (1967)
• NEA second-team All-American (1967)

• 2× AP second-team All-Pro (1979, 1982)
• NEA first-team All-Pro (1978)
• 2× NEA second-team All-Pro (1974, 1979)
• 5× Pro Bowl (1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1979)
• Forrest Gregg Offensive Lineman of the Year (1977)
• Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame (1995){{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}}
• Breitbard Hall of Fame (2002)
• Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2016){{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}}
• San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team
• San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team{{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}}

{{notelist|50em}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.nfl.com/player/russwashington/2528310/profile Profile] on NFL.com

{{1968 NFL Draft}}

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Category:1946 births

Category:2021 deaths

Category:American football offensive tackles

Category:Missouri Tigers football players

Category:Players of American football from Kansas City, Missouri

Category:San Diego Chargers players

Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players

Category:University of Missouri alumni

Category:Tampa Bay Bandits players

Category:American Football League players