Kenny Washington was a pioneering figure in American football, best known for breaking racial barriers in the NFL. After an impressive college career that showcased his incredible talent, he faced significant obstacles before finally joining the league. Washington's determination not only paved the way for future African American players but also solidified his legacy as a sports icon.
Born on August 31, 1918, in Los Angeles, California, Washington's early life was shaped by his upbringing in Lincoln Heights, a neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage. Raised by his grandmother and his uncle Rocky, a respected police officer, he exhibited exceptional athleticism from a young age. His journey from high school to college football would eventually lead him to become one of the first African American players in the NFL.
Despite his remarkable skills, Washington's entry into professional football was fraught with challenges. The NFL had not seen an African American player since 1933, but he became a star in minor leagues before the Los Angeles Rams signed him in 1946. This historic moment marked the end of a 12-year ban on Black players, and Washington's impact on the sport is still felt today.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Kenny Washington |
| Birth Date | August 31, 1918 |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Death Date | June 24, 1971 |
| Best Known For | Breaking racial barriers in the NFL |
| Teams Played For | Los Angeles Rams, Hollywood Bears, San Francisco Clippers |
| Collegiate Career | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
Table of Contents
Who Was Kenny Washington?
After college, Kenny Washington was passed over by the NFL, which had not had an African American player since 1933. Instead, he became the biggest star and most popular player in two minor professional leagues on the West Coast. Finally, in 1946, the Los Angeles Rams signed him, ending the 12-year ban on Black players in the NFL.
Early Life
Washington was born on August 31, 1918, in Los Angeles. The product of L.A.'s Lincoln Heights neighborhood, a mostly Italian section of the city, Washington was raised mainly by his grandmother and his uncle Rocky, the first uniformed African American lieutenant in the Los Angeles Police Department.
In school, Washington was an athletic force. He led Lincoln High School to the city title his junior year and then six months later to the football championship his senior season.
Professional Career
Despite his impressive college numbers, an NFL career was not available to Washington upon graduating from UCLA. At the time, the league was in the midst of what would prove to be a 12-year ban on African American players, a policy that had been steered into place in 1933 by Washington Redskins owner George Preston Marshall.
Not even legendary Chicago Bears coach George Halas, who'd coached Washington in the College All-Star Game and pushed hard to get Washington to play in the NFL, could get the ban overturned.
Death
Washington died of heart and lung problems in Los Angeles in 1971 at the age of 52.
Quick Facts
- Name: Kenny Washington
- Birth Year: 1918
- Death Year: 1971
- Best Known For: One of the first African American college football stars, Kenny Washington was one of two Black athletes to reintegrate the NFL in 1946.
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