Russ Washington played both Offensive Tackle and Defensive Tackle at the University of Missouri, and the man who stood at 6’ 5” and nearly 300 pounds made the mouths water of NFL scouts. the San Diego Chargers selected him fourth overall in 1968, where he was used as a Defensive Tackle over his first two seasons. He did well, but the Chargers saw more value in him on the O-Line, and that is where he moved in 1970 and was their starting Right Tackle for 13 years.
Washington’s size was a better fit on offense, especially on pass protection. When the team moved to a more pass-heavy offense under Don Coryell, Washington was in his element and it showed with five trips to the Pro Bowl in the second half of his career. Rarely hurt, Washington played 200 Games for the Chargers and would enter their franchise Hall of Fame in 1985.
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