Gene Washington (American football, born 1944)


Eugene Washington is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos. He wore #84 for Minnesota and Denver.

College career

A big 6'3", 208 lbs receiver with great speed, he ran track as well as playing football for the Michigan State Spartans. He was the 1965 NCAA Indoor Champion for 60 yard hurdles.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
He was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1967 NFL Draft, along with college teammate, running back Clinton Jones and future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Alan Page, a defensive end from the University of Notre Dame. As a rookie, Washington averaged 29.5 yards per reception. In 1968 he caught 46 passes. In 1969 he had 821 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Washington made the Pro Bowl in 1969 and 1970. He played in Super Bowl IV after the 1969 NFL season. The Vikings were upset by the Kansas City Chiefs, 23-7, on January 11, 1970 at Tulane Stadium, in New Orleans. He is the subject of the documentary, , written and directed by his daughter Maya Washington.