The title
of Superstar is one that is rarely given and even less
seldom attained. Washington is one of those special
individuals who has done more than just received the
title, he earned it. The 30-year old Tacoma native
played at every level from Foss High, to Colorado State
University to the NFL and has been singled out for his
talents at every turn. As former teammate Ahmad Rashad used to say, "The eye don't lie."
His on
field play has led to overall League MVP honors in 1984, and again here in 1986. He
was 1985 NFA Offensive Player of the Year, with his
numbers in '86 rewriting the record books, but he's more than
stats.
Few who
saw him play will forget the 36-yard mid-air catch that
set up the game winning touchdown in the waning moments
of the Panthers first season opener against Bellevue.
Or the game-winning 80 yard punt return late in the
fourth quarter against Skagit Valley. Skagit
Valley felt the brunt of Washington's magic a second
time with a 75 yard catch and run for an overtime TD in
1985.
1986 was
Washington's finest of his minor league career.
Despite being double and triple teamed on nearly every
play, Harry caught 38 passes for 793 yards and 16 TD's
during the regular season. He capped his brilliant
year with 7 catches for 158 yards and 3 TD's to lead the
Panthers to the National Championship in Champions Bowl
I. Following the game, Washington stated, "I've
been in the NFL. I've played in the NFL playoffs,
but you can put all that aside today. This is the
biggest thrill of my life. When you win a
championship, that is as good as it gets."
His NFA
records for 1986 include 19 TD's, 938 yards on 45
receptions. He added 27 punt returns for 398 yards
and 2 TD's. He also added 2 kickoff returns for 33
yards.
