J.J. Washington playing role well with L.A. Avengers
April 24, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Los Angeles Avengers News Release
LOS ANGELES -- Although he has been overshadowed throughout most of his Avenger career, wide receiver/linebacker J.J. Washington, a graduate of Simi Valley (Calif.) High School, is living his dream of getting to play professional football in his hometown, in front of family and friends.
"I couldn't have dreamed of anything better," says Washington, who is in his third season with the Avengers. "My goal as a kid was to play professional football and I couldn't have it any better, getting to play in Los Angeles and getting all the support from everyone here at home. It's such a positive feeling having 230 people out at my games to support me."
As an Arena Football League rookie in 2001, Washington was one of only three Avengers to play in all 14 games as L.A. finished 5-9. He caught 37 passes for 467 yards and eight touchdowns as one of the focal points of the offense. On defense, Washington added 8.5 tackles, but admits the good numbers meant little as it "was tough with having a losing season and not winning many games."
When the Avengers acquired WR/LB Greg Hopkins, one of the AFL's premier players, prior to the 2002 season, Washington was relegated to backup duty and his numbers dipped to 25 receptions for 317 yards and four touchdowns.
This season, with the addition of wide receiver/defensive back Siaha Burley, the emergence of WR/DB Kevin Ingram and star offensive specialist Chris Jackson staying healthy, Washington's role in the passing game decreased even more. Coming into last Friday's home game against the Buffalo Destroyers, he only had one catch for 13 yards. However, true to the character and professionalism that he and his teammates display, Washington has accepted his role and done his part in helping the Avengers to a league-best 9-3 record.
"Hopkins is entrenched at the WR/LB position for us," Avenger head coach Ed Hodgkiss says. "But, J.J. in his own right is a great player. We are fortunate to have guys who understand their role. J.J. gets playing time because he deserves it."
Washington made the most of his playing time and showed his potential to make plays in his performance against Buffalo on April 18, as he earned "Ironman of the Game" honors, making a spectacular 32-yard touchdown reception, recording 2.5 tackles and recovering a key fumble.
"It feels good to get a chance to make plays," says Washington, who is also serves as the holder for kicker Remy Hamilton. "I'm just here to help the team in any way I can. You can call me a role player, but if me sitting on the bench helps the team than I will do it. Everyone on this team wants to get a chance to play and contribute in any way they can."
At Simi Valley High School, Washington was the star of his team, but got overshadowed by Billy Miller of nearby Westlake High School. Miller, who was one of the nation's most sought after recruits, was the prototypical wide receiver at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, and went on to star at the University of Southern California. Last season, Miller was the starting tight end for the Houston Texans and led the team with 51 receptions.
Wanting to play NCAA Division I-A college football, Washington ended up at Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, Ark.), the only Division I school to offer him a scholarship. He responded with 80 catches for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns for the Indians and set a school record with 12 receptions in a single game.
"Going to Arkansas State was a great opportunity, but I experienced major culture shock," Washington says. "I walked into my first meeting and they had chairs set up on the left and chairs on the right. There were nothing but whites on one side and blacks on the other side. Me being half black and half Mexican it was something that struck me right off the bat."
The school progressed a lot in the five years (1995-99) he was there, both within the team and on campus as a whole.
"As time went on you saw a lot more of a mixture," Washington says.
Away from football, Washington enjoys spending time with his family, especially his younger brother. Thankfully, playing for the Avengers affords him the opportunity to do that.
"This is a perfect situation for me," he says. "I wouldn't want to go anywhere else, especially with the new coaching staff and the positive things we have going on. I'm just really enjoying it."
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