Washington Earns Ironman of the Week
May 29, 2002 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Norfolk Nighthawks News Release
Norfolk, VA (May 29, 2002) - The league office of arenafootball2 announced Tuesday that Nighthawks Defensive Specialist, Desmond Washington, has been named the af2 Ironman of the Week for his performance in week nine versus Carolina.
It is the first time in his three-year af2 career that Washington has been recognized as an Ironman of the Week, an award that goes each week to a player who contributes in all facets of the game for their team.
Against Carolina, Washington recorded a game-high six tackles (five solo), forced two fumbles, recovered one and deflected two passes on defense. While he was in on many plays, jarring the ball loose from Rhinos receivers with thundering hits, his biggest impact may have been felt with 5:13 seconds remaining in the first quarter when he returned a missed field goal 47 yards for a touchdown.
"D. Wash", as commonly referred to by his peers, made his return to the special teams after playing the last five games with a cast on his left hand and being limited to only his defensive duties. He ended up with 161 return yards on the night.
Washington currently ranks 5th in af2 in passes defended (19), but has yet to grab his first interception of the season. "If I keep putting myself in position, it will happen", Desmond commented, "I'm just glad to get back on those nets, I missed returning the ball the last few games. That's what the crowd wants to see, that's what they remember me from in 2000".
Washington played with the Nighthawks during the inaugural 2000 season and led the team with 76 tackles and returned three kicks for scores. He is currently in a two-man race with teammate Jay Clarke to try and become Norfolk's all-time leading tackler. To this point, Clarke leads "D. Wash" by ½ tackle, 100.5 to 100.0, respectively.
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