Joe Washington Jr. rushed for 3,995 yards and was a two-time all-state running back for his father, Joe Washington Sr., at Port Arthur's Lincoln High School. With brother Ken at quarterback the Washingtons led Lincoln to an unbeaten regular season in 1971. Only 5'9 and 175 lbs., "Little Joe" played big for the Oklahoma Sooners. In 1974 and 1975 Washington earned All-America honors and led the Sooners to back to back National Championships. Although Washington only carried the ball 14.6 times per game, he averaged 6.1 yards per carry and set Oklahoma's all-time rushing record with 3,995 yards. From 1972-1975 he scored 53 career touchdowns and was named 1974 NCAA Player of the Year. Washington was drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the 4th pick in the 1976 draft. During his NFL career he rushed for 4,839 yards with San Diego (1976-77), Baltimore (1978-80), Washington (1981-84) and Atlanta (1985). He also caught 395 passes for 3,413 yards. He was voted to the 1979 Pro Bowl after rushing for 884 yards and setting a Colt's record with a league-high 82 catches for 750 yards. Washington was a member of the Washington Redskins' 1982 Super Bowl Champion team and is the only player in team history to lead the team in rushing and pass receiving in the same season. In 2002 he was named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins of All-Time and inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.