| Calgary Stampeders | |
| Career information | |
|---|---|
| Status: | Active |
| CFL status: | Import |
| Position(s): | OT |
| Height: | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight: | 311 lb (141 kg) |
| College: | Abilene Christian University |
| Organizations | |
| As player: | |
| 2011 | Calgary Stampeders |
Tony Washington is a Gridiron football offensive tackle for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League.[1]
Washington played one year of high school football as a junior while living in New Orleans. That year he was awarded with all-league honors as a member of the Alcee Fortier High School football team.[2] His family moved to Texas after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. After graduating from high school, Washington did not plan to attend College. He decided to go to college, however, after a car salesman suggested he continue his football career. He then enrolled at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas.[3] While at Trinity Valley Washington served on the 2007 all-Southwest Junior College Football Conference first team. Washington then attended Abilene Christian University, playing on the football team for two years. Both years he was voted the Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year.[2]
As a teenager, Washington was convicted of "prohibited sexual conduct" under Texas law after a consensual relationship with a relative. As a result of the conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender and his conviction was made public. (Arrest of juveniles are otherwise sealed under Texas law). This conviction greatly hindered his efforts to gain a contract to play professional football.[4]
Though Washington excelled at the NFL Draft Combine workouts he was undrafted.[1] He was very agile and quick for a lineman, running the 40-yard dash in 5.09 seconds.[2] After leaving school, Washington played for the Dallas Vigilantes of the Arena Football League for two years before signing with the Calgary Stampeders in 2011.[1]