Introduction
Victor Arnold Washington (March 23, 1946 – December 31, 2008) is a former American football running back/safety. After attending the University of Wyoming, he played nine professional seasons, three in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and six in the National Football League (NFL).
CFL
Vic Washington first starred with the CFL's Ottawa Rough Riders in 1968 and 1969, winners of back-to-back Grey Cup Championships in 1968 & 1969 against the Calgary Stampeders and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, respectively. In the first of the two title matches, Washington received the Most Valuable Player award for his game-winning 80-yard touchdown run from scrimmage, establishing a Grey Cup record that still stands. He played one more season in the CFL with the 1970 B.C.Lions before leaving for the NFL.
NFL
After signing with the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, he rushed for 811 yards with a 4.2 average, was named to his only Pro Bowl and helped to lead the team to the National Football Conference finals in 1971. In yet another 49ers loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs the next season, he returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. He finished his professional football career with the Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills.