Kenny Washington shattered the modern NFL’s color barrier and dominated the collegiate gridiron, cementing his legacy as a historic icon of American football.
Football Bio
August 31, 1918 – Kenny Washington, the trailblazing tailback hailing from UCLA, was born.
Washington has the distinction of being the first African-American player to sign a contract in the NFL in the Kalman era after World War II with the Los Angeles Rams after playing in the Pacific Coast League with the Hollywood Bears.
As a collegiate player, Kenny Washington rushed for 9,975 yards, a record that stood for over 56 years. He was also UCLA’s first-ever consensus All-American in 1939.
Mr. Washington was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956. [NFF]
Washington paved the way for generations of athletes, breaking down racial barriers while delivering unforgettable performances on the field. His historic impact continues to resonate throughout the highest levels of professional and collegiate football.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956.
- First African-American player to sign an NFL contract in the modern era (Los Angeles Rams, 1946).
- Consensus First-Team All-American in 1939, becoming the first player in UCLA history to achieve this honor.
- Set the UCLA career rushing record with 1,914 yardsβa milestone that stood for 56 years until broken by Gaston Green in 1987 (clarifying the 56-year school record mentioned in the text).
- Led the NCAA in total offense during the 1939 season.
- Winner of the 1939 Douglas MacArthur Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding college football player.
- His No. 13 jersey is officially retired by the UCLA Bruins.
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Ralph Hay Pioneer Award (2022) for his role in integrating the modern NFL.
