Washington attended Chicago's John Marshall Harlan Career Academy, before receiving a football scholarship to play for Morgan State University.

Even as a rookie, he was one of the best athletes on the team and showed his big play potential with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Washington Redskins.

In 1975, he was the starter at left cornerback for the full season (14 starts), registered 4 interceptions (tied for second on the team) and helped the Cowboys reach Super Bowl X.

[5][6] In 1976, he was replaced with Benny Barnes, but got a chance to start 5 games at right cornerback after Mel Renfro was injured, posting 4 interceptions (led the team).

He also filled in at left corner in Super Bowl XII when Barnes exited with a foot injury early in the game and registered an interception late in the second quarter.