A one-team player, he played in 200 games for the Chargers, including a 148-game streak as their starting right tackle that lasted over a decade.

During this time he was part of an experienced offensive line that played a key role in the record-breaking Air Coryell passing attack.

[4][5] Washington scored his only career touchdown during his junior year, blocking a punt and then returning it to the end zone during a defeat by UCLA.

[12] The San Diego Chargers selected Washington fourth overall in January's 1968 NFL/AFL common draft,[13] and he signed for them in May.

[15] During his rookie season, Washington appeared on the scoresheet for the only time in his professional career, sharing a safety with teammate Steve DeLong during a victory over the Denver Broncos.

[19] San Diego switched Washington to offensive tackle in 1970 after a training camp session where he filled in for the injured Gene Ferguson.

[21] Entering 1971, a United Press International (UPI) article listed Washington's ability to master playing at offensive tackle as a question mark that would determine the line's effectiveness;[22] they went on to lead the AFC in pass protection, allowing 19 sacks in 14 games.

[23] After the 1972 season, sports journalist Murray Olderman rated the offense line as probably the Chargers' best unit and "comparable with any in the league.

[1] In the first two of these, 1974 and 1975, he was the only player on his team to gain the honor;[27][28] an Escondido Times-Advocate article written between these seasons dubbed him "the closest thing the Chargers have to being a superstar.

[30] San Diego head coach Tommy Prothro had been rebuilding the team extensively, with Washington and fellow lineman Doug Wilkerson entering the 1977 season as the only two players on the roster who had been Chargers for more than three years.

[37] With the team having improved under new head coach Don Coryell, Washington entered the 1979 season hopeful of making his first playoff appearance in his 12th year in San Diego.

Washington planned to continue his career in 1983 and signed a new contract during the offseason,[51] but was surprisingly waived in favor of Andrew Gissinger shortly before the season began.

[47][54] Standing at 6 foot 6 inches tall[c] and with a playing weight close to 300 pounds,[57][58] Washington was among the largest players of his era.

[63] Other organizations to honor Washington were the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association and the San Diego–based Breitbard Hall of Fame.