In an exclusive interview with The League Winners, FAU Owls WR Leon Washington Jr. spoke about his football journey and his inspiration from his family
With the FAU Owls, the child of an accomplished NFL player is looking to pave his own path.
In an exclusive interview with The League Winners, Leon Washington Jr. answered a variety of questions about his football journey up to this point. He spoke about his football journey, his goals for his career, and what his accomplished family has helped him with on the field. It was a very insightful interview that offered a glimpse into what makes the explosive wideout the player and person he is.
Leon Washington Jr. Interview
To start off the interview, Washington Jr. spoke about his adjustment to the college football level as a freshman.
“It’s definitely faster and more physical. The guys, they give me great, great work. In high school, it was a little different. I had never really been impressed before, so it was an adjustment to make. It’s been fun, though.”
Elaborating on this, I asked Washington Jr. what he has enjoyed the most about the FAU Owls program.
“The summer workouts and the weight room staff, I absolutely loved it. We get in there and get after it day in and day out. That’s probably my favorite part.”
Asked about what he wants to bring to the field as a player, the wideout highlighted his effort and shiftiness after the catch. He
“I am an effort guy. I’m going to try to do everything right. I’m trying to make all my blocks. But mainly YAC, yards after catch. I feel like that’s what I specialize in,” said Washington Jr.
He said this tied into what he wants to accomplish as a player, but mentioned that he does not yet have a specific goal production-wise. Instead, Washington Jr. said he just “wants to win” and is working hard to achieve that.
Shifting gears, I asked Washington Jr. about his dad and whether he had molded himself after his game. For those unaware, Leon Washington Sr. was an explosive running back and kick-returner for the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks, making two All-Pro teams and two Pro-Bowl teams. I wanted to get the younger Washington’s insight into the impact his dad has had on him.
“I definitely got some of my features and moves from my dad, just by human nature. But he always told me, create your own path. I kind of do my own thing, and he supports it all the way.”
Washington also shared a memory from his dad’s playing career that made him fall in love with football.
“I would say the Pro Bowl. I went to the Pro Bowl twice, but specifically the one when he was with the Seahawks. It absolutely was a great experience. All the players I got to meet and watched all of them. It put it in perspective that I really have the chance to do something great. It motivates me every day. ”
Washington Jr. is also a brother to Terrion Arnold, the recent first-round selection from the Detroit Lions. I asked the explosive wideout how watching Arnold’s journey has helped prepare him for his own.
“My brother and I, it’s something that we have talked about since we were little kids. So, I’m not really surprised by his journey. We have this thing where we stay down and work hard. Everything he has said he has accomplished, and I am trying to do the same thing.”
As for his biggest goal going forward, Washington Jr. kept it simple.
“I’m just really looking forward to getting on the field one day. Just earning my way on the field. That’s my biggest goal.”
The second-generation Washington has the talent to make a big impact on the Owls. He racked up over 20 touchdowns in his high school career and contributed to all three phases of the game, including over 1,000 yards receiving and over 40 tackles.
However, Washington also has the right mindset as a player. Despite his name and pedigree, he is willing to outwork his competition still and earn his role.
It is only a matter of time before Washington Jr. makes an impact for the FAU Owls. And once he does, there may not be another opportunity to put him back on the bench.
In an exclusive interview with The League Winners, Leon Washington Jr. (@lee2gone) speaks to @BPok24 about his adjustments moving to the college level at Florida Atlantic, what he's learned from his father, what he's looking forward to at FAU.@FAUFootball | #WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/QOEU2naMcd
— The League Winners (@LeagueWinnersFB) September 11, 2024
