One of the most prolific running backs in Sooner history, Joe Washington answered the call for his alma mater once again, returning to Norman to serve as special assistant to the director of athletics/executive director of the Varsity O Association in May 2007. Washington, who ended his Sooner career as the all-time leading rusher in school history, returned to Norman after living and working in the Washington, D.C. area for a number of years.
In his position with the department, Washington will lead the efforts to reconnect the department with its former student-athletes as OU begins a number of outreach efforts. He also will have other administrative duties.
Washington’s Sooner career was a record-setter. He finished with 4,071 yards rushing and was a consensus All-American in 1974. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting that year after helping the Sooners win a national title. He was named the NCAA Football Player of the Year and the Washington, D.C., Player of the Year in 1974. After helping OU win another national title in 1975, Washington again earned All-America honors and finished fifth in Heisman voting.
