Kenny Washington

Biography

Kenny Washington was an American football player who became the first Black player to sign an NFL contract after World War II. Born in Los Angeles, he was a high school star in baseball and football before attending UCLA, where he played both sports and set a school rushing record that lasted 34 years. In 1939 he led the nation in total offense and became UCLA's first consensus All-American. From 1940 to 1945 he played for the Hollywood Bears, earning all-league honors each season, then signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. He played three seasons for the Rams, and in his second year he led the league in yards per carry. After retiring in 1948, he appeared in films including Pinky (1949), Rope of Sand (1949), and The Jackie Robinson Story (1950). In 1956 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and UCLA retired his number 13 jersey. He died in 1971.

52years old at death

Born August 31, 1918Los Angeles
Died June 24, 1971Los Angeles
Star sign: VirgoThe sign runs August 23 to September 22
Also credited as Kenneth Stanley Washington

Movie Career

Films: 4
Career span: 1 year1949 to 1950

Every film, newest first

1950The Jackie Robinson StoryIMDb rating 6.4
1949Easy LivingIMDb rating 6.3
1949PinkyIMDb rating 7.2
1949Rope of SandIMDb rating 6.6

Genres

Did you know?!

Big break
After the Cleveland Rams relocated to Los Angeles, they wanted to use the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Because black taxpayers had helped fund its construction, pressure arose to integrate the team, and the lease terms proved a determining factor in signing Washington.
A first
In his second season, Washington topped the league in yards per carry. He also scored a 92-yard touchdown, which is still the Rams record for the longest run from scrimmage.
A first
Washington's number 13 jersey was the first retired at UCLA, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956.