#49 leads team ‘with heart’
When CU Buff’s senior linebacker Thaddaeus Washington’s first name hits the eardrum, it may come across as funny to some. His play on the football field, however, is no laughing matter.
“It means ‘heart,'” said Washington, referring to the meaning of his name. “I think it’s pretty fitting for how I play football, with a lot of heart.”
Buff’s defensive coordinator Ron Collins elaborated on how important Washington’s play is to the team.
“Thaddaeus is a team captain, and he has been starting the last few years,” said Collins. “He is the quarterback of our defense at the middle-linebacker spot, so I think that speaks for itself as to how important he is out there.”
Washington has played in every game CU has been a part of since his sophomore year. His ferocious yet contained play on the field coupled with his veteran status has made him a key leader on the team.
“I’m sure guys look to me for the energy,” said Washington. “I am always looking to do the right things and make sure I’m doing those things so I can be a great leader.”
Washington was named captain prior to the season starting, and said he relishes the role as being named an official leader of the team.
“I’m grateful that the staff looked to me to be a leader for this team,” said Washington. “I appreciate that the guys looked to me to be a leader, and I’ll do my best to make sure I live up to those expectations.”
Head coach Dan Hawkins said he was pleased to have a leader like Washington named as a team captain because the image he promotes with the team.
“He is obviously a very good player and has the respect of the team,” said Hawkins. “He leads by example in the classroom, on the field and in the weight room.”
Linebacker coach Brain Cabral echoed those sentiments.
“I expect this to be Thaddaeus’ best season,” Cabral said. “He has finally come along to where he will explode on the scene. He came on strong at the end of last year and I like where he is at now.”
Washington has been named to nearly every football publication’s preseason All-Big 12 team in addition to the official Football Writers Association of America All-Big 12 watch list.
He has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list, which is awarded to the nation’s top defensive performer, as well as the Butkus Award watch list, awarded to the nation’s top linebacker.
“It is a great honor to be recognized like that,” Washington said. “It really is great to be known as one of the great players in the nation.”
The Buffs lost their season opener to I-AA Montana State to drop to 0-1 on the season, but Washington’s leadership shone through when he was asked what direction the team is headed.
“Things are not going our way right now, but it will,” Washington said. “The leaders on this team, including myself, will make sure things go the way they are supposed to, and we will turn it around.”
Washington is a sociology major and said he would love to play in the NFL. If that goal is not realized, he said he wants to pursue a career in marketing, as he worked as an intern in CU’s marketing and promotions office this past summer.
“It would be great to go to the NFL,” Washington said. “That is the goal, but at the same time, you have to have a sort of back-up plan.”
