The 27-year-old spent four years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter mechanic before going to junior college and eventually transferring to USC, where he played defensive end for the Trojans in 2006-08.
But he has now set aside the football cleats, picked up the boxing gloves and embarked into a new chapter in life.
"One thing to the next," Washington said.
Washington, who had a blocked punt in the UCLA game, was signed to the Buffalo Bills' offseason program following April's NFL Draft, but his football career appears to be done for the time being. Instead, he's been invited to train in Carson with some of the world's top amateur boxers, with the hope of ultimately becoming a full-fledged professional in four to six months.
"It's intense," said the 255-pound Washington, who will compete in the heavyweight division. "It's a different type of conditioning."
