By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

NATCHITOCHES — So many times over his 15-year NFL career, defensive back Lionel Washington saw how things would play out before they ever happened.

The quarterback ‘s eyes would settle on a receiver, who would break to his spot. But Washington would get there before the ball, snatching it out of the air and creating another precious turnover for his team.

It all comes down, Washington said, to simply being ready.

“That was all about preparation, understanding what needed to be done against a specific team, to attack the ball and how to attack it,” Washington said. “When an opportunity presents itself, having the ability to take full advantage. That’s how I live my life. Whenever opportunity comes, be ready to strike.”

Many noticed. Last weekend, Washington was the recipient of a great honor: the Lutcher native and LaPlace resident was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame June 21.

Washington currently serves as the co-defensive coordinator of the Tulane Green Wave, working on the staff of another River Parishes native, head coach Curtis Johnson. The Wave have seen a stark improvement under the new staff, improving from 2-10 in 2012 to 7-6 with a bowl berth in 2013.

Washington spent 27 years in the NFL as a player and coach. He played with three teams — the Broncos, Cardinals and Raiders — and intercepted 37 passes, including a career high eight pickoffs in his rookie season of 1985 with the Cardinals. He intercepted multiple passes in 13 of his 15 NFL seasons.

As a member of the Tulane Green Wave as a player, Washington helped lead the Wave to three upsets of LSU in four seasons from 1979-1982.

Washington’s induction was presented by current St. Charles Catholic football coach and former Tulane assistant and Lutcher head coach Frank Monica.

“I’m proud and extremely humbled,” Washington said. “It’s something I’ll hold and cherish for the rest of my life.”

He said that he learned of the honor during Tulane’s football season, and therefore had to keep his emotions leveled. After the season, he said the accomplishment started to set in.

“I’ve always had a great passion, a zeal for what I do,” he said. “When you love something, you go out and you make it happen every single time you can. It makes this all the more special.”

Monica coached Washington at Lutcher and Tulane and said as honored as Washington was at the event, Monica was, himself, honored to be asked by his former player to present.

“People don’t realize that as relentless as he was on the field, that’s how relentless he was, and is, off the field,” Monica said. “When he decided that he wanted to play at the highest level, he was determined to get there. And once he got there, he wanted to be the best.”

Monica pointed out that Washington is one of only five cornerbacks in NFL history to play for 15 seasons or more.

“He’s a true man of character,” Monica said. “He’s always been a giver. He loves to teach young kids and he’s always been a role model to them, even in his own younger days.”

The Tulane defense certainly seems to have his fingerprints upon it. The team forced 24 turnovers in 2013, a big part of its rise.

Washington deflects praise in that regard, crediting Johnson for setting the tone.

“You always look first at the top, and that’s C.J. (Johnson),” Washington said.

“He’s a true leader and why we’ve gotten to this point.”

The coaching pair’s River Parish roots are apparent within recruiting. Tulane has pulled numerous local players from the past three recruiting classes, including East St. John’s Darion Monroe and Darren Williams, St. Charles Catholic’s Luke Jackson and West St. John’s Eric Bell.

“When you look back over the last 20 years, you’ve seen a good 35-40 kids get drafted (by the NFL) from St. Charles, St. James and St. John,” said Washington. “They’ve had some great athletes. You need a big heart as well. We work hard and scout the area and there have been some gems there.

“It’s a great mutual fit. There’s no better place to play than right in your backyard.”