University of Tennessee Athletics
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April 26, 2003
Courtesy-Bengals.com -
Marvin Lewis
Cincinnati Bengals - Head Coach
"We're so excited. Kelly Washington -- a wide receiver from Tennessee, (a) former baseball player. He's been at Tennessee where he started 15 games there in two years.
"He missed a few games there in the two seasons with some injuries, but all that has
been checked out and cleared. He came through that with flying colors, actually. (He's) very explosive.
"I had a chance to watch him practice in person when we were down there for last year's (seniors') workout, (and he's) just an impressive guy. As you watch him on tape, (he's) a big guy who can just flat run and was something we felt we could get -- a guy who can run not only vertically but also could catch and run the football after the catch. (He's) a tremendous athlete, was a quarterback in high school and coach (Alex) Wood tried to recruit him in high school before he decided to play baseball. But he's a tremendous guy for us."
KELLEY WASHINGTON
Wide receiver, Tennessee
The fact that former Bengals wide receivers Tim McGee and Carl Pickens are from Tennessee and now they have you ... Do you think it's coincidence, or is there more to it than that?
"I think it's a matter of the organization recognizing the type of talent that comes out of a program like Tennessee. I'm just blessed
to be a Bengal and honored that they decided to pick me up."
Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski says that your neck is not a factor. What exactly happened?
"Everything is doing well with my neck. I went to two different NFL combine checks and everything went well. I feel healthy and I feel strong and felt I put up good numbers in my workouts. I feel like this is a big steal. I just want to come in work hard, and be productive for the Bengals."
When did you first hurt your neck?
"It was in early October in the Georgia game."
Did you take a shot to the head or what happened?
"It was more of a whiplash hit that created a bone spur."
So it's not a nerve problem or stinger? It's just a muscle?
"It's just something from the whiplash effect. When it created a bone spur, I felt it was best to have a neck fusion. You have to have
surgery for that. Ever since I had that surgery, it has felt strong."
How long were you out?
"I was out after four games. I sat out after that."
Are you ready to score some touchdowns?
"I'm ready to get back on the field and show the nation again. I'm very excited about my opportunity -- and thankful."
You haven't played very much football when you look back at your situation...
"The time I've played football, I've been very productive. I've only been playing receiver for a couple of years. (That) shows you
what type of learning I can do. I'm very optimistic about playing receiver and showing my skills and what I can do." This team wants another speed receiver to go opposite of Chad Johnson... "I looked at the roster of receivers they have, and it's a good situation to be able to come in and learn the system and compete and play across from Johnson, (Peter) Warrick and Carson Palmer."
How would you describe your style of play?
"I'm a physical, gritty receiver that can stretch the defense with my speed. I also can go underneath, so I really feel like I'm a good
all-around receiver."
How much kick returning have you done in your career?
"I haven't really done any. I've practiced it but haven't done it at all. That's something we can try, but it's up to the coaching staff."
What position did you play in baseball?
" I was a shortstop and a third baseman."
What happened to the baseball career?
"I felt at that time, being 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds and able to run -- they don't have a lot of those in the NFL -- that I could go to
the collegiate level and possibly in the NFL."
Describe your personality...
"I'm very outgoing. I get along with everybody. I feel I'm very competitive on the football field and a hard worker."
