Standing at 6’7″, No. 80 for the Pittsburgh Steelers is a tight end who has garnered high alert as an internet sensation for being built like a basketball player. Just like NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal who was a towering 7-foot giant renowned for his powerful dunks and formidable athleticism, this rookie in the Steelers’ training camp is now captivating America’s affection. This newfound admiration isn’t solely for his appearance, but for the pro-style TE has demonstrated during the ongoing training sessions.
Amidst the training activities hosted at Chuck Noll Field for the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, a place that has drawn fans to relish in the drills, TE Darnell Washington has managed to steal the spotlight, becoming an instant sensation in just 24 hours.
Steelers TE Darnell Washington’s acrobatic catch
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The NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal might also be shocked due to the surprising emergence of another behemoth, only four inches shorter than Shaq. This revelation has shocked the NFL nation. Clad in the Steelers’ jersey number 80, NFL player Darnell Washington executed a “one-handed reception” in the corner of the end zone, a feat that wasn’t easily achieved.
IMAGINE: Trying to stop a 6-foot-7 tight end who is over 260 pounds and runs a 4.6 that snags footballs like that 🤯🤯
Darnell Washington will be an UNSTOPPABLE force in this league
(🎥@steelers) pic.twitter.com/S8LaF0TMSc
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 16, 2023
This kind of catch is defined by Washington’s ability to secure the ball with a single hand while suspended in mid-air, a display of athleticism level, coordination, and high skill. It’s a highlight-reel play that truly showcases Washington’s extraordinary capacity to make challenging catches.
An only 22-year-old Steelers Tight End boasts a towering height of 6 feet 7 inches and a weight exceeding 260 pounds. Despite his impressive size, he runs a 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds and possesses the finesse to snatch footballs in such a spectacular manner. Washington has already secured two College Football Playoff National Championships during his time at Georgia College.
Rob Gronkowski predicted Washington’s season
According to a report from Steelers Depot, during a practice session, former TE Rob Gronkowski not only commended Washington’s skills but also predicted a 600-to-700-yard season for him. Minkah Fitzpatrick, a free safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, noted, “I don’t know if he [Washington] played basketball or not but he reminds me of a basketball just the body control he has.”
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In the 2023 NFL Draft, Darnell Washington was chosen by the Steelers in the third round, as the 93rd overall pick, on May 12, 2023. Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Darnell was accustomed to both football and basketball. As a five-star recruit in football, he holds a pre-draft measurable record of an impressive 774 receiving yards throughout his three years in college.
Based on information from ‘Over The Cap,’ Darnell Washington inked a four-year contract with the Steelers valued at $5,353,912. The contract includes $893,752 in guarantees and an additional signing bonus of $893,752.
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With such a strong play, Steelers fans are looking forward to seeing him in action this NFL season.
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