Celebrating after a big play is a common occurrence in a football game, whether professional or in college, but not many things at are more unfortunate than when a player gets hurt in the process.
That happened to Western Kentucky's redshirt senior linebacker Bryson Washington against Louisiana Tech in Week 6 of the college football season.
Named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week in Week 5, Washington tweaked his leg when he landed on the ground after jumping in celebration following a sack by one of his teammates in his most recent game.
The clip below shows the awkward twist it took.
the celebration injury gotta be the worst way to go out pic.twitter.com/doiZAfzwwZ
— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) October 6, 2023
Fortunately, Washington made it to the sideline under his power and even returned to the game, which is the best sign you can get.
Washington is in his sixth year. He received the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week honors after posting seven tackles, an interception, two pass breakups, and recovered a fumble against Middle Tennessee State in Week 5. It was his first-ever start in his six-year college career.
Western Kentucky senior and @PRP_Athletics alum Bryson Washington had the play of the night in WKU's rivalry win over Middle Tennessee State. He made an one-handed catch for an interception on the ground. Washington: "It took the whole arm to get that one." pic.twitter.com/aZP308gb3z
— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) September 29, 2023
In Week 6, when he got hurt, he made another start against Louisiana Tech, playing 31 snaps, racking up three tackles, and allowing one catch for eight yards. The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers won in Week 6 as well and are now 4-2 on the season.
Washington enrolled at Western Kentucky on June 1, 2017.
In 2018, Washington appeared in four games as a freshman before redshirting. He recorded an assisted tackle against Louisiana Tech. Recruited as a safety, he transitioned to linebacker in 2019.
In his first season as a linebacker, Washington appeared in all 13 games, but primarily on special teams.
Then, in 2020, he took advantage of the extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He played in eight games.
He started receiving more linebacker consideration last season, playing 55 snaps and recording nine tackles. Finally, in 2023, he's playing far more with 146 total snaps, 12 tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups, and has allowed eight catches on 12 targets for 111 yards and no touchdowns.
