Las Vegas' Darnell Washington honors brother after scoring touchdown with Steelers
The Desert Pines product is in his second season in Pittsburgh
David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Darnell Washington, who attended Desert Pines High School in Las Vegas, catches a touchdown for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Denver Broncos on Sept. 15, 2004. It was Washington's first touchdown as a professional. He celebrated by giving a gigantic salute — which after the game he said was to honor his brother who is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 | 7:48 a.m.
When Darnell Washington caught a short touchdown pass Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Denver Broncos, he quickly saluted in the direction of the crowd in celebration.
Viewers initially assumed the Las Vegas native was mocking the Broncos fans with a Mile High Salute — a tradition when Denver players salute the crowd after scoring.
Washington’s salute, however, was for his younger brother, Ezekiel, who is serving with the U.S. Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., he explained after the game.
Darnell and Ezekiel Washington both played football at Desert Pines High School.
Darnell was part of two national championship teams at Georgia before being selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2023 draft. He finally found the end zone Sunday in his second professional season.
He told reporters Ezekiel had a huge impact on his life, and he promised to do something in his honor when scoring.
Washington, who at 6 foot 7, 265 pounds is one of the biggest tight ends in the NFL, is noted for his blocking in the run game. In his rookie season in 2023, he hauled in seven passes for 61 yards.