A phone call from one former Valparaiso University football player to another on Monday carried with it the opportunity of a lifetime.

After two standout seasons at Valpo, running back Robert Washington (Huntersville, N.C. / East Gaston [Old Dominion]) has earned a National Football League Rookie Minicamp invite from the Philadelphia Eagles. He learned the news from his agent Randy Fisher, who played football at Valpo from 1996-2000.

“It was a tearful moment,” Washington said. “I couldn’t stop smiling and I couldn’t stop screaming. This is pretty special; it’s a dream come true. It’s unbelievable to see all of the hard work paying off. It really hasn’t hit me yet. It’ll probably hit me when I get to training camp.”

A circuitous collegiate career that featured numerous stops ended with a successful two-year stint in Valpo’s program. In just 17 games, Washington left an unforgettable mark on the program, rushing for 1,758 career yards, a total that ranks ninth in program history. His Fall 2021 total of 211 rushing yards ranks second in program history, and his 14 rushing touchdowns this fall tied a program record that had stood since 1977.

“I’m happy to be able to represent Valpo at the next level,” Washington said. “They gave me the opportunity to show my talent, and that helped me get to this point. I talked to Coach Fox about it, and told him that I’m so happy I can do this for Valpo and for me. The people and the coaches led me to Valpo. My time at Valpo has been so special and went by so fast.”

When Washington transferred into Valpo’s program, he found the right fit for his growth on and off the field.

“Robert signing with the Eagles is exciting for the program as a whole,” Fox said. “It’s an example of the success that we’ve had with transfers, and a lot of that comes back to the players on the team. We have a culture that is very accepting of good players and good people who join our program. They get excited for their individual success and team success as well. We’re proud of how transfers have flourished in our program, and that starts with the current players as well as the ability of our staff to identify transfers who fit the profile of our University.”

Washington was named the Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Year following the Spring 2021 season and earned All-PFL First Team status in each of his seasons with the Brown & Gold. During Washington’s tenure, the program finished with a PFL record of .500 or better in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1999 and 2000.

“This is really exciting and this is great exposure for Valpo’s program,” Fisher said. “It shows that you can attend Valpo, get one of the best educations in the country and get an opportunity in the NFL. There’s a close-knit bond among anyone who has played at Valpo. We’ve got a good group of alumni supporting the current players. It is special to represent him. I was thrilled when he asked me to help him through the process, and even more thrilled when we got him an opportunity with the Eagles.”

Washington and Fisher own a special bond with one Valpo alum representing another.

“For Robert to receive a Rookie Minicamp Invite in this year’s draft speaks volumes,” Fisher said. “Based on the number of rookie undrafted free agents this year, it’s impressive for him to have a rookie minicamp invite. The Eagles are one of the top organizations in the NFL from top to bottom. Howie Roseman is building a solid roster and Nick Sirianni and his staff are some of the best coaches and football minds in the industry. There’s not a better place that I’d want to send Robert; the Eagles will give him a fair look. More than anything, it’s a tremendous opportunity for Robert. He’s put in a ton of work to get to this point in his life. I’ve told Robert that mentally he has to believe that once he’s in the building, he’s not leaving.”

Washington is currently still in Charlotte and will travel on either Wednesday or Thursday before rookie minicamp begins on Friday.  

“When I spoke to Robert after he received the news, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity that he was given to play at Valpo and be involved in our campus community,” Fox said. “It takes everyone to be successful and that includes the dedication of his coaching staff and teammates. When he tells me that he’s grateful for his opportunity at Valpo, I think of all the people who are part of our program that help make these opportunities possible.”