Rick Redman obit

Husky Hall Of Famer Rick Redman Passes Away At Age 79

 

He was not on the list.

Rick Redman, one of the most celebrated and iconic players in Washington football history, passed away peacefully at home Friday at the age of 79, family members have confirmed.

A two-time consensus All-America linebacker from Seattle's Bishop Blanchet High School, Redman starred on Husky teams in the early 1960s. After a successful pro football career, Redman spent the last 50 years as a key volunteer and contributor to the UW athletics program.

"We are heartbroken to hear the news of Rick's passing," said UW director of athletics Jennifer Cohen. "Rick was a true icon both on and off the field who cared deeply about his Husky family. He gave back to the UW in several thoughtful ways after his Hall of Fame playing career. Rick was a dear friend to me and will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to his family, former teammates and all who knew him."

"Rick Redman's impact on UW football goes well beyond his Hall of Fame playing career," said Husky football coach Kalen DeBoer. "We are grateful for the time, effort and attention he gave in so many ways to this program. On behalf of the Husky football program, I share our sympathies with the many people who will miss him deeply."

Born March 7, 1943, in Portland, Oregon, Redman attended Blanchet High in Seattle, where he was a three-sport athlete and a high school All-America selection as a senior in 1960.

At Washington, playing guard, linebacker and punter, he helped lead the Huskies to a conference championship and a Rose Bowl berth in the 1963 season. He was named consensus first-team All-America in both 1963 and 1964. He was also an all-conference and All-Coast selection those two seasons.

Selected by the Eagles in the NFL Draft and the Chargers in the AFL Draft in 1965, Redman signed with San Diego, where he spent nine seasons (1965-73), making the AFL All-Star team in 1967. In 1974, he played for the Portland Storm in the inaugural season of the World Football League.

He was a member of the fourth class of the Husky Hall of Fame in 1982, one of the first 10 UW football players so honored, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

Following his football career, Redman returned to Seattle, where he began a career in commercial construction. As a principal at Sellen Construction, he played a part in the construction of numerous major projects, including the renovations of Alaska Airlines Arena and Conibear Shellhose, Foster School of Business' PACCAR Hall, and UW Medicine's Research Campus in South Lake Union.

Redman enrolled at the University of Washington in Seattle and played college football as a guard and linebacker for the Washington Huskies under head coach Jim Owens. He was also the Huskies' punter. In his junior season in 1963, he led the Huskies to a Rose Bowl appearance. Redman was a two time All-American, and Academic All-American once, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995,