🏈 From QB to WR and Back: David Washington on ODU Football, Leadership, and Legacy | The Monarchists Podcast

David Washington made history at Old Dominion University — the only quarterback in Monarch history to win a bowl game, the last to lead ODU to a 10-win season, and the definition of a true team-first leader.

In this episode, David joins Mike and Aaron to share his story — from his recruitment and first days at ODU, to his transition from quarterback to wide receiver, memories from the Bahamas Bowl, and hilarious locker room stories featuring his teammates.

David also reflects on what he’s most proud of as a Monarch, his advice for current ODU players, and life after football as a proud father and youth soccer coach.

If you love Monarch Football, nostalgia, and genuine insight into the life of a student-athlete, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: The Pride of ODU and welcoming David Washington

01:00 – David’s recruitment and decision to join Old Dominion

04:00 – Early impressions of ODU and the 757 football culture

05:00 – Redshirting, gaining 50 pounds, and “welcome to college football” moments

07:30 – Transitioning to FBS and new challenges

09:00 – Moving from quarterback to wide receiver

12:00 – Learning both positions and how it changed his mindset

15:00 – Taylor Heinicke’s last throw at Ballard and passing of the torch

17:00 – Building chemistry with Zach Pascal and breakout games

20:00 – Louisiana Tech game and top career memories

28:00 – Lessons from switching positions and leadership

30:00 – Locker room fun, teammates, and legendary lunchroom chaos

34:00 – The atmosphere at Ballard Stadium and “clamshell magic”

37:00 – David’s proudest ODU moments on and off the field

40:00 – In the zone: FAU, Louisiana Tech, and that 2016 team

42:00 – How he wants to be remembered as a Monarch

47:00 – Hall of Fame talk and the case for ODU’s offensive linemen

48:00 – Life after football and coaching his daughter’s soccer team

49:00 – Advice for current and future ODU players

52:00 – NIL talk and his ideal sponsorship (hint: Del Vecchios pizza!)

56:00 – Karaoke night idea and closing thoughts