Dewayne Washington started all 16 games for the Minnesota Vikings as a rookie in 1994. Washington recorded 75 tackles (69 solo), and had 3 interceptions for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns as a rookie. Dewayne Washington was named defensive rookie of the year by "College and Pro Football Weekly" and earned All-Rookie honors from "Pro Football Weekly" and Pro Football Writers of America. The Vikings won the NFC Central Division with a 10-6 record, but lost in the first round of the 1994 NFL playoffs.