THE QUESTIONS

WITH Marcus Washington, Redskins Linebacker

What was your welcome-to-the-NFL moment?
My first game, with the Colts against K.C. [in 2000], I was covering a punt when someone blindsided me in the ribs. It's still one of the hardest hits I've had.

Your most embarrassing moment?
My rookie year I wasn't practicing because I pulled a hamstring. I was on one end of the field, Coach [Jim] Mora was on the other. I wasn't paying attention to what was going on, and he hollers down to me, "What's the play?" Everyone is looking at me. He asks again, and I had to say I didn't know. He snapped--jumping, yelling and swearing at me.

Your most treasured possession?
My bed. I have a king-sized bed with a bunch of pillows. It was the first thing I bought when I signed, and it's extremely soft.

If I weren't in the NFL, I'd be ...
Coaching high school football. In high school kids are still all heart.

LAST WEEK

Washington, 28, a Pro Bowler last season, had seven tackles and 1 1/2 sacks in a loss to San Diego.

THIS WEEK

Redskins visit the Rams on Sunday. In his only career game in St. Louis, in 2001, Washington had 1 1/2 sacks.

PHOTO

JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES (WASHINGTON ACTION)

PHOTO

WILLIAM E. AMATUCCI JR./WIREIMAGE.COM (WASHINGTON HEAD)