Casey Washington is making the most of his opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons’ first-team offense during training camp. The opening came after Darnell Mooney suffered a shoulder injury on the first day of camp, which left a spot in the starting lineup. Washington quickly stepped into the role.
“In Mooney’s absence, he’s done a great job,” said Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. “He’s continuing to ascend, and we’re excited about Casey and what he can bring this season.”
Washington was selected in the sixth round from the University of Illinois. He played eight games as a rookie for Atlanta, mainly due to his contributions on special teams, but missed several late-season games because of a concussion. During his rookie year, he caught Michael Penix Jr.’s first NFL pass—a 14-yard completion against Seattle in Week 7—and spent significant time working with Penix, who is now Atlanta’s starting quarterback.
Washington and Penix built their connection by practicing together each week against Atlanta’s top defense. These reps helped both players adjust to professional football.
“We went out there and competed every day,” Washington said. “The plays that we made, and the chemistry that we made on the scout team, I think it’s carried over a little bit.”
When Washington moved up to the starting lineup, his experience with Penix proved valuable. Their familiarity allowed them to work well together during camp.
“He’s been showing it each and every day, and he’s been the same guy since he’s been here,” Penix said. “He’s a guy that’s going run routes extremely hard, fast, and he’s going to catch any ball that comes in his vicinity. My job is to continue to elevate him and make sure I give him the opportunities that he deserves from the work that he put in.”
Washington’s commitment was clear early in his career. He often stayed after practice catching extra passes using a jugs machine—sometimes for more than half an hour at close range.
“Casey was one of the guys that was always like, ‘Hey, Mike, can we do a walk through before practice?'” Penix said. “We would get installs the night before last year in OTAs, and he’ll text me, ‘Hey, can we go do a walk through at the top of the parking lot?’ And we would be like, ‘Alright, let’s do it.’ He always wanted to get better.”
Washington was not considered an elite prospect when he joined Illinois and did not become a full-time starter until his final college season. Despite this background, he earned an NFL roster spot and has continued to impress coaches with his work ethic.
“I’ve always wanted to be the best,” Washington said. “Whether it was middle school, pop warner, in my whole life — I’ve always wanted to be the best.”
After navigating challenges as a rookie—including learning new routines—Washington says things are beginning to slow down for him as he enters his second season.
“After I stopped overthinking everything, and I just get out there and play football, I think I realized a little bit with myself that I’m good enough to play this game,” Washington said. “And once I just am out there and I’m flowing — I’m playing the game free and just playing — football starts to become fun.”
Learning how receivers fit into complex NFL offenses takes time; understanding motions and route concepts is part of adapting at this level. With more experience under his belt now—and greater confidence—Washington feels comfortable contributing on offense.
“It feels like my dreams are starting to unfold,” Washington said. “It’s a blessing, and it’s really exciting.”
