Rick Redman, 1943-2022, was a Husky who did it all
Rick Redman was a star on both sides of the ball for the Husky football team, playing guard and linebacker, and he shined on special teams as a punter.
He stood only 5-foot-11 and weighed 215 pounds, yet it seemed like everything came easy to Rick Redman. One of the Huskies’ most versatile players ever, he rotated among three positions—offensive guard, linebacker and punter—during the three years he played for Washington (1962 to 1964) and was a big reason the UW won the conference title and a berth in the 1964 Rose Bowl. “Rick Redman did it all,” says Archie Manning, chairman of the National Football Foundation.
The three-time all-conference guard, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995, died Sept. 30 at the age of 79.
A two-time All-American who was one of the most decorated players in Washington football history, Redman, ’66, was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1943 and attended Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle. He was an All-American as a senior.
After a 10-year career in pro football playing for the AFL’s San Diego Chargers and the Portland Storm of the World Football League, Redman returned to Seattle and entered commercial construction. He joined Sellen Construction, and during his 35-year career as CEO, was involved in several major University projects, including the renovation of Alaska Airlines Arena, Conibear Shellhouse, the Foster School of Business’ PACCAR Hall and the UW Medicine research campus in South Lake Union.
While his playing days were behind him, Redman continued to play a major role in the UW athletic department as a volunteer and supporter. He belonged to the Tyee Club’s “Champions Circle,” a group of donors who have given more than $1 million to UW Athletics. In 1982, he was a member of the fourth class of the Husky Hall of Fame, one of the first 10 UW football players so honored.
“We were heartbroken to hear the news of Rick’s passing,” says UW athletic director Jen 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.”