From the Rose Bowl to public service, the UW fueled George Fleming’s dreams
Time and again, when faced with disrespect and racism from colleagues in the Washington Legislature, State Senator George Fleming harkened back to his glory days as a Husky football player.
“We had to be physically and mentally tough. And to be in the State Legislature for 22 years, you have to be mentally tough if you’re going to be successful. The University of Washington played a major role in putting me in a position to take those challenges on,” Sen. Fleming said in a UW Athletics video.
The Husky Legend and Rose Bowl Hall of Famer passed away in December 2021 at the age of 83, leaving a remarkable legacy as a player and a person who dedicated his life to public service. He represented Seattle’s 37th District from 1968 to 1991, first in the House and the last 20 years as the first Black member of the Senate, where he served for a decade as chair of the Democratic Caucus.
“He was someone who tried to bring people together rather than push them apart. He forged relationships, even among those who might try to shy away from him because of the color of his skin,” said his daughter, Yemi Fleming Jackson. “He proved he was not a symbol, not a lucky guy, but someone who was brilliant and committed to what he did.”
Sen. Fleming’s childhood dream of playing at the Rose Bowl came true in spectacular fashion. He scored a touchdown on a 91-yard punt return, kicked a 50-yard field goal and was named co-MVP in the Huskies’ first-ever Rose Bowl win in 1960.
“He brought the Rose Bowl legacy to the community, and it changed the way people thought about Husky Football,” says daughter Sonja Fleming. “He loved the UW and believed in the importance of education.”
Sen. Fleming’s wife of 54 years, Tina, adds: “He said nothing worth fighting for is easy, but you can’t give up.”
UW Athletic Director Jen Cohen announced at the senator’s celebration of life — which took place at Husky Stadium — the creation of the annual George Fleming Champion Award to honor a student-athlete “who most embodies George’s values and shows a commitment to community, service and advocacy. His impact will live on forever in the lives of all future Huskies.”
