Demarius Washington: Leader, Mentor, Fan Favorite

Anyone who has watched the Southwest Kansas Storm over the past two to three seasons is aware of the man they call "Dee Wash": Demarius Washington. If you have attended a game in Dodge City, you have likely at least gotten a high-five from him as he walks the arena before every game, showing the fan base how much he appreciates them. 

If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting him in person, you have likely been entertained on your television screen by his leaping catches or touchdown celebrations. Dee Wash joined the Storm before the 2025 season after regional rival Wichita Regulators closed up shop. Little did either party know at the time how crucial an addition he was. Two seasons later, no player can claim to be more valuable to the Southwest Kansas Storm than Demarius Washington. 

Whether it is on the field or off of it, Dee Wash exemplifies the type of player the Storm strive to bring in. Elite players, matched only by their off-the-field personality: Players the community can be proud of and rally behind. 

Washington Family Has Deep Roots in Sports

Demarius is not the only member of the Washington family who played sports, and his brother even found his way to be drafted in round two of the NFL draft in 2010. In fact, Dee Wash actually played multiple sports in high school at one point, leaning more toward a future in basketball. 

While most of us know Dee Wash for his time on the football field, he nearly wound up playing professional basketball instead. He once tried out for a team in what is now known as the NBA's G League. Unfortunately, he was ultimately let go via cuts, and that led to a return to the Salina Bombers. 

It's crazy to look back at just how dominant Washington has been, and for how long. 

Here is a highlight reel from 2016, a season in which he put up over 1,000 yards. 

King of Kansas? 

While this was the first championship victory for the Storm, it was not the first for Washington, who previously won a CIF Championship with the Salina Liberty in 2022. He also spent time with the IFL's Kansas City Phantoms, CIF's Salina Bombers, and TAL's Goats, who represented Kansas City in previous seasons. In 2026, Washington added to his ring collection as the top wide receiver and vocal leader of the Southwest Kansas Storm, and it came via a game won over his former team, the Salina Liberty. 

Getting Better With Time 

There are a few things in life known for getting better with time; wine, for example. If you look a little further down that list, you find Demarius Washington. With over a decade of professional playing experience, Washington has seemingly only found ways to continue to get better. 

In 2026, Washington finished as the NAL's leader in receiving yards with 684, tied for first in receiving touchdowns with 16, and finished first in receiving yards per game. This came on the heels of a 2025 season that saw him in the top five in every major receiving category. With 59 receptions for 815 yards and 15 touchdowns, placing him 4th, 5th, and 6th, respectively. 

He also had one of his best performances in the playoffs, catching 8 passes for 115 yards and 3 touchdowns against Nashville. In 2024, he suited up in 9 games for the Salina Liberty, collecting 33 receptions for 561 yards and 12 touchdowns. Not bad for a wide receiver in his mid-thirties. 

Coaches Quote 

“There’s #2 kinds of people in the world…thermometers and thermostats. Thermometers take the temperature, thermostats set the temperature. Demarius Washington is a thermostat…he sets the temperature of every room he walks into. He sees the game in a completely different way than most athletes, and even some coaches. He’s a supreme talent, and anything is possible with him on the field and a ball in the air!” - Coach Gary Thomas. 

Returning for Year 3

In speaking with the staff, Dee Wash has put pen to paper and agreed to return for season 3 with the Southwest Kansas Storm. He returns with an opportunity to set franchise records that no wide receiver may ever touch simply due to his consistency and dominance during his time with the team. Storm fans likely don't need to be told the significance of watching Washington play each season, as they are watching one of the greatest indoor or arena football wideouts ever to grace the game. Defending a title began with re-signing Washington; with that move out of the way, the Storm can continue putting the pieces together to build a team capable of defending a championship.