Terrell Washington ("Coach T")
Founder and CEO of Grind House Sports
After retiring from professional football, Washington transitioned to coaching, starting at Ritenour High School for four years. He later explored entrepreneurship before settling in Wylie, Texas, in 2014. His dedication to the Wylie athletic community as a volunteer coach led to the founding of The Grind House Sports Training in 2018.
Since then, Coach T and his team have trained countless youth athletes from schools such as Wylie East, Wylie High, Allen, Lovejoy, Sachse, Plano East, and Rockwall, among others. Athletes from 5th grade to collegiate levels have benefited from his training programs, with many returning during breaks to stay sharp.
With 18 years of coaching experience, Coach T focuses on speed, agility, and power, specializing in footwork and lateral movement. His expertise spans multiple sports, including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, track, volleyball, and more, offering tailored training for athletes of all disciplines.
Coach T’s philosophy is simple: he gives 100% to every session and expects the same commitment from his athletes, both on and off the field. As a mentor, he builds confidence, resilience, and skills that help athletes succeed in their sport and beyond.
Drawing from his own experience in collegiate and professional recruitment, Coach T also helps guide athletes through this process. He’s the author of Be Recruitable (2021) and is developing online courses covering topics like dynamic stretching, nutrition, and at-home workouts, ensuring his training is accessible to athletes everywhere.
College Football
Professional Football
Professional Football
Terrell Washington’s story is a testament to determination, talent, and resilience—an inspiring tale for young athletes and their families. After excelling in UIL football, Terrell played at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas before joining the University of Illinois. As a Division 1, Big Ten Defender (#85), he shone on one of the most celebrated Illinois teams in history.
In 2001, the Fighting Illini captured the Big Ten Championship, leading to a thrilling season that concluded with a Sugar Bowl face-off against Nick Saban’s LSU Tigers. Despite a tough 47-34 loss, the Illini etched their names in history, finishing the season 10-2, ranked No. 12 nationally—the last Illinois team to hit a 10-win record.
Terrell’s contributions on defense and special teams were pivotal, as he registered four of the team’s 40 sacks and earned a spot as a Top 10 SACK Leader in Illinois’ history (tied at #9). On September 8, 2001, he blocked two kicks against Northern Illinois, earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors. "Special teams were something we took a lot of pride in," Terrell said. "I loved blocking kicks."
With grit, teamwork, and a focus on making every opportunity count, Terrell Washington’s journey serves as a powerful example for aspiring athletes striving for success.
Professional Football
Professional Football
Professional Football
Terrell Washington’s story is nothing short of inspiring for young athletes and their parents. Just before earning his bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Illinois in May 2002, Terrell got the call every football player dreams of—he was signed by the Houston Texans as a high-value undrafted free agent on the second day of the NFL Draft.
“Getting to start my pro career with the Houston Texans is a dream come true,” Terrell shared after signing his contract. “I’m beyond excited to play in the NFL!”
While wrapping up his final weeks of college, Terrell received his NFL contract overnight. Along with it came his training itinerary and weight benchmarks for his big debut. Jumping right into action, he joined his fellow rookies for an intense off-season program designed to get them NFL-ready—complete with conditioning, training, and film study. After that, they headed home for a month to prepare for the official pre-season.
Terrell went on to play two seasons with the Houston Texans as an Outside Linebacker (#63). During his rookie season, he was a key part of the practice squad and later represented the Texans in the NFL Europe regular season as one of just six players chosen from the team. His dedication, hard work, and talent are a testament to what’s possible with perseverance and a passion for the game.