Walt Rock, a former defensive tackle who played 11 seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins, passed away on May 19 at the age of 84.
College and Early NFL Career
In 1962, Rock earned honorable mention All-American honors at the University of Maryland. He was recognized as an all-Atlantic Coast Conference guard and tackle. The following year, the San Francisco 49ers selected Rock as the 21st overall pick in the second round of the 1963 NFL Draft. Although he was also drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC, he chose to join the NFL.
Successful NFL Tenure
During his NFL career, Rock played 137 games from 1963 to 1973, starting most games at tackle for his last decade in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1965 and 1966 while with the 49ers. In 1966, the Sporting News selected him as a first team All-Pro.
Trade to Washington Redskins
In 1968, the Washington Redskins acquired Rock in exchange for a first round draft pick. He made his first playoff appearance in 1971. The following year, Rock contributed to Washington’s victory against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game. They eventually reached the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Miami Dolphins. During that game, he became the second player to appear in a Super Bowl after playing for the University of Maryland.
Transition and Later Life
Repeated ankle sprains led to the end of Rock’s playing career in 1973. He then dedicated himself to his role as the president and owner of Door Systems, Inc. in Virginia, a position he held even during the NFL off-seasons.
Honors and Personal Life
In 1972, Rock was honored as a member of the inaugural class of the Elyria (Ohio) Sports Hall of Fame. Aside from football, he was a leading scorer and rebounder in basketball at Elyria High School, which lost only one regular-season game in his last two years.
He is survived by his wife, Alice; three sisters; two children, Douglas and Chelsea; and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.