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.
In 1962, Walt Rock gained recognition as an honorable mention All-American at the University of Maryland. He excelled as both an all-Atlantic Coast Conference guard and tackle during his college years.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Rock with the 21st overall pick in the second round of the 1963 NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs of the AFC also drafted him that year, but Rock chose to pursue a career with the NFL.
Two-Time Super Bowl Champion, 8-Year NFL Veteran, Dies
Over the course of the next 11 seasons (1963-1973), Rock played 137 games, starting nearly every game at tackle for the last 10 seasons. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 1965 and 1966 while with the 49ers, and was named first-team All-Pro by the Sporting News in 1966.
In 1968, Rock was traded to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a first-round draft pick. His first playoff game appearance came in 1971. During the 1972 season, Rock contributed to Washington’s “Over-the-Hill Gang” victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game. The team went on to play in the Super Bowl but lost to the Miami Dolphins. Rock was notable for being the second player from the University of Maryland to compete in a Super Bowl.
Recurring ankle sprains in 1973 concluded Rock’s NFL playing career. He then devoted himself full-time to his role as president and owner of Door Systems, Inc. in Virginia, a position he previously held during the NFL off-seasons.
Former Cowboys Quarterback, Notre Dame National Champion, Dies
Rock was inducted in 1972 as part of the inaugural class of the Elyria (Ohio) Sports Hall of Fame. In high school, alongside his football achievements, he excelled in basketball as a leading scorer and rebounder, with his team losing only one regular-season game over his last two seasons.
He is survived by his wife, Alice, three sisters, and two children, Douglas and Chelsea, along with eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
For additional NFL news, please visit Newsweek Sports.
Chicago White Sox Claim Victory Over Cleveland Guardians 
U.S. Eases Travel Restrictions for Iran’s World Cup Team Amid Ongoing Negotiations 
Chicago Bulls Draft Party Highlights 
World Cup Developments: England’s Performance and Portugal’s Rise 
Colombia Edges Past Congo to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage 
World Cup Highlights – Day 13: Ronaldo’s Encore and England’s Struggles