Former Redskins, 49ers Pro Bowler, 11-Year NFL Veteran Dies

Defensive tackle Walt Rock, who played 11 seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins, died May 19. He was 84.

In 1962, Rock was chosen as an honorable mention All-American at the University of Maryland, where he was also an all-Atlantic Coast Conference guard and tackle.

The following year, the 49ers chose Rock with the 21st overall pick, in the second round of the 1963 NFL Draft. He was also drafted by the AFC’s Kansas City Chiefs that year, but opted for the NFL.

More news: Two-Time Super Bowl Champion, 8-Year NFL Veteran, Dies

Rock would go on to play 137 games over the next 11 seasons (1963-73), starting nearly every game at tackle for each of the last 10. He was selected to play in two Pro Bowl games, in 1965 and 1966 with San Francisco. Rock was chosen first team All-Pro by the Sporting News in 1966.

Rock was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1968 in exchange for a first round draft pick. In 1971, he appeared in his first playoff game. In 1972, he helped Washington’s "Over-the-Hill Gang" defeat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game, then reach the Super Bowl before ultimately losing to the Miami Dolphins.

In starting the game, Rock became the second player ever to appear in a Super Bowl after playing for the University of Maryland.

A series of ankle sprains brought an end to Rock’s playing career in 1973. He transitioned into full-time work as the president and owner of Door Systems, Inc. in Virginia, a job he held in the NFL off-season before retiring as a player.

More news: Former Cowboys Quarterback, Notre Dame National Champion, Dies

In 1972, Rock was inducted as a member of the inaugural class of the Elyria (Ohio) Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to playing for the Elyria High School football team, he was the leading scorer and rebounder on a center on the school’s basketball team which lost only one regular-season game over his final two seasons.

Rock is survived by his wife, Alice; three sisters, two children, Douglas and Chelsea, eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For more NFL news, visit Newsweek Sports.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 1:44 PM.