Walter Warfield Rock, the former Maryland standout and Pro Bowl offensive lineman whose steady play and trademark toughness defined an eleven-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins, died May 19, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was 84.

Rock was born on November 4, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio. A 1959 graduate of Elyria High School, Rock distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, excelling on both the football field and the basketball court. In 1972, he was inducted as a member of the inaugural class of the Elyria Sports Hall of Fame. Known for his toughness and competitive spirit, he was affectionately nicknamed Walt “Hard” Rock by local sportswriters during his playing days.

Rock continued his football career as a lineman at the University of Maryland, where in 1962 he earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors and was awarded the 1962 Defensive Lineman Coaches Award by the Maryland staff.

Rock went on to enjoy an illustrious career in the National Football League. Drafted in 1963 as a second round pick for both the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, he chose the NFL. After four seasons with the 49ers, Rock was traded to the Washington Redskins in 1968 in exchange for a first round draft pick. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1965 and was a member of Washington’s celebrated “Over-the-Hill Gang” team that advanced to Super Bowl VII.

Following his retirement from football, Rock remained in northern Virginia and continued his business career as President and Owner of Door Systems, Inc. Beyond business, he cultivated many passions throughout his life. An avid boater and competitive sailor in his middle years, he found lasting joy on the water. Largely self-taught in architectural design and drafting, he applied his talents to designing, building, and renovating homes. In his later years, he discovered a special calling in the design of wooden boats, combining his craftsmanship with his lifelong love of the sea. 

Rock retired to Williamsburg, VA in 2010, and continued to pursue his passions. He especially treasured meeting friends each morning for coffee and conversation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia Ruth Rock (née Bagnell) and Warfield Rock, and by his son, Bradley Allen Rock. He is survived by his wife, Alice; three sisters, Virginia (Ginni), Judy and Diane; two children, Douglas and Chelsea; and eight beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud.

The Elyria YMCA opened doors that indelibly shaped Rock’s formative years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Cleveland YMCA at https://www.clevelandymca.org/give/.

A funeral service will be held on June 19 at 11am at Pohick Church (9301 Richmond Highway) in Lorton, VA.