2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200233D

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2057

Offered June 18, 2026

Celebrating the life of Walter Warfield Rock.

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Patron—Surovell

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WHEREAS, Walter Warfield Rock of Williamsburg, a standout former member of the Washington Redskins in the National Football League who went on to become a trusted local business leader in Northern Virginia, died on May 19, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Walter “Walt” Rock grew up in Ohio and distinguished himself as a multisport athlete at Elyria High School, where he began to cultivate his reputation for toughness and physicality on the football field and basketball court; he was later inducted into the Elyria Sports Hall of Fame with its inaugural class in 1972; and

WHEREAS, Walt Rock matriculated at the University of Maryland and played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the school's football team; in 1962, he earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference first team honors and the Defensive Lineman Coaches Award from team staff; and

WHEREAS, in 1963, Walt Rock was drafted by both the Kansas City Chiefs, then part of the American Football League, and the San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL); and

WHEREAS, Walt Rock chose to sign with the San Francisco 49ers and spent four seasons with the team while often flying across the country to help support his family's garage door installation business in Northern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in 1968, Walt Rock was traded to the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders, and started at right or left tackle on the offensive line over the next six seasons, an era when the team was known as the Over the Hill Gang for its significant number of veteran players; and

WHEREAS, Walt Rock and the Washington Redskins finished the 1972 season with an 11–3 record and reached Super Bowl VII, where they faced a Miami Dolphins squad that remains the only NFL team to finish a season with an undefeated record; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his professional football career, Walt Rock played in 137 games, recorded five fumble recoveries, and earned a Pro Bowl selection; and

WHEREAS, after retiring from professional football after the 1973 season, Walt Rock focused on his career as president and owner of Door Systems, Inc.; he also taught himself architectural design and drafting and applied his talents to designing, building, and renovating homes; and

WHEREAS, Walt Rock was an avid boater and competitive sailor, and in later life, he combined his penchant for craftsmanship and passion for the sea by designing wooden boats; and

WHEREAS, Walt Rock retired from his career in home design and door installation in 2010, then settled in Williamsburg, where he continued to pursue his passions and made enduring friendships; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by one son, Bradley, Walt Rock will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Alice; his children, Douglas and Chelsea, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Walter Warfield Rock, a celebrated professional football player and business leader in Northern Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Walter Warfield Rock as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.