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SAM HUFF

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Sam Huff was born Robert Lee Huff October 4th, 1934 in the West Virginia coal town of Edna Gas. The family shortly moved to the No. 9 mining camp near Farmington, West Virginia. Sam's father, uncles and brothers all worked in the dangerous mines that were the main economy of the area. All of Sam Huff's young life, he wanted nothing more than to escape the coal camps that blighted the beautiful scenery of the West Virginia hills.

Growing up in the rough and tumble, ethnically diverse camp mining environment, Sam Huff knew what hard work- and hard play- were all about. As a high school student in Farmington WV, Sam's strength, intelligence and determination began to take focus in his sports acumen. In 1952 the Farmington High team went All-State with help of his efforts and encouragement.

Sports were Sam's way out of the coal mining camps, and in 1952 he enrolled at West Virginia University. While there he not only developed as a football player, but earned three letters as the catcher on the baseball team. As a linebacker at WVU he was a unanimous All-American in 1955, and in 1956 he attended the College All-Stars Bowl.

New York, a world away from West Virginia Coal Mines, and where Sam Huff landed as a 3rd round draft for the New York Giants. Despite his relatively small stature, assistant Tom Landry knew that Sam Huff had an ethic, drive and desire that would carry him through. Landry was right- Sam Huff received the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1956. He was named to the All-Pro team in five of his eight seasons with the Giants and was a Defensive MVP in 1959.

In 1964 Huff moved onto the Redskins organization, where he continued to shine. His hard work and matter-of-fact style impressed coach Vince Lombardi, whome he had met while still with the Giants. In 1969 when Sam Huff announced his retirement as a player, he stayed on as an assitant to Mr. Lombardi.

In 1980 Sam Huff was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 1982 he became a Pro Hall of Famer. Since then, Sam Huff has returned to his West Virginia home where he has pursued his lifelong interest in horses. He founded the West Virginia Breeders classics, as well as the Middleburg Broadcasting Net, which combines regional radio, television, and live remote broadcasting.