Sam Huff

Robert Lee "Sam" Huff (born October 4, 1934) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Early life

Huff was born and grew up in the No. 9 coal mining camp in Edna Gas, West Virginia, The fourth of Oral and Catherine Huff's six children, he lived with his family in a small rowhouse with no running water. Huff grew up during the Great Depression, while his father and two of his brothers worked in the coal mines loading buggies for Consolidated Mining.

Huff attended and played high school football at the now-closed Farmington High School, where he was both an offensive and defensive lineman. While he was there, Huff helped lead the team to an undefeated season in 1951. He earned all-state honors in 1952 and was named to the first-team all-Mason Dixon Conference.

College career

Huff attended and played college football at West Virginia University, where he majored in physical education. He started at guard as a sophomore and tackle the next two years, after winning a letter as a backup guard during his freshman season. He was a four-year letterman and helped lead West Virginia to a combined four-year mark of 31-7 and a berth in the 1954 Sugar Bowl.