History of Sam Huff in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 15, 2026

Sam Huff was a celebrated American professional football player known for his impactful play as a linebacker. He gained fame playing for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins, becoming one of the first defensive players to achieve widespread recognition in the NFL, largely due to his intense matchups against Jim Brown. Huff was an NFL champion, a two-time All-Pro selection, and a five-time Pro Bowl selection. His collegiate career at West Virginia University also earned him accolades. Huff's accomplishments led to his induction into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a legendary figure in football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 4, 1934: Sam Huff's Birth

On October 4, 1934, Robert Lee "Sam" Huff was born. He became a prominent American professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

1951: Undefeated Season

In 1951, Sam Huff helped lead Farmington High School to an undefeated football season.

1952: All-State Honors

In 1952, Sam Huff earned All-State honors and was named to the first-team All-Mason Dixon Conference while at Farmington High School.

1955: All-American and Academic All-American

In 1955, Sam Huff was voted an All-American and served as co-captain in both the East–West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl. He was also named first team Academic All-American.

1955: Redskins Best Season Since

In 1969 the Redskins had their best season since 1955.

October 7, 1956: First Professional Game

On October 7, 1956, Ray Beck was injured in a game against the Chicago Cardinals, which led to Sam Huff playing in his first professional game. He helped the Giants win five consecutive games and the 1956 NFL Championship Game.

1956: Drafted by New York Giants

In 1956, Sam Huff was drafted in the third round of the NFL draft by the New York Giants. During training camp, he briefly left but was convinced to return by Vince Lombardi.

1958: 1958 NFL Championship Game

In 1958, Sam Huff and the Giants played in the 1958 NFL Championship Game, known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played", against the Baltimore Colts, which the Giants lost 23-17 in sudden death overtime.

November 30, 1959: Featured on Time Magazine Cover

On November 30, 1959, Sam Huff became the first NFL player to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.

1959: First Pro Bowl Selection

In 1959, Sam Huff was selected for his first Pro Bowl with the Giants.

October 31, 1960: CBS Television Special

On October 31, 1960, CBS broadcast "The Violent World of Sam Huff" as an episode of The Twentieth Century, a Walter Cronkite-hosted anthology series. The network wired Huff for sound during practice and an exhibition game.

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1961: Named MVP of the Pro Bowl

In 1961, Sam Huff was named the most valuable player of the Pro Bowl.

1961: Giants visited the Championship

In 1961, the Giants visited the championship, but lost.

1962: Giants visited the Championship

In 1962, the Giants visited the championship, but lost.

1963: Fourth Pro Bowl Selection

In 1963, Sam Huff played his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl with the Giants.

1963: Giants visited the Championship

In 1963, the Giants visited the championship, but lost.

1964: Joined the Washington Redskins

In 1964, Sam Huff joined the Washington Redskins with a contract of $30,000 in salary and $5,000 for scouting.

1965: Redskins' Defense Ranked Second in NFL

In 1965, Sam Huff's impact on the Redskins was almost immediate, and the team's defense was ranked second in the NFL.

November 27, 1966: Redskins Beat Giants in High-Scoring Game

On November 27, 1966, Sam Huff and the Redskins defeated his former team, the Giants, in a 72-41 victory, the highest-scoring game in league history.

1967: Ankle Injury and End of Streak

In 1967, an ankle injury ended Sam Huff's streak of 150 straight games played.

1968: First Retirement

In 1968, Sam Huff initially retired from professional football.

1969: Return to Redskins after Retirement

In 1969, Vince Lombardi convinced Sam Huff to come out of retirement to play for the Washington Redskins. The Redskins then had their best season since 1955.

1970: Lost Election for U.S. House Seat

In 1970, Sam Huff ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives but lost in the West Virginia Democratic primary for the 1st district against Bob Mollohan.

1970: Coached Redskins Linebackers

In 1970, Sam Huff spent one season coaching the Redskins' linebackers after Vince Lombardi's death.

1971: Joined Marriott Corporation

In 1971, Sam Huff joined the Marriott Corporation as a salesman.

1979: Joined Redskins Radio Network

In 1979, Sam Huff joined the Redskins Radio Network, where he served as a color commentator.

1982: Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

In 1982, Sam Huff was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

1986: Began Breeding Racehorses

In 1986, Sam Huff began breeding thoroughbred racehorses at Sporting Life Farm in Middleburg, Virginia.

1988: Inducted into WVU School of Physical Education Hall of Fame

In 1988, Sam Huff was inducted into the WVU School of Physical Education Hall of Fame.

1991: Inducted into WVU Sports Hall of Fame

In 1991, Sam Huff was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.

1998: Retired from Marriott Corporation

In 1998, Sam Huff retired from the Marriott Corporation as vice president of sports marketing.

1998: Filly Won Matchmaker Handicap

In 1998, Sam Huff's filly, Bursting Forth, won the Matchmaker Handicap.

1999: Inducted into National High School Hall of Fame

In 1999, Sam Huff was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame and was ranked number 76 on the Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.