NFL Hall of Famer, Racing Advocate Huff Dies at 87

Sam Huff, an NFL Hall of Famer and the co-founder of the West Virginia Breeders Classics, died Nov. 13. He was 87.

Huff was diagnosed with dementia in 2013.

Robert Lee "Sam" Huff was born Oct. 4, 1934, in Edna, W.V. He grew up in Coal Camp No. 9 and his father and two of his brothers were coal miners. He played college football at West Virginia University before being drafted in 1956 by the New York Giants, for which he played middle linebacker. Later that year the Giants won the NFL Championship Game. Huff later played for the Washington Redskins from 1964-67 before retiring. He came back to play for Washington in 1969 before retiring again.

In addition to being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Huff is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, twice a first-team All Pro, and a member of the NFL's 1950s All-Decade Team. 

"Sam was one of the greatest Giants of all time," said John Mara, Giants' president and CEO. "He was the heart and soul of our defense in his era. He almost single-handedly influenced the first chants of 'Defense, Defense' in Yankee Stadium."

Even after football, Huff remained a competitor and began breeding Thoroughbreds in 1986 with his Sporting Life Farm in Middleburg, Va. His homebred Bursting Forth was a five-time stakes winner in the late 1990s, with victories in the Vinery Matchmaker (G3T) at Monmouth Park, All Along (G3T) at Colonial Downs, and Bewitch (G3T) at Keeneland topping her resume. Huff also won the 2005 Smart Halo Stakes at Laurel Park with homebred Jet Set Citi. 

After his football career, Huff was a commentator for both Giants and Washington football games. He also worked in textile sales and then moved to sales within the Marriott Corporation, at which he became the vice presidents of sports marketing. 

In 1987, Huff helped start the West Virginia Breeders' Classic at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. This year's Breeders' Classics were held Oct. 9.

"Most knew Sam Huff as an NFL Hall of Famer. We knew him as an advocate of racing and co-founder of the (West Virginia Breeders' Classics)," Charles Town shared on social media Saturday. "… He will forever be woven into the fabric of West Virginia racing. Our deepest condolences to all who loved him."