ALTOONA, Pa. -- The patriarch of the Robert Morris football program and former Steelers offensive coordinator, Joe Walton, passed away at the age of 85 Sunday.
Walton build the program from literally the ground up at Robert Morris beginning once he became the first coach in program history in 1993. There were no offices, no facilities in the program's infancy at the program used Moon High School's field until Joe Walton Stadium was built in 2005. Walton would build the program to become a perennial Northeast Conference power until retiring following the 2013 season.
Walton, a Beaver Falls native, was an All-American tight end at Pitt in 1955 and 1956 leading the Panthers to the 1956 Sugar Bowl as a junior and the 1956 Gator Bowl as a senior. He was the 14th overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft by Washington. Walton played for the Redskins (1957-1960) before being traded to the New York Giants and playing for them from 1961 until injuries ended his career in 1964.
Just heard the sad news about Joe Walton. RIP
— Steel City Star (@steelcitystar) August 15, 2021
Before he was the Steelers’ Offensive Coordinator, he was an excellent tight end in the NFL
Here’s his first NFL TD pic.twitter.com/DRc8XPVCTC
Walton began his coaching career with the New York Giants as a scout from 1965-1968 before taking over as the wide receivers coach from 1969-1973. Following his stint with the Giants, Walton moved to Washington to be the running backs coach from 1974-1977 before taking over as the Redskins' offensive coordinator from 1978 to 1980.
While coaching in Washington, Walton coached hall of fame quarterback Joe Theismann and he's known for coaching the likes of Fran Tarkenton, Ken O'Brien to name a few during his NFL coaching career.
Coach Joe Walton passed today. He was my coach, and my friend. He taught me how to play QB at the pro level. He touched so many lives whether it was in pro ball or at the college level. We all have a part of Joe with us. Rest In Peace Pops.
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) August 15, 2021
He was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 1981-1982 before being named their head coach for the 1983 season. Walton led the Jets from 1983 to 1989 Walton amassing a 53-57-1 record in that span and leading the Jets to two postseason appearances.
Following his tenure with the Jets, Walton returned to Pittsburgh to become the offensive coordinator for the Steelers under legendary head coach Chuck Noll. Walton served in that capacity for two seasons until Noll retired following the 1991 season.
Walton led the Colonials to 114 wins during his 20 year run and helped Robert Morris players such as Tim Hall, Hank Fraley and Robb Butler make it to the NFL.
Following his coaching career, Walton was inducted into the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013 and the NEC 2013-2014 Hall of Fame class. He was the 2014 recipient of the Bob Prince Award which was presented to him by Steelers' owner Dan Rooney.
Walton was preceded in death by his first wife Ginger, who passed away in 2007, and is survived by his wife, Patty, daughters Jodi and Stacy, son Joe and six grandchildren.
