Joe Walton(born 1936)

A noted coach in college and professional football. Walton was born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1936, the son of former Washington Redskins guard Frank “Tiger” Walton. Joe Walton attended the University of Pittsburgh on a football scholarship. Walton was drafted in the second round of the 1957 NFL entry draft by the Washington Redskins. Walton played for eight years in the NFL for the Redskins and the New York Giants. Walton later served as running backs coach of the Washington Redskins from 1974-77 and offensive coordinator from 1978-80. Walton served as the head coach of the New York Jets from 1983 to 1989 and his teams achieved a 53-57-1 record. He served as the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1990 to 1991 srving under Coach Chuck Noll. On July 27, 1993, Walton was named the head coach of the newly formed Robert Morris College football team. Walton created the team from scratch and turned the Colonials into an instant powerhouse. His teams won five Northeast Conference championships and two NCAA Div. I-AA mid-major championships in their first ten years of existence. Walton was included on the ballot of the 2004 College Football Hall of Fame.

In 2004, Robert Morris University announced that it would name it’s new football complex Joe Walton Stadium.