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Ron Waller
Ron Waller
Ron Waller
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Ron Waller (February 14, 1933 – December 16, 2018) was an American football player and coach. He played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) as a running back for the Los Angeles Rams from 1955 through 1958 and for the American Football League (AFL)'s Los Angeles Chargers in 1960. He was the interim head coach of the NFL's San Diego Chargers for the final six games of the 1973 season, and held the same position with the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League (WFL) in 1974. Waller was also the head coach of the Wilmington Clippers and the Norfolk Neptunes of the Atlantic Coast Football League (ACFL).

Key Information

Prior to his professional career, Waller played for Laurel High School in Laurel, Delaware, and the University of Maryland, College Park. In 1977 he was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.[1] Waller died in Delaware on December 16, 2018, at the age of 85.[2]

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Ron Waller

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''Ron Waller'' was an American professional football player and coach known for his standout rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams in 1955, where he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors while leading the NFL in all-purpose yards, as well as his later career coaching in the National Football League and other leagues. Born on February 14, 1933, Waller grew up in Laurel, Delaware, where he set multiple state high school scoring records at Laurel High School, including a single-season mark of 213 points and a career total of 434 points. He went on to play college football at the University of Maryland, earning All-Atlantic Coast Conference recognition and participating in the College All-Stars game against the NFL's Cleveland Browns. Drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 1955 NFL Draft, Waller rushed for 716 yards and seven touchdowns in his debut season, contributing significantly to the team's division title while also excelling as a return specialist. He continued with the Rams through 1958 and played briefly for the Los Angeles Chargers in the American Football League in 1960. Following his playing career, Waller transitioned to coaching, serving in roles with the San Diego Chargers—including as special teams coach and interim head coach in 1973—and holding head coaching positions with the Philadelphia Bell of the World Football League and other teams. He was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the sport in his home state. Waller died on December 16, 2018, in Laurel, Delaware.

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Ron Waller was born on February 14, 1933, in Hastings, a small town in St. Johns County, Florida. This birthplace in northern Florida marked his entry into life before his family relocated during his early childhood. He was subsequently raised in Delaware, where he spent the remainder of his formative years in a different regional environment. Details on his immediate family background or specific childhood experiences in either location remain limited in available records, with most documentation focusing on his later athletic and professional achievements.

High school and college years

Ron Waller attended Laurel High School in Laurel, Delaware, where he starred as a running back and developed a reputation for his outstanding football abilities. He earned recognition as a standout player during his high school years, setting the stage for his collegiate career. Waller continued his football career at the University of Maryland, where he played for the Terrapins. He was a member of the 1953 Maryland team that captured the national championship. In 1954, Waller received first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (All-ACC) honors for his performance. Following his senior season, Waller was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round (15th overall) of the 1955 NFL Draft. This draft position marked his transition from college standout to professional football.

Playing career

College football at Maryland

Ron Waller played college football as a halfback for the Maryland Terrapins. He was a member of the 1953 Maryland Terrapins team that won a national championship. The Terrapins finished the season undefeated and were recognized as champions in multiple polls. In 1954, Waller received first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. His performance as a running back contributed to Maryland's strong showing in the ACC during his college tenure. Waller's collegiate career concluded with his selection in the 1955 NFL Draft.

NFL tenure with the Los Angeles Rams

Ron Waller joined the Los Angeles Rams as a running back in 1955, beginning a four-season NFL tenure that lasted through 1958. During his rookie year in 1955, he recorded a career-high 716 rushing yards on 151 attempts for a 4.7-yard average and scored 7 rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 24 receptions for 228 yards and 1 receiving touchdown. These performances earned him selection to the Pro Bowl as well as All-Pro honors (Associated Press second team, United Press International first team) for the 1955 season. Over the following seasons, Waller continued to serve as a productive back for the Rams, though his rushing totals varied. In 1957, he led the NFL with the longest run from scrimmage that year at 76 yards. Across his Rams career from 1955 to 1958, he amassed 1,564 rushing yards on 285 attempts for a 5.5-yard average with 8 rushing touchdowns, along with 41 receptions for 419 yards and 1 receiving touchdown, for a total of 9 touchdowns. After leaving the Rams following the 1958 season, Waller sat out the next year before playing one season in the American Football League with the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960.

AFL season with the Los Angeles Chargers

Ron Waller played for the Los Angeles Chargers in the inaugural 1960 season of the American Football League. He appeared in two games that year as a halfback. During those appearances, he carried the ball nine times for five rushing yards and caught three passes for 24 receiving yards. These modest contributions in a brief stint added to Waller's overall professional career totals of 294 rushing attempts for 1,569 yards and 44 receptions for 443 yards across his time in both the NFL and AFL. He retired from playing football following the 1960 season.

Coaching career

Minor league and assistant coaching

Following his playing career, Ron Waller transitioned into coaching within the minor professional ranks of the Atlantic Coast Football League (ACFL). He began as head coach of the Wilmington Clippers in 1967. In 1968, he served as head coach for the Harrisburg Capitols in the same league. From 1969 to 1970, Waller worked as an offensive assistant with the Pottstown Firebirds of the ACFL. He returned to a head coaching role in 1971 with the Norfolk Neptunes, also in the ACFL. In 1972, Waller moved to the National Football League, joining the San Diego Chargers as special teams coach.

San Diego Chargers tenure

Ron Waller served as special teams coach for the San Diego Chargers in 1972 under head coach Harland Svare. In 1973, following Svare's dismissal with six games left in the season, Waller was elevated to interim head coach. He led the team for those final six contests, compiling a 1–5 record. This interim stint represented Waller's only head coaching experience in the NFL. After the 1973 season concluded, Waller left the Chargers organization.

Later roles in WFL and other leagues

Ron Waller served as head coach of the Philadelphia Bell in the World Football League during the league's inaugural 1974 season. The Bell compiled a 9–11 regular season record (including a forfeit victory). The World Football League proved unstable and folded following the 1975 season. In later years, Waller held scouting positions in the NFL. He eventually retired from coaching and scouting.

Television appearances

Sports broadcasts as player and commentator

Ron Waller appeared as himself on national television sports broadcasts during his playing career in the National Football League and American Football League. As a halfback for the Los Angeles Rams, he was featured in 13 episodes of The NFL on CBS from 1956 to 1958. After moving to the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFL, Waller appeared in 4 episodes of AFL on ABC in 1960, where he was credited as both the team's halfback and as a color commentator. These appearances reflected his visibility as an active player in early televised professional football games.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Ron Waller married Marjorie Merriweather Durant on April 19, 1956, in a ceremony at St. Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. The bride was the daughter of Mrs. Augustus Riggs 4th of Woodbine, Maryland, and Thomas W. Durant of Washington, Connecticut, and the granddaughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post of Hillwood in Washington and Palm Beach, Florida. The marriage ended in divorce in 1961. Waller later married Marcia Waller, who survived him and resided with him in Blades, Delaware, at the time of his death. He had three children: sons Post Steven Dye and Ronald T. Dye, and daughter Wendy Waller.

Later residence and activities

In his later years, Ron Waller returned to Delaware and resided in Blades, Sussex County. No specific public activities are documented from this period.

Death and legacy

Death

Ron Waller died on December 17, 2018, at the age of 85 in Blades, Sussex County, Delaware. He passed away at his home surrounded by family.

Honors and recognition

Ron Waller was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in 1977 as part of its second class of inductees, becoming the first honoree from southern Delaware. This recognition honored his extensive contributions to football at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels in the state. As a player, Waller earned selection to the Pro Bowl in 1955 during his rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams. He also received All-Pro honors that year, including first-team recognition from United Press International and second-team from the Associated Press, with additional second-team All-Pro selection from the Newspaper Enterprise Association in 1956. Waller was inducted into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 in acknowledgment of his standout career at Laurel High School. He was twice named Athlete of the Year by the Wilmington Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association, in 1950 and 1955. These accolades underscore his enduring influence on Delaware athletics.
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