Memory of former Charleston Rocket surfaces at Super Bowl

Photo: Former Texas Southen University great--Michael Strahan, Defensive End, New York Giants.

IF you were a kid growing up in Charleston, West Virginia in the 1960s, chances are you loved the old Charleston Rockets. For us, it was our taste of pro football as we headed to old Laidley Field to watch the Rockets. Coached by Perry Moss, the Rockets competed in the United and Continental Football Leagues with such personalities as linebacker Sam Fernandez, defensive end Coy Bacon, wide receiver Sammy Weir, running back Millard Fleming, wide receiver Darrell Elam and punter Jim Hollingsworth.

To prove the impact that the Rockets continue to have on the football world, the memory of a former Rocket great surfaced in one of the Super Bowl's biggest stars this weekend. In an interview this week, Michael Strahan, the veteran leader of the New York Giants defense, gave credit for his NFL success to his former head coach at Texas Southern University.

That coach was none other than a former Charleston Rocket - standout center Walter Highsmith.

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Dang! We didn't know Walter Highsmith played for the old Charleston Rockets with Coy Bacon. Bacon got famous playing for "the future is now" Washington Redskins coach George Allen. Highsmith would later coach at Florida A&M University, among other stops in his career. Great to see a 15 year veteran and future Pro Football Hall of Famer give credit to his Alma mater, Texas Southern University and his coach (Walter Highsmith) for developing him into the star that he is today.

Highsmith son, Alonzo Walter Highsmith is currently a scout for the Green Bay Packers. He was selected in the first round, 3rd pick overall in the 1987 NFL Draft from the University of Miami (FL) and played six NFL seasons. He also won a national championship during his four years at Miami.

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