Walter Heap


Walter Richmond Heap Jr. was an American football player who played at the quarterback position on both offense and defensive. He played college football for Longhorns football|Texas] and professional football for the Los Angeles Dons.

Early years

Heap was born in 1921 in Taylor, Texas. He attended and played football at Taylor [High School (Taylor, Texas)|Taylor High School].

Military and college football

He played college football for the University of Texas Longhorns in 1940 [Texas Longhorns football team|1940], 1941 [Texas Longhorns football team|1941], and Texas Longhorns football team|1946].
His career was interrupted by service in the amphibious force of the United States Coast Guard during World War II. He served on LSTs in eight amphibious invasions in the Pacific theater of operations. Based on his outstanding battle record, he was chosen as a special honor guard for President Harry S. Truman at his June 1945 speech before the United Nations in San Francisco.

Professional football

Heap was selected by the Boston Yanks in the second round of the 1947 NFL draft and by the Los Angeles Dons in the 10th round of the 1947 AAFC Draft. He played with the Dons during their 1947 [Los Angeles Dons season|1947] and 1948 [Los Angeles Dons season|1948 seasons].

Family and later years

He died in 1989 at age 67 in Dallas.