Walt Sweeney

Walter Francis Sweeney (April 18, 1941 – February 2, 2013) was an American professional football player who played guard in the American Football League and the National Football League. Born in Cohasset, Massachusetts, to Jack and Mary Ann (McCormick) Sweeney, he was the youngest of seven children. His father was killed by a drunk driver when Sweeney was two years old. He attended Cohasset High School, where he played running back on a team that went undefeated in 1957, and in 1958 ranked among the top-scoring offensive players across 120 Boston-area high schools. He was the first Cohasset student to reach the National Football League.

Sweeney attended Syracuse University on a football scholarship, playing for the Syracuse Orange and earning a place on the school's all-century team. He also appeared in the North–South Bowl and the College All-Star Game. The San Diego Chargers selected him in the first round of the 1963 draft, and he helped the team win the AFL championship.

Sweeney's struggle with alcohol and drug abuse, and his battle against addiction, became a well-known feature of his life. He died on February 2, 2013.