Early years

Walter attended Sheldon High School (Eugene, Oregon), where he focused on basketball, playing just one year of football. He attended the University of Oregon where he was used as a linebacker, before being moved to defensive end as a sophomore. As a senior he was the team captain for the 1982 season and also played in the east East-West Shrine Game.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Walter was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round (50th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft, with the intention of converting him to an outside linebacker. In his new position he struggled covering the pass, so he wasn't used often. The next year he was waived at the end of training camp, after the Cowboys drafted four linebackers in the 1984 NFL Draft.

San Francisco 49ers

On August 28, 1984, he was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco 49ers who moved him to inside linebacker, as the backup of Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds.

In 1985, he became a starter, showing the versatility to play three downs and also special teams. He would go on to have a 10-year career with the 49ers, while leading the team in tackles in three consecutive seasons: 1987 (94), 1988 (97) and 1989 (103).

Walter retired at the end of the 1993 season, after winning three Super Bowls and playing 11 years in the NFL.

Personal life

After football he worked at Oak Tree Insurance.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]