Sam Huff grew up in Coal Camp No. 9 in Farmington. His father and brothers worked in the coal mines. He was an all-state football player at Farmington High School before leading WVU to a 38–7 record from 1952 to 1955, including three straight wins over Penn State.

Huff became one of the NFL’s toughest middle linebackers. He played for the New York Giants, appearing in six championship games and winning one in 1956. Later, he played for the Washington Redskins. He became famous for his fierce defense and battles with great running backs like Jim Brown.

In 1959, he was named the NFL’s best linebacker and was featured on the cover of Time magazine. CBS even placed a microphone in his pads to let fans hear the action. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Later in life, Huff helped start the West Virginia Breeders Classic, a major horse racing event held every October in Charles Town.