Ken Herock

Ken Herock was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 1995.

Herock played both tight end and linebacker for the Mountaineer football team from 1959 to 1962 under coach Gene Corum and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1963. Known especially for his performance at tight end, he finished his WVU career with 292 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

He played seven seasons in the American Football League and NFL, including five years with the Oakland Raiders, where he helped the team win the AFL title and appeared in Super Bowl II. He later joined the Cincinnati Bengals as the first tight end in franchise history and finished his playing career with the Boston Patriots.

Following his playing career, Herock transitioned into front office roles, becoming a highly respected personnel executive. He helped build playoff-caliber teams as Director of Player Personnel for the Oakland Raiders and the first-ever Player Personnel Director for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He later served as Vice President of Player Personnel and a member of the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Falcons.

In retirement, Herock founded Pro Prep, a business designed to prepare college players for the NFL Combine and Draft. He is credited with organizing the first-ever NFL Combine. 

His additional honors include induction into the Pennsylvania State and Western Pennsylvania Sports Halls of Fame, the WVU Sports Hall of Fame, the Munhall High School Hall of Fame, and selection to the WVU All-Time Football Team for the 1960s. 

He was the first WVU alumnus to play in a Super Bowl.