Decades before he became a Seattle Seahawks quarterback, Sam Darnold’s grandfather, Dick Hammer, made history in the world of sports as part of the first-ever Olympic volleyball match for the United States. The event took place during the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, where Hammer, then 34, competed against the Netherlands alongside much younger teammates, leading the U.S. to victory in three straight sets. This monumental win marked a pivotal moment for volleyball, a sport that had just gained international attention due to Japan’s push for its inclusion in the Olympics.
Richard Bernard “Dick” Hammer was more than just an athlete; he was a multi-talented individual who left a significant mark on his community. Before his foray into volleyball, he was known as a standout basketball player at the University of Southern California (USC), helping his team reach the NCAA men’s tournament’s Final Four in 1954. Although Hammer focused on sports, he eventually returned to his roots as a firefighter in Los Angeles, where he became captain of the Universal Studios crew during a period of rapid growth for the studio.
In addition to his firefighting career, Hammer also ventured into acting and modeling. He made appearances as “Capt. Dick Hammer” on the NBC series “Emergency!” and gained fame as one of the Marlboro Men in the 1970s. Despite his successful modeling career, he later expressed discomfort about promoting cigarettes, particularly as he witnessed the tragic effects of lung cancer.
Hammer’s legacy is deeply rooted in Los Angeles, a place he never left throughout his life. He passed away from cancer in 1999, leaving behind a rich history of achievements and contributions to both sports and community service. Now, over 60 years later, his grandson Sam Darnold is in the spotlight, preparing to compete in Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara. Darnold’s rise to success has drawn renewed attention to his grandfather’s remarkable past.
Though there are no grand monuments dedicated to Dick Hammer, his story continues to be shared, particularly as Sam Darnold makes headlines in the football world. Should Darnold achieve greatness in the upcoming Super Bowl, there is a possibility that he could follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and inspire a tribute in their family’s honor.