Sam Darnold’s grandfather passed away in 1999, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond his family. Before Darnold made a name for himself as a Seattle Seahawks quarterback, his grandfather, Richard Bernard “Dick” Hammer, was already a well-known figure as the Marlboro Man in cigarette ads in the 1970s.
Hammer, born in Long Beach, California, was not just a model and actor, but also an accomplished athlete. He played basketball at the University of South California (USC) and even competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics for Team USA in men’s volleyball, making history as part of the first volleyball game ever played at the Olympics.
Aside from his athletic achievements, Hammer was a Los Angeles fire captain and appeared in over 100 commercials throughout his career. His most recognizable acting role was as firefighting Captain Hammer on the show Emergency in 1972. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, his true passion was fighting fires, and he continued to work as a firefighter until his retirement in 1983.
Unfortunately, Hammer’s life was cut short by lung cancer in 1999 at the age of 69, leaving a lasting impact on his family, including his grandson Sam Darnold. While Darnold may be carving out his own path in the world of football, he acknowledges the influence his grandfather had on him, not just as the Marlboro Man, but as a dedicated firefighter and athlete.
In a world where legends are often remembered for their flashy personas, Richard Bernard “Dick” Hammer’s story serves as a reminder that there is often more to a person than meets the eye. His legacy lives on in his family and in the memories of those who knew him beyond the iconic images of the Marlboro Man.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.