Walter attended Sheldon High School, where he focused on basketball, playing just one year of football.[1] He was also a member of the track team. He was named the most valuable player in the state's football All-star game.
As a senior, he became the first-team captain in head coach Rich Brooks' first six years at Oregon. He registered 13 sacks (led the team) and 18 tackles for loss (led the team). He also played in the East–West Shrine Game and the Japan Bowl.[3]
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 into an outside linebacker.[4] In his new position he struggled covering the pass, so he wasn't used often.[5] On August 27, 1984, he was waived at the end of training camp, after the Cowboys drafted four linebackers in the 1984 NFL Draft.[6]
In 1985, he became a starter, showing the versatility to play three downs on defense 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).