Robert Hews did not play a glamour position in football. But he was certainly one of the most recognized athletes of his day.

The 60-year-old Hews played defensive tackle, and played it well enough at every level to earn respect wherever he went.

Born in Portland, Maine, he was a standout at South Portland, where he also starred in track, holding the state's discus record for over 40 years before it was broken in 2005

He went on to play at Princeton where he was an All-Ivy League choice and an honorable mention All-American.

Ellis Moore, a teammate at Princeton, said Hews always played a huge role on the defense, first in his freshman season, then in three years on the varsity. Moore called Hews "the immovable but very mobile force in our defense."

Drafted in the sixth round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970, he also played for the Buffalo Bills in 1971.

Following his playing career, he established the Hews Company, LLC, in 1974 and continues to serve as its president.

He has always been involved in the community, serving on the United Way Children's Leadership Council and the Citizen's Advisory Panel for People's Regional Opportunity Program.

His contributions to football didn't end with his playing career. He became an assistant football coach, joining Mike Bailey's staff at Portland High in 1999.

"Bob realized what football meant to him," wrote Bailey. "He knew he had to give something back to such a great sport. His kind but firm approach has worked well with our athletes.

"Bob is the type of person you want young people to be associated with. He possesses all the characteristics to be successful in life, which makes him a terrific role model."

Keith Derrig, a former Portland High captain, said he owed much to Hews. "Mr. Hews instilled in us the idea that success and satisfaction can only be reached by hard work," wrote Derrig. "He taught us how to get to the top and knowing that we won't just get there overnight (that) it takes time."

Moore said Hews always led Princeton by example. "He did not say much," wrote Moore. "He did not have to say much. He just went out and did it."