Born on August 3, 1949, Rock (Rushton) played college football at the University of Oregon (1968-1969) –look up a black and white picture of the then 20-year-old athlete on Oregondigital. He recorded a solo album as Rocky Pamplin in 1979 for ADC Records, was the advert model for Winston cigarettes in the late 70s, when he also found employment as a bodyguard for the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, and the Camel Man in 1991. Here’s what the print magazine wrote about its legendary ‘Man of Five Years’ back in June 1978.
Rock [aka Rocky] Pamplin was Playgirl readers’ overwhelming choice as centerfold of 1976 [lensed by Norbert Jobst] and, all things considered, he’s Playgirl’s selection as Man of Five Years. The best. Top choice. He-man. Prime. Crème de la crème. What more can we say? Rock’s hot (…)
Rocky Pamplin, “The Rock” album, ADC Records
His past has taken him far from Oregon, where he grew up and attended the University. He finished his studies at the University of Hawaii and grew to love the island.
But that was just the beginning of his wandering. He became a professional athlete, playing briefly as halfback for the New Orleans Saints and for teams in Montreal and Vegas. He drifted from the Rams to the Hawaiians, dogged by a string of injuries that incapacitated him (…) After four years of disappointment he returned to Honolulu, where he worked as a waiter at a chic restaurant.
He enjoys forthright women –even tourists from the mainland. He says: “if they’re clever about it, I’m genuinely flattered by the attention.”
Rock wants a great deal more from a woman than just attention, however. He told Playgirl that, though he wasn’t ready to settle down back in 1976, a “forever” relationship was not out of the question – as long as the woman was “right” in his eyes. Perhaps it’s his Leo fire, but it’s quite obvious that our Man of Five Years won’t settle for any woman. She’d better be bright, she’d better be beautiful and she’s better be bold. Otherwise, she’ll never tame his roaring temper or bring out the pussycat in him. For, while his rugged, handsome exterior makes his name seem appropriate, inside he’s got a sensitive, gentle heart longing to be discovered.
Though Playgirl got a touch of that soulful side, few women can resist touching Rocky’s s sexy side… “Today women like men’s bodies. At work they’ll touch my ass and say: ‘That’s a nice okole’ –which is like saying ‘hi there.’” That may be a naïve translation, but who’s questioning our Man of Five Years?
[Rock passed away in 2022.]
