16 Facts About Harlon Hill

Harlon Junius Hill was an American professional football end who played for nine seasons in the National Football League.

Harlon Hill was the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1954 and winner of the Jim Thorpe Trophy as the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1955.

The Harlon Hill Trophy, named in his honor, is awarded annually to the nation's best NCAA Division II football player.

Harlon Hill was a four-year letterman on the football team, while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

Harlon Hill played both offense and defense, but it was his offensive efforts that saw him named an NAIA All-American player his senior year in 1953.

However, Harlon Hill made the most of his chances with 19 of his 54 career catches going for touchdowns.

Harlon Hill's rookie season with the Chicago Bears was a memorable one.

Harlon Hill set a team record for most receiving yards and most touchdown receptions by a rookie.

Harlon Hill was a Halloween nightmare for the 49ers defense, racking up 214 receiving yards and four touchdowns, the final one coming with thirty seconds left in the game to give the Bears a four-point victory.

Harlon Hill attempted to play again in the 1962 season, splitting time between the Steelers and Lions and accumulating 101 receiving yards on 14 catches.

Harlon Hill retired from football at the conclusion of the 1962 season.

Harlon Hill still holds several franchise records with the Bears and ranks among the best in others.

Harlon Hill returned to his native Alabama when his playing days were finished.

Harlon Hill fought a successful battle against alcoholism and returned to his alma mater, serving as an assistant football coach for the University of North Alabama in the late 1960s while working toward a Master's degree in Education.

Harlon Hill retired from the Lauderdale County, Alabama, school system and resided in Alabama until his death.

Harlon Hill died March 21,2013, at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence, Alabama, following a prolonged illness.