Calvin Hill

Calvin Hill is a former professional American football player and executive, widely recognized as one of the premier running backs of his era. A graduate of Yale University, he was selected in the first round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys and earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Over a distinguished twelve-year career, primarily with the Cowboys and later the Washington Redskins, Hill was selected to four Pro Bowls and helped Dallas win Super Bowl VI. Following his playing days, he built a significant career as an executive with the Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns.

Early life and education

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Hill was raised in a family with a strong academic tradition; his father, Henry Hill, was a World War II veteran and a prominent Baltimore City Public Schools administrator. He attended the prestigious Riverdale Country School in The Bronx, where he excelled in both football and basketball. Hill chose to attend Yale University, becoming a standout for the Yale Bulldogs football team under coach Carmen Cozza. A two-time All-Ivy League selection, he led the Bulldogs to a share of the Ivy League championship in 1968, cementing his reputation as a top professional prospect.

Football career

Selected 24th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1969 NFL Draft, Hill immediately made an impact, rushing for 942 yards and winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He formed a dynamic backfield with fellow star Walt Garrison and was a key offensive weapon for coach Tom Landry and quarterback Roger Staubach. Hill earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1972 to 1974, with his best season coming in 1973 when he rushed for 1,142 yards. He was a member of the Cowboys team that defeated the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. After six seasons in Dallas, he played for the Hawaiian Islanders of the World Football League in 1975 before returning to the National Football League with the Washington Redskins and later the Cleveland Browns, where he finished his career in 1981.

Post-playing career and legacy

Hill transitioned seamlessly into NFL front offices, beginning as a scout and later an executive with the Dallas Cowboys. He held significant personnel roles with the Baltimore Ravens, contributing to their victory in Super Bowl XXXV, and later served as a senior advisor for the Cleveland Browns. His legacy as a player is honored by his inclusion on the National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team and his induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2023. Beyond statistics, Hill is remembered as a versatile, powerful back who helped define the Cowboys' success in the early 1970s and paved the way for future Ivy League athletes in the NFL.

Personal life

Hill married Janet Hill, a Wellesley College graduate and former Peace Corps volunteer, in 1970. Their son, Grant Hill, became a legendary National Basketball Association star and a two-time NCAA champion at Duke University. The family has been deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors, with Hill serving on the boards of the Dallas Museum of Art and the Yale University Board of Trustees. He has also been an active advocate for education and mental health awareness.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career, Hill received numerous accolades. His rookie season was capped with the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times (1969, 1972, 1973, 1974) and was named a First-team All-Pro in 1973. His enduring impact was recognized with his selection to the National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team. In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys honored his contributions by inducting him into the prestigious Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.

Category:American football running backs Category:Dallas Cowboys players Category:Washington Commanders players Category:Cleveland Browns players Category:Yale Bulldogs football players