Harlon Hill Dies at 80 - Chicago Bears Star Receiv

Harlon Hill Dies at 80 - Chicago Bears Star Receiver -

Harlon Junius Hill (May 4, 1932 – March 21, 2013) was a standout player at Lauderdale County High School and later as an offensive end at Florence State Teachers College, now known as the University of North Alabama, being named an NAIA All-American in his senior year (1953). He later had a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears (1954–1961), the Pittsburgh Steelers (1962), and the Detroit Lions (1962). Hill was the NFL’s rookie of the year in 1954, its most valuable player in 1955, and a three-time All-Pro selection (1954–1956). He is the namesake of the Harlon Hill Trophy.

After his NFL career was cut short by injury, Hill returned to Alabama and became a public school teacher and coach at Brooks High School, eventually becoming the school's principal. He retired from the Lauderdale County, Alabama school system and resided in Alabama until his death.

Hill, who attended North Alabama, was the NFL rookie of the year in 1954 after being drafted in the 15th round by the Bears, and became the first winner of the Jim Thorpe Trophy as the NFL's most valuable player in 1955. In nine seasons with the Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions, he had 233 receptions for 4,717 yards and 40 touchdowns. He averaged 20.2 yards per catch.

The Harlon Hill Trophy has been presented in Florence for the past 27 years on the eve of the Division II championship game.