Hill, Harlon

Perhaps no one has risen as far as Hill, rising from near poverty at Lauderdale County High School in 1949 to NFL Stardom in the 50' s. His physical stature changed dramatically after his high school days and he became a pass catching machine. Although Florence State Teachers College was a "run oriented" offense HilI still caught 19 touchdown passes in his college career, a record that stood until the 1990's! His impact on the Chicago Bears was dramatic in 1954 when he claimed NFL Rookie of the Year Honors. The Jim Thorpe Award for the Most Valuable Player in the League followed in 1955 as well as Pro Bowl appearances from 1955-1957. He still holds numerous Bear records and held 19 receiving records at one time. He was named to the "All Chicago Bear Team" in the 1980's. He was included into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1976.