Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1954 to 1962), he played at the left-offensive end and defensive back positions in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Born Harlon Junious Hill, he attended Lauderdale County High School in Alabama and played collegiate football at the University of North Alabama while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Selected by the Bears during the 15th-round of the 1954 NFL Draft, he appeared in 103 regular season games. His impact on the league was immediate as he led the NFL with 12 touchdown receptions for which earned him Rookie of the Year honors (1954). The following season (1955), his 9 league-leading touchdown receptions allowed for him to capture the NFL MVP Award. In 1956, he experienced playing in the NFL Championship Game as he was a significant contributor during the Bears' run that season. Additionally, Hill received Pro-Bowl honors three consecutive years (1954 to 1956) and First-Team All-Pro recognition twice (1955 and 1956). After retiring from football, he returned to the University of North Alabama and served as an assistant football coach while attaining his Masters Degree in Education. Hill went onto become a public school teacher. In 1986, the NCAA Division II Annual Award given to the best player was renamed in The Harlon Hill Trophy in his honor. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1976. His 4,616 receiving yards and 40 touchdown receptions as a Chicago Bear ranks him second in both statistics to date.
Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1954 to 1962), he played at the left-offensive end and defensive back positions in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Born Harlon Junious Hill, he attended Lauderdale County High School in Alabama and played collegiate football at the University of North Alabama while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Selected by the Bears during the 15th-round of the 1954 NFL Draft, he appeared in 103 regular season games. His impact on the league was immediate as he led the NFL with 12 touchdown receptions for which earned him Rookie of the Year honors (1954). The following season (1955), his 9 league-leading touchdown receptions allowed for him to capture the NFL MVP Award. In 1956, he experienced playing in the NFL Championship Game as he was a significant contributor during the Bears' run that season. Additionally, Hill received Pro-Bowl honors three consecutive years (1954 to 1956) and First-Team All-Pro recognition twice (1955 and 1956). After retiring from football, he returned to the University of North Alabama and served as an assistant football coach while attaining his Masters Degree in Education. Hill went onto become a public school teacher. In 1986, the NCAA Division II Annual Award given to the best player was renamed in The Harlon Hill Trophy in his honor. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1976. His 4,616 receiving yards and 40 touchdown receptions as a Chicago Bear ranks him second in both statistics to date.
Bio by: C.S.
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