Drafted in the 15th Round by the Chicago Bears in 1954, Harlon Hill made an immediate impact and would set a (since broken) franchise record 1,124 Receiving Yards and would lead the National Football League in Touchdown Receptions (12) and Yards per Reception (25.0). Hill would remain one of the games top receivers over the next two seasons, even winning the inaugural Jim Thorpe Award as the Newspaper Enterprise Association MVP in 1955, though realistically, he had a better 1956 season. That year he beat his own record with 1,128 Yards and again led the NFL in Yards per Reception (24.0). To this day, he is still third all-time in the NFL in Yards per Reception with 20.2.
Hill would pile up injuries, especially a serious one involving a torn Achilles, and he was only dominant for those three seasons. He would retire after the 1960 campaign.
153. Harlon Hill
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Harlon Hill was such a great player at the University of North Alabama that the MVP of Division II receives the Harlon Hill Trophy. But this isn't about college now, is it?
The Bullet Points
- Country of Origin: Killen, Alabama, U.S.A.
- Eligible Since: Monday, 01 January 1968
- Position: Back, Defensive Back, Kicker
- Games Played: 103
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Notable Statistics: 233 Receptions
4,717 Receiving Yards
40 Receiving Touchdowns
12 Rushing Attempts
103 Rushing Yards
3 Interceptions
52 Interception Return Yards
2 Fumble Recoveries
0 Fumble Recovery Yards
0 Pass Completions
1 Pass Attempt
9 Approximate Value*
1 Playoff Game
1 Reception
6 Receiving Yards
*Approximate Value was calcuated by Pro Football Reference as of the 1960 Season. - Played For: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers
- College: Syracuse
- Drafted: 15th Round, 174th Overall in 1954
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Major Accolades and Awards:
NEA MVP (1) (1955)
UPI MVP (1) (1955)
First Team All-Pro (2) (1955 & 1956)
Second Team All-Pro (2) (1954)
Pro Bowl (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Most Receiving Touchdowns (2) (1954 & 1956)
Most Yards per Reception (2) (1954 & 1956)
Most Touchdowns (2) (1954 & 1955) -
Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Reception (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (4) (1954, 1955, 1956 & 1957)
Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: Points Scored (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards From Scrimmage (2) (1954 & 1956)
Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (2) (1954 & 1956) - Notable All Time Rankings: 3. Yards per Reception: 20.2
Should Harlon Hill be in the Hall of Fame?
Definitely put him in! - 83.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 16.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
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