Signed out of Bucknell in 1932—four years before the inaugural NFL Draft was established—Clarke Hinkle arrived in Green Bay as a punishing, unstoppable force who redefined power running during the single-wing era. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 200 pounds, Hinkle possessed a rare blend of bruising physicality and track speed, making him the ultimate two-way centerpiece for Curly Lambeau’s powerhouse squads.

Hinkle's legendary career was marked by intense, high-stakes battles with Chicago Bears fullback Bronko Nagurski. While Nagurski was known for bulldozing through defenders, Hinkle was one of the rare players in football history who actively sought contact, famously engaging and leveling the Bears’ giant in several memorable crashes. On offense, Hinkle fought for tough yards inside the tackles and was a dangerous weapon out of the backfield. Defensively, he played at linebacker and safety, making powerful tackles and solidifying Green Bay's defensive line.

Hinkle’s abilities went well beyond just running and tackling. He was also Green Bay’s top placement kicker and punter, leading the NFL in field goals made in 1940 and 1941. His strength and stamina helped Green Bay win two NFL Championships (1936, 1939), with his 1936 championship highlighting his impact as he scored a touchdown in the Packers' 21–6 win over the Boston Redskins.

After retiring in 1941 to join the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, Hinkle left the game as the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 3,860 yards, a remarkable achievement for 1930s football. A four-time First-Team AP All-Pro (1936, 1937, 1938, 1941) and three-time Pro Bowl participant, he was honored on both the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team and the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. His contributions were ultimately recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964, in its second class, and later into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame's second class in 1972.

Hinkle had 822 rushing attempts, 3,860 rushing yards, 35 rushing touchdowns, 49 receptions, 537 receiving yards, seven receiving touchdowns, 28 field goals made, 144 extra points made, and 12 interceptions.