Gene Hickerson

Robert Gene Hickerson (February 15, 1935 – October 20, 2008) was an American professional football player who spent fifteen seasons as an offensive guard with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. Born in Trenton, Tennessee, in Gibson County, he played fullback at Trezevant High School in neighboring Carroll County alongside his brother Willie. The two went on to play together in college, including in the Sugar Bowl. Hickerson attended the University of Mississippi, where he was recruited by Junie Hovious and converted to tackle. His 1955 Ole Miss team won the Southeastern Conference title and defeated Texas Christian University in the Cotton Bowl on January 1, 1956, and he served as co-captain of the 1957 squad. By the close of his college career, the Pro Football Hall of Fame regarded him as one of the best offensive linemen in SEC history.

Hickerson played for the Browns from 1958 to 1960 and again from 1962 to 1973. He was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls from 1965 to 1970. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on August 4, 2007, and died on October 20, 2008.