Harlon Hill

Harlon Junius Hill (May 4, 1932 – March 21, 2013) was an American professional football end who played nine seasons in the National Football League. Hill played for the Chicago Bears, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Detroit Lions. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 1954 and won the Jim Thorpe Trophy as the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1955.

Hill was born in Killen, Alabama. After graduating from Lauderdale County High School in nearby Rogersville in 1949, he attended Florence State Teachers College, now known as the University of North Alabama. Football was just returning to Florence State in 1949 following a multi-year absence caused by low male enrollment. Hill was a four-year letterman on the football team and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He played both offense and defense, but it was his offensive play that earned him recognition as an NAIA All-American in his senior year of 1953.

After his playing career, Hill became a coach and educator. The Harlon Hill Trophy, named in his honor, is awarded annually to the best NCAA Division II football player in the nation.