Winston Hill

Winston Hill, a 6’4”, 270-pound tackle, was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 11th round of the National Football League Draft but signed as a free agent with the American Football League’s New York Jets where he spent 14 of his 15-season career. Hill was a standout from Texas Southern who went on to have an extremely successful career in professional football.

Hill possessed durability, size and strength which helped him to become a dominant tackle. He is noted as one of the game’s best pass protectors. Hill was an integral leader of the offensive line that blocked for Joe Namath, pro football’s first 4,000-yard passer. Hill’s final season, 1977, was spent with the Los Angeles Rams.

Hill helped the Jets to back-to-back division titles in 1968 and 1969 and started at left tackle in Jets’ upset of the Colts in Super Bowl III when Namath “guaranteed” their victory.

At the time of his retirement, Hill held Jets’ records for most consecutive career games (195) and consecutive starts (174). He was named All-Pro and All-AFL in 1969, Second-Team All-AFL three times and Second-Team All-NFL three times. Additionally, Hill received All-AFC honors five straight seasons (1970-74), was voted to the first AFL All-Star Game during his second season, elected to eight AFL All-Star Games/Pro Bowls (five as left tackle, three at right tackle) and named to All-Time AFL Team (Second Team). He passed away on April 26, 2016 at the age of 74.