Calvin Hill

College

Yale University

Pro team(s)

Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns

Calvin Hill was born on January 2, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland, and went on to become one of the most unlikely first-round draft picks in NFL history — a Yale University running back selected 24th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1969 NFL Draft. At Yale he was a consensus All-Ivy League selection, and the Cowboys bet that his size, speed, and intelligence would translate to the pros. They were right: Hill was named to four Pro Bowls, became the first Dallas Cowboy to rush for 1,000 yards in a season (1972, with 1,036), and was one of the central figures in the Cowboys' celebrated "America's Team" era. He also starred for the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns before joining the Hawaii Hawaiians of the World Football League. Hill earned his degree from Yale Divinity School after his playing career. He is the father of Grant Hill, the Duke basketball star and six-time NBA All-Star. Born in Baltimore, Maryland.