Calvin Hill was selected 24th overall in the 1969 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, becoming the first player from an Ivy League school drafted in the first round. At the time this selection was widely questioned, because teams did not think they could find professional players at elite colleges. The Cowboys drafted him as an athlete, so he spent his first few days in training camp as a linebacker and tight end. He got his chance at playing halfback in the second exhibition game, because the team was experiencing problems at running back during that training camp. Hill won the starting job and when the regular season started, even though he was a rookie, he became a dominant player in the league.

 

Hill finished his rookie season with 942 rushing yards (4.6 yard average) and 8 touchdowns. He also received NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. In 1972, Hill became the first running back in franchise history to surpass the 1,000 yard mark and proved he could still run the football. He finished with 1,045 yards and a 4.2 yard average and six touchdowns. He followed that up, breaking his own team record with 1,142 yards and six touchdowns during the 1973 season. Hill played in Dallas for six seasons, helping the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI and 2 NFC titles. He had some superb years with the team, making four Pro Bowls (1969, 1972, 1973, 1974) and two All-Pro teams (1969, 1973). Show your appreciation for Calvin Hill with collectibles, photographs and more here at the Drew Pearson's Cowboys Legends Pro Shop.