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{{Distinguish|King of the Hill}}
{{Distinguish|King of the Hill}}
{{About|the American football player|the community in Idaho|King Hill, Idaho}}
{{About|the American football player|the community in Idaho|King Hill, Idaho}}
{{more citations needed|date=August 2014}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
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'''Stuart King Hill''' (November 8, 1936 – July 14, 2012) was an American professional [[American football|football]] [[quarterback]] and [[Punter (gridiron football)|punter]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) who played for the [[History of the Chicago Cardinals|Chicago]] / [[History of the St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]], [[Philadelphia Eagles]], and [[Minnesota Vikings]].
'''Stuart King Hill''' (November 8, 1936 – July 14, 2012) was an American professional [[American football|football]] [[quarterback]] and [[Punter (gridiron football)|punter]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) who played for the [[History of the Chicago Cardinals|Chicago]] / [[History of the St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]], [[Philadelphia Eagles]], and [[Minnesota Vikings]].


==Early life and college football==
==Football career==
Hill was born on November 8, 1936, in [[Hamilton, Texas]] to Earl and Dorothy Hill.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=King Hill Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=King Hill Obituary - The Woodlands, TX |url=https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/the-woodlands-tx/king-hill-5171394 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Dignity Memorial |language=en-us}}</ref> After attending [[Brazosport High School]] in [[Freeport, Texas]], where he was a multi-sport athlete, Hill went to [[Rice University|Rice Institute]] in [[Houston]], and played football under [[College Football Hall of Fame]] coach [[Jess Neely]]. He played offense, defense and punted on the Rice team. On offense, he split time as quarterback of the [[Rice Owls football|Owls]] with [[Frank Ryan (American football)|Frank Ryan]], who also later played in the NFL.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Robertson |first=Dale |date=July 14, 2012 |title=Rice legend King Hill dies at 75 |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/article/rice-legend-king-hill-dies-at-75-3707599.php |work=CHRON.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jess Neely College Coaching Records, Awards and Leaderboards |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/jess-neely-1.html |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jess Neely (1971) - Hall of Fame |url=https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=1658 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=National Football Foundation |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2012 |title=Legendary Owl King Hill Passes Away |url=https://riceowls.com/news/2012/7/14/Legendary_Owl_King_Hill_Passes_Away |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Rice University Athletics |language=en}}</ref>
After attending [[Brazosport High School]] in [[Freeport, Texas]], Hill went to [[Rice University|Rice Institute]] in [[Houston]], splitting time as quarterback of the [[Rice Owls football|Owls]] with [[Frank Ryan (American football)|Frank Ryan]], who also later played in the NFL. Hill was an [[Associated Press|AP]] [[All-America]]n in [[1957 Rice Owls football team|1957]].<ref name=khjcoaa>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eapTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DYgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7215%2C3841102 |newspaper=Victoria Advocate |location=Texas |agency=Associated Press |last=Smith |first=Ted |title=King Hill, John Crow on All-America |date=December 5, 1957 |page=12 }}</ref> That year, on November 16, the Owls engineered one of the biggest victories in program history. Facing #1 ranked Texas A&M, who had not lost in 18 games, Hill (playing the majority of the game when Ryan sprained his knee early), served as punter on booming punts and intercepted two passes as a safety in the fourth quarter and made a touchdown-saving tackle on [[John David Crow]] (winner of the [[Heisman Trophy]] that year) as Rice held on to win 7–6.<ref>https://www.chron.com/sports/rice/article/rice {{bare URL inline|date=March 2024}}</ref>-legend-king-hill-dies-at-75-3707599.phpry. It propelled the Owls to the [[Southwest Conference]] title (their last until 1994) and they played in the [[1958 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl]] on New Year's Day.<ref name=fpmoow>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Yp1HAAAAIBAJ&sjid=a38MAAAAIBAJ&pg=1028%2C5633473 |newspaper=Victoria Advocate |location=Texas |agency=Associated Press |title=Forrestal pilots Middies over Owls, 20 to 7 |date=January 2, 1958 |page=10 }}</ref> He also played on the golf team for the program.


Hill was an [[Associated Press|AP]] [[All-America]]n in [[1957 Rice Owls football team|1957]].<ref name="khjcoaa">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=eapTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DYgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7215%2C3841102 |newspaper=Victoria Advocate |location=Texas |agency=Associated Press |last=Smith |first=Ted |title=King Hill, John Crow on All-America |date=December 5, 1957 |page=12 }}</ref> In his two years playing quarterback (1956 and 1957), Hill [[Forward pass|passed]] for eight touchdowns and [[Rush (gridiron football)|rushed]] for eight touchdowns, and had [[Quarterback Rating|quarterback ratings]] of 118.1 and 139.3 respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/king-hill-1.html |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
==Pro career==
Hill was the first player selected in the [[1958 NFL draft]] by the Chicago Cardinals. As the Cardinals were the only team remaining who had not been awarded the "bonus pick" as determined by lottery, they had the pick along with the second overall pick. They picked Hill with the first pick and [[John David Crow]] with the second in a draft that had four future Pro Bowlers in the first five picks. Hill threw nine passes in his rookie season, with two being for interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill 1958 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Eventually he became a bigger role in punting, going from doing it eight combined times in his first three seasons to punting 55 times for 2,403 yards in 1961. He had his best season in rushing in 1959, where he scored five touchdowns on 39 carries for 167 yards, although it also involved a league-leading 13 fumbles. Quarterbacking the Cardinals was no better for Hill when he started. He served as the starter for ten games of the 1959 season. He started on Opening Day against Washington, going 14-of-23 for 229 yards with two touchdowns and one interception to go with a rushing touchdown in the 49-21 victory. It was the first of only two victories that season for Hill, who threw for 1,015 yards on 7 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill 1959 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He started the first game of the 1960 season and threw 8-of-18 for 98 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions before being taken out for [[John Roach (American football)|John Roach]], who threw four touchdowns in the 43-21 victory. He threw just 37 more passes that year, his last for the team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill 1960 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams - September 23rd, 1960 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196009230ram.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Hill moved to the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in 1961, where he served as a backup for eight season that started 18 total games while being used mostly as a punter; his best season as a punter came in 1963 with 69 punts for 2,972 yards for a 43.1 average. He started six games as quarterback that year as well, going 1-4-1. He played with both the Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings in 1968, starting in two games for the Eagles. He closed out his career with St. Louis in 1969. He punted 73 times for 2,747 yards while seeing a punt blocked versus Philadelphia, the first and only punt blocked in his career. He threw one final pass that year, a completion for seven yards versus Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill 1969 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>


On November 16, 1957, the Owls engineered one of the biggest victories in program history. The Owls faced number 1 ranked [[Texas A&M Aggies football|Texas A&M]], who had not lost in 18 games, coached by [[Bear Bryant]] (who had tried to recruit Hill out of high school). Hill played the majority of the game at quarterback when Ryan sprained his knee early; served as punter on booming punts; intercepted two passes as a safety in the fourth quarter; and made a touchdown-saving tackle on [[John David Crow]] (winner of the [[Heisman Trophy]] that year) as Rice held on to win 7–6. (Ironically, Crow and Hill would become teammates in the NFL and good friends in life.<ref name=":0" />) Aggies coach Bear Bryant, who had always praised Hill, said, "'He did everything but take up tickets.'"<ref name=":2" />
Hill was also a key figure in the NFL Players Association. Hill signed the first collective bargaining agreement in professional football and represented players for the Players Association for nine years during the 1968 strike. Hill was hired to serve as an assistant on the [[Houston Oilers]] for the 1972 season, as coached by [[Bill Peterson]]. Hill worked for the team until 1980, with the best days coming under [[Bum Phillips]], who rose from defensive coordinator in 1974 to head coach the following year. Hill worked with the offense for his last five years, with two as the offensive coordinator. Phillips described Hill as such: “King was different from almost anybody I’ve ever worked with. He was the most polite, gentle man. And, [on the] football field, he was polite but direct. When he said something, he meant it. He was the ideal guy to have on your staff. [Coaching] wasn’t work to him. He really enjoyed it. He could communicate without all that hollering. You don’t need to raise your voice when you know what you’re talking about.”<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/former-no-1-overall-nfl-draft-pick-king-hill-dies-at-75 | title=Former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick King Hill dies at 75 | date=July 14, 2012 }}</ref> The Oilers made the postseason each time from 1978–1980 (bolstered by the offense of players such as [[Earl Campbell]]) but could not reach the [[Super Bowl]]. When Phillips was fired after the 1980 season ended, Hill followed him to the [[New Orleans Saints]], serving as offensive coordinator from 1981 to 1985; the 1983 team was a missed field goal away from a playoff berth, but the Saints never reached the postseason under Phillips before he was fired in 1985. Hill was hired as a regional scout for the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in the Western United States and Canada in 1986, where he served until 1992. After retiring from coaching, he became a golf-course marketing director.

It propelled the Owls to the [[Southwest Conference]] title (their last until 1994),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Southwest Conference Index |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/swc/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> and they played in the [[1958 Cotton Bowl Classic|Cotton Bowl]] on New Year's Day, where Rice lost to [[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy.]]<ref name="fpmoow">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Yp1HAAAAIBAJ&sjid=a38MAAAAIBAJ&pg=1028%2C5633473 |newspaper=Victoria Advocate |location=Texas |agency=Associated Press |title=Forrestal pilots Middies over Owls, 20 to 7 |date=January 2, 1958 |page=10 }}</ref> At the end of the year, Rice was ranked eighth in the nation by the [[Associated Press]], and number 7 by [[United Press International]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1958 Cotton Bowl 2 |url=https://riceowls.com/sports/2018/7/23/1958-cotton-bowl-2 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Rice University Athletics |language=en}}</ref> He also played on the golf team for the program, as well as the basketball team.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

Hill was inducted into the Rice Owls Hall of Fame in 1974.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hall of Fame Inductees |url=https://riceowls.com/sports/2019/1/23/hall-of-fame-inductees |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Rice University Athletics |language=en}}</ref>

==NFL career==

=== Playing career ===
Hill was the first player selected in the [[1958 NFL draft]] by the Chicago Cardinals.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=1958 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1958/draft.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> As the Cardinals were the only team remaining who had not been awarded the "bonus pick" as determined by lottery, they had the first pick along with the second overall pick.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hall of Famers by Draft Round {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/hall-of-famers/hall-of-famers-by-draft-round/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=pfhof |language=en}}</ref> They picked Hill with the first pick (the lottery bonus pick) and [[John David Crow]] with the second in a draft that had four future Pro Bowlers in the first five picks (Hill being the exception among Crow, [[Dan Currie]], [[Lou Michaels]] and [[Red Phillips (American football)|Red Phillips]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=58 {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/football-history/nfl-draft-history/1950/58/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=pfhof |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":8" />

Hill threw nine passes in his rookie season, with two being for interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill 1958 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Eventually he had a bigger role in punting in his career, going from doing it eight combined times in his first three seasons with the Cardinals, to punting 55 times for 2,403 yards for the Eagles in just his first year there, 1961.<ref name=":8" /> He had his best season in rushing in 1959, as a quarterback, where he scored five touchdowns on 39 carries for 167 yards, although it also involved a league-leading 13 fumbles (recovering two)<ref>{{Cite web |title=1959 Chicago Cardinals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/1959.htm |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Yearly Fumbles Leaders {{!}} The Football Database |url=https://www.footballdb.com/leaders/yearly-fumbles-fumbles |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=FootballDB.com |language=en}}</ref> (though possible these may have occurred on passing plays where he was sacked, or while handing off to a running back, rather than solely during Hill’s own 39 running plays).<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles - November 15th, 1959 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/195911150phi.htm#all_team_stats |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Cardinals at Washington Redskins - October 11th, 1959 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/195910110was.htm#all_team_stats |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

Quarterbacking as a passer with the Cardinals was no better for Hill when he started. He served as the starter for ten games of the 1959 season.<ref name=":8" /> He started on Opening Day against Washington, going 14-of-23 for 229 yards with two touchdowns and one interception to go with a rushing touchdown in the 49–21 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at Chicago Cardinals - September 27th, 1959 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/195909270crd.htm |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> It was the first of only two victories that season for Hill,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Cardinals - November 1st, 1959 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/195911010crd.htm#all_team_stats |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> who threw for 1,015 yards on 7 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill 1959 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He started the first game of the 1960 season and threw 8-of-18 for 98 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions before being taken out for [[John Roach (American football)|John Roach]], who threw four touchdowns in the 43–21 victory. He threw just 37 more passes that year, his last for the team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill 1960 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams - September 23rd, 1960 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196009230ram.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

The Cardinals traded Hill to the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in 1961, where he was to serve as a backup quarterback to future hall of famer [[Sonny Jurgensen|Sonny Jurgenson]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sonny Jurgensen {{!}} Pro Football Hall of Fame |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/players/sonny-jurgensen/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=pfhof |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite journal |date=September 25, 1961 |title=National Football League |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1961/09/25/national-football-league |journal=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> During training camp that year, he had to have seven abscessed teeth removed.<ref name=":10" /> He served as a backup to Jurgenson and then [[Norm Snead]] for eight seasons, starting in 18 games during that time.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":7" /> His principal role with the Eagles was being used as a punter. His best seasons as an Eagles' punter came in 1961, when he averaged 43.7 yards a punt (a career high), and 1963 with 69 punts for 2,972 yards (a career high) for a 43.1 average.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":7" /> In November 1962, he had an 80 yard punt against the Green Bay Packers,<ref name=":7" /> the third longest in team history (as of 2024).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles Career Punting Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/career-punting.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

Hill started six games as quarterback in 1963 as well,<ref name=":8" /> going 1–4–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1963 Philadelphia Eagles Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/phi/1963.htm |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He played with both the Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings in 1968, starting in two games for the Eagles.<ref name=":8" /> He closed out his career with St. Louis in 1969. He punted 73 times for 2,747 yards,<ref name=":8" /> while seeing a punt blocked versus Philadelphia, the first and only punt blocked in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFL Punts Blocked Career Leaders (since 1939) |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/punt_blocked_career.htm |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He threw one final pass that year, a completion for seven yards versus Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web |title=King Hill 1969 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HillKi00.htm |access-date=March 6, 2024 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

Hill was also a key figure in the [[National Football League Players Association|NFL Players Association]].<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Maule |first=Tex |date=October 14, 1968 |title=Pro at the conference table |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1968/10/14/pro-at-the-conference-table |journal=Sports Illustrated |volume=29 |issue=16}}</ref> Hill was vice-president of the NFLPA in 1968, when the players threatened to strike, and was a public voice of the players' issues.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 28, 1968 |title=Pro gridders threaten strike |url=https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754225/236 |work=The Michigan Daily |pages=6}}</ref> Hill signed the first collective bargaining agreement in professional football<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nix |first=J. W. |title=The Biggest Number 1 Flops in NFL History |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/463039-the-biggest-number-1-flops-in-nfl-history |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> and represented players for the Players Association for nine years, including during the 1968 strike.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

=== Coaching and scouting career ===

==== Houston Oilers ====
In 1970, Hill became a scout for the [[Houston Oilers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Oilers 1970 Media Guide (page 13) |url=https://library.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/publications/football/yearbooks/FTENTMG-1970-tennessee-titans-media-guide.pdf}}</ref> In 1972, Hill was hired to serve as an Oilers' assistant coach under [[Bill Peterson]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1972 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1972.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In 1973, he became [[quarterbacks coach]] under Peterson, who was fired during the year, and then remained in that position under new head coach [[Sid Gillman]], staying quarterbacks coach through 1974 under Gillman.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wallace |first=William N. |date=October 16, 1973 |title=Peterson Is Ousted By Oilers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/16/archives/peterson-is-ousted-by-oilers.html |access-date=February 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1973 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1973.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1974 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1974.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In 1974, [[Bum Phillips]] was hired as the Oilers defensive coordinator and rose from defensive coordinator to head coach the following year.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Bum Phillips Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/PhilBu0.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Phillips made Hill his offensive coordinator in 1975 and 1976.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1975 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1975.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1976 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1976.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Hill worked for the team and Phillips until 1980, as receivers coach from 1977-1980 as well as quarterbacks coach in 1980, with the best days coming under Phillips.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=1976 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/1976.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=King Hill Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/HillKi0.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Phillips had [[Ken Shipp]] as his offensive coordinator in 1977, but fired him after that year, and never replaced the offensive coordinator position. Instead, he had Hill, Andy Bourgeois and [[Joe Bugel]] run the offense together, until Phillips was fired in 1980.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Wallace |first=William N. |date=1981-01-01 |title=PHILLIPS IS DISCHARGED BY OILERS AFTER CONTROVERSY OVER OFFENSE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/01/01/sports/phillips-is-discharged-by-oilers-after-controversy-over-offense.html |access-date=2025-01-09 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Phillips described Hill as such: “King was different from almost anybody I’ve ever worked with. He was the most polite, gentle man. And, [on the] football field, he was polite but direct. When he said something, he meant it. He was the ideal guy to have on your staff. [Coaching] wasn’t work to him. He really enjoyed it. He could communicate without all that hollering. You don’t need to raise your voice when you know what you’re talking about.”<ref name=":3">{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/former-no-1-overall-nfl-draft-pick-king-hill-dies-at-75 | title=Former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick King Hill dies at 75 | date=July 14, 2012 }}</ref> The Oilers made the postseason each time from 1978 to 1980 (bolstered by the offense of players such as [[Earl Campbell]]<ref name=":5" />) but could not reach the [[Super Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/index.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== New Orleans Saints ====
When Phillips was fired after the 1980 season ended, Hill followed him to the [[New Orleans Saints]], serving as Phillips' offensive coordinator from 1981 to 1985.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":4" /> The 1983 team was a missed field goal away from a playoff berth, but the Saints never reached the postseason under Phillips before he resigned in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-24 |title=Forecast: The good, bad and weird of the Bum Phillips' Saints era |url=https://www.wwltv.com/article/sports/nfl/saints/forecast-the-good-bad-and-weird-of-the-bum-phillips-saints-era/289-319969978 |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=wwltv.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=L. A. Times |date=1985-11-26 |title=Bum Phillips Quits as Saints' Coach; Foge Fazio Is Fired at Pittsburgh |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-11-26-sp-2118-story.html |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/index.htm |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Philadelphia Eagles ====
Hill was hired as a regional scout for the Philadelphia Eagles in the Western United States and Canada in 1986, where he served until 1992. He was described by a former Eagles' publicist as a real gentleman who everyone liked, as well as a great golfer.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2012-07-16 |title=Ex-Eagle King Hill dies at 75 (Philadelphia Daily News) |url=https://www.inquirer.com/philly/sports/eagles/20120716_Ex-Eagle_King_Hill_dies_at_75.html |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=www.inquirer.com |language=en}}</ref>


==Golf and charities==
==Golf and charities==
Always a skilled golfer, Hill never gave up his amateur status and through the years has participated in hundreds of tournaments, as well as being an active participant in the promotion of charitable golf tournaments in Texas and Louisiana. He also assisted in the founding and working of the Ronald McDonald Houses in Texas and Louisiana. Hill also helped with Big Brothers and other children causes in Texas, including the Special Olympics. His golf team won first place in the NFL Alumni Tournament in 1995 and 2001. He placed second in the tournament in 1996.
After retiring from coaching, he became a golf-course marketing director in Houston.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":7" /> Always a skilled golfer, Hill never gave up his amateur status and through the years has participated in hundreds of tournaments, as well as being an active participant in the promotion of charitable golf tournaments in Texas and Louisiana.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=2012-07-15 |title=Former Eagles QBpunter Hill dies at 75 |url=https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/news/former-eagles-qbpunter-hill-dies-at-75/287466/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=NBC Sports Philadelphia |language=en-US}}</ref> He also assisted in the founding and working of the Ronald McDonald Houses in Texas and Louisiana. Hill also helped with Big Brothers and other children causes in Texas, including the Special Olympics.<ref name=":11" /> His golf team won first place in the NFL Alumni Tournament in 1995 and 2001. He placed second in the tournament in 1996.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}


==Death==
==Death==
Hill died at age 75 in 2012 after a long illness.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/sports/former-rice-legend-king-hill-passes-away/article_816e0af3-79bb-5d19-9891-2fd10980bb88.html | title=Former Rice legend King Hill passes away | newspaper=Chron | date=July 14, 2012 }}</ref> He is buried at Forest Park Cemetery at [[The Woodlands, Texas|The Woodlands]].
Hill died at age 75 in 2012 after a long illness.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/sports/former-rice-legend-king-hill-passes-away/article_816e0af3-79bb-5d19-9891-2fd10980bb88.html | title=Former Rice legend King Hill passes away | newspaper=Chron | date=July 14, 2012 }}</ref> He is buried at Forest Park Cemetery at [[The Woodlands, Texas|The Woodlands]].<ref name=":9" />


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 06:44, 10 January 2025

King Hill
No. 16, 10, 15
Position:Quarterback / Punter
Personal information
Born:(1936-11-08)November 8, 1936
Hamilton, Texas, U.S.
Died:July 14, 2012(2012-07-14) (aged 75)
Spring, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:212 lb (96 kg)
Career information
High school:Freeport (TX) Brazosport
College:Rice
NFL draft:1958 / round: 1 / pick: 1
Career history
As a player:
As a coach:
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Pass attempts:881
Pass completions:429
Percentage:48.7
TDINT:37–71
Passing yards:5,553
Passer rating:49.3
Punts:368
Punt yards:15,181
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Record at Pro Football Reference

Stuart King Hill (November 8, 1936 – July 14, 2012) was an American professional football quarterback and punter in the National Football League (NFL) who played for the Chicago / St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings.

Early life and college football

[edit]

Hill was born on November 8, 1936, in Hamilton, Texas to Earl and Dorothy Hill.[1][2] After attending Brazosport High School in Freeport, Texas, where he was a multi-sport athlete, Hill went to Rice Institute in Houston, and played football under College Football Hall of Fame coach Jess Neely. He played offense, defense and punted on the Rice team. On offense, he split time as quarterback of the Owls with Frank Ryan, who also later played in the NFL.[3][4][5][6]

Hill was an AP All-American in 1957.[7] In his two years playing quarterback (1956 and 1957), Hill passed for eight touchdowns and rushed for eight touchdowns, and had quarterback ratings of 118.1 and 139.3 respectively.[8]

On November 16, 1957, the Owls engineered one of the biggest victories in program history. The Owls faced number 1 ranked Texas A&M, who had not lost in 18 games, coached by Bear Bryant (who had tried to recruit Hill out of high school). Hill played the majority of the game at quarterback when Ryan sprained his knee early; served as punter on booming punts; intercepted two passes as a safety in the fourth quarter; and made a touchdown-saving tackle on John David Crow (winner of the Heisman Trophy that year) as Rice held on to win 7–6. (Ironically, Crow and Hill would become teammates in the NFL and good friends in life.[3]) Aggies coach Bear Bryant, who had always praised Hill, said, "'He did everything but take up tickets.'"[6]

It propelled the Owls to the Southwest Conference title (their last until 1994),[9] and they played in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day, where Rice lost to Navy.[10] At the end of the year, Rice was ranked eighth in the nation by the Associated Press, and number 7 by United Press International.[11] He also played on the golf team for the program, as well as the basketball team.[3][6]

Hill was inducted into the Rice Owls Hall of Fame in 1974.[12]

NFL career

[edit]

Playing career

[edit]

Hill was the first player selected in the 1958 NFL draft by the Chicago Cardinals.[13] As the Cardinals were the only team remaining who had not been awarded the "bonus pick" as determined by lottery, they had the first pick along with the second overall pick.[14] They picked Hill with the first pick (the lottery bonus pick) and John David Crow with the second in a draft that had four future Pro Bowlers in the first five picks (Hill being the exception among Crow, Dan Currie, Lou Michaels and Red Phillips).[15][13][1]

Hill threw nine passes in his rookie season, with two being for interceptions.[16] Eventually he had a bigger role in punting in his career, going from doing it eight combined times in his first three seasons with the Cardinals, to punting 55 times for 2,403 yards for the Eagles in just his first year there, 1961.[1] He had his best season in rushing in 1959, as a quarterback, where he scored five touchdowns on 39 carries for 167 yards, although it also involved a league-leading 13 fumbles (recovering two)[17][18] (though possible these may have occurred on passing plays where he was sacked, or while handing off to a running back, rather than solely during Hill’s own 39 running plays).[1][19][20]

Quarterbacking as a passer with the Cardinals was no better for Hill when he started. He served as the starter for ten games of the 1959 season.[1] He started on Opening Day against Washington, going 14-of-23 for 229 yards with two touchdowns and one interception to go with a rushing touchdown in the 49–21 victory.[21] It was the first of only two victories that season for Hill,[22] who threw for 1,015 yards on 7 touchdowns to 13 interceptions.[23] He started the first game of the 1960 season and threw 8-of-18 for 98 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions before being taken out for John Roach, who threw four touchdowns in the 43–21 victory. He threw just 37 more passes that year, his last for the team.[24][25]

The Cardinals traded Hill to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1961, where he was to serve as a backup quarterback to future hall of famer Sonny Jurgenson.[26][27] During training camp that year, he had to have seven abscessed teeth removed.[27] He served as a backup to Jurgenson and then Norm Snead for eight seasons, starting in 18 games during that time.[1][28] His principal role with the Eagles was being used as a punter. His best seasons as an Eagles' punter came in 1961, when he averaged 43.7 yards a punt (a career high), and 1963 with 69 punts for 2,972 yards (a career high) for a 43.1 average.[1][28] In November 1962, he had an 80 yard punt against the Green Bay Packers,[28] the third longest in team history (as of 2024).[29]

Hill started six games as quarterback in 1963 as well,[1] going 1–4–1.[30] He played with both the Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings in 1968, starting in two games for the Eagles.[1] He closed out his career with St. Louis in 1969. He punted 73 times for 2,747 yards,[1] while seeing a punt blocked versus Philadelphia, the first and only punt blocked in his career.[31] He threw one final pass that year, a completion for seven yards versus Chicago.[32]

Hill was also a key figure in the NFL Players Association.[33][34] Hill was vice-president of the NFLPA in 1968, when the players threatened to strike, and was a public voice of the players' issues.[35] Hill signed the first collective bargaining agreement in professional football[36] and represented players for the Players Association for nine years, including during the 1968 strike.[citation needed]

Coaching and scouting career

[edit]

Houston Oilers

[edit]

In 1970, Hill became a scout for the Houston Oilers.[37] In 1972, Hill was hired to serve as an Oilers' assistant coach under Bill Peterson.[38] In 1973, he became quarterbacks coach under Peterson, who was fired during the year, and then remained in that position under new head coach Sid Gillman, staying quarterbacks coach through 1974 under Gillman.[39][40][41] In 1974, Bum Phillips was hired as the Oilers defensive coordinator and rose from defensive coordinator to head coach the following year.[42] Phillips made Hill his offensive coordinator in 1975 and 1976.[43][44] Hill worked for the team and Phillips until 1980, as receivers coach from 1977-1980 as well as quarterbacks coach in 1980, with the best days coming under Phillips.[33][45][46] Phillips had Ken Shipp as his offensive coordinator in 1977, but fired him after that year, and never replaced the offensive coordinator position. Instead, he had Hill, Andy Bourgeois and Joe Bugel run the offense together, until Phillips was fired in 1980.[47]

Phillips described Hill as such: “King was different from almost anybody I’ve ever worked with. He was the most polite, gentle man. And, [on the] football field, he was polite but direct. When he said something, he meant it. He was the ideal guy to have on your staff. [Coaching] wasn’t work to him. He really enjoyed it. He could communicate without all that hollering. You don’t need to raise your voice when you know what you’re talking about.”[33] The Oilers made the postseason each time from 1978 to 1980 (bolstered by the offense of players such as Earl Campbell[47]) but could not reach the Super Bowl.[48]

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

When Phillips was fired after the 1980 season ended, Hill followed him to the New Orleans Saints, serving as Phillips' offensive coordinator from 1981 to 1985.[42][46] The 1983 team was a missed field goal away from a playoff berth, but the Saints never reached the postseason under Phillips before he resigned in 1985.[49][50][51]

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

Hill was hired as a regional scout for the Philadelphia Eagles in the Western United States and Canada in 1986, where he served until 1992. He was described by a former Eagles' publicist as a real gentleman who everyone liked, as well as a great golfer.[28]

Golf and charities

[edit]

After retiring from coaching, he became a golf-course marketing director in Houston.[3][28] Always a skilled golfer, Hill never gave up his amateur status and through the years has participated in hundreds of tournaments, as well as being an active participant in the promotion of charitable golf tournaments in Texas and Louisiana.[52] He also assisted in the founding and working of the Ronald McDonald Houses in Texas and Louisiana. Hill also helped with Big Brothers and other children causes in Texas, including the Special Olympics.[52] His golf team won first place in the NFL Alumni Tournament in 1995 and 2001. He placed second in the tournament in 1996.[citation needed]

Death

[edit]

Hill died at age 75 in 2012 after a long illness.[53] He is buried at Forest Park Cemetery at The Woodlands.[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "King Hill Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "King Hill Obituary - The Woodlands, TX". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c d Robertson, Dale (July 14, 2012). "Rice legend King Hill dies at 75". CHRON.
  4. ^ "Jess Neely College Coaching Records, Awards and Leaderboards". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  5. ^ "Jess Neely (1971) - Hall of Fame". National Football Foundation. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c "Legendary Owl King Hill Passes Away". Rice University Athletics. July 14, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  7. ^ Smith, Ted (December 5, 1957). "King Hill, John Crow on All-America". Victoria Advocate. Texas. Associated Press. p. 12.
  8. ^ "King Hill College Stats, School, Draft, Gamelog, Splits". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  9. ^ "Southwest Conference Index". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  10. ^ "Forrestal pilots Middies over Owls, 20 to 7". Victoria Advocate. Texas. Associated Press. January 2, 1958. p. 10.
  11. ^ "1958 Cotton Bowl 2". Rice University Athletics. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  12. ^ "Hall of Fame Inductees". Rice University Athletics. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  13. ^ a b "1958 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  14. ^ "Hall of Famers by Draft Round | Pro Football Hall of Fame". pfhof. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  15. ^ "58 | Pro Football Hall of Fame". pfhof. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  16. ^ "King Hill 1958 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  17. ^ "1959 Chicago Cardinals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  18. ^ "NFL Yearly Fumbles Leaders | The Football Database". FootballDB.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  19. ^ "Chicago Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles - November 15th, 1959". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  20. ^ "Chicago Cardinals at Washington Redskins - October 11th, 1959". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  21. ^ "Washington Redskins at Chicago Cardinals - September 27th, 1959". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  22. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Cardinals - November 1st, 1959". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  23. ^ "King Hill 1959 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  24. ^ "King Hill 1960 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  25. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams - September 23rd, 1960". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  26. ^ "Sonny Jurgensen | Pro Football Hall of Fame". pfhof. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  27. ^ a b "National Football League". Sports Illustrated. September 25, 1961.
  28. ^ a b c d e "Ex-Eagle King Hill dies at 75 (Philadelphia Daily News)". www.inquirer.com. July 16, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  29. ^ "Philadelphia Eagles Career Punting Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  30. ^ "1963 Philadelphia Eagles Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  31. ^ "NFL Punts Blocked Career Leaders (since 1939)". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  32. ^ "King Hill 1969 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  33. ^ a b c "Former No. 1 overall NFL draft pick King Hill dies at 75". July 14, 2012.
  34. ^ Maule, Tex (October 14, 1968). "Pro at the conference table". Sports Illustrated. 29 (16).
  35. ^ "Pro gridders threaten strike". The Michigan Daily. June 28, 1968. p. 6.
  36. ^ Nix, J. W. "The Biggest Number 1 Flops in NFL History". Bleacher Report. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  37. ^ "Houston Oilers 1970 Media Guide (page 13)" (PDF).
  38. ^ "1972 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  39. ^ Wallace, William N. (October 16, 1973). "Peterson Is Ousted By Oilers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  40. ^ "1973 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  41. ^ "1974 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  42. ^ a b "Bum Phillips Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  43. ^ "1975 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  44. ^ "1976 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  45. ^ "1976 Houston Oilers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  46. ^ a b "King Hill Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  47. ^ a b Wallace, William N. (January 1, 1981). "PHILLIPS IS DISCHARGED BY OILERS AFTER CONTROVERSY OVER OFFENSE". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  48. ^ "Tennessee Titans Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  49. ^ "Forecast: The good, bad and weird of the Bum Phillips' Saints era". wwltv.com. October 24, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  50. ^ Archives, L. A. Times (November 26, 1985). "Bum Phillips Quits as Saints' Coach; Foge Fazio Is Fired at Pittsburgh". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  51. ^ "New Orleans Saints Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 9, 2025.
  52. ^ a b "Former Eagles QBpunter Hill dies at 75". NBC Sports Philadelphia. July 15, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  53. ^ "Former Rice legend King Hill passes away". Chron. July 14, 2012.
[edit]