Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and the 30 best HBCU football players of all time
By Dante Pryor
23. Winston Hill, offensive tackle, Texas Southern
It is one thing to do something for a long time; doing something well for a long time is entirely different altogether. Offensive tackle Winston Hill not only played tackle 14 seasons in the AFL, but he also was one of the best while he played.
Every accolade Hill had during and after his career was hard-earned. A Texas native, Hill played high school tennis, but at 6-foot-4, football would come calling. It did not take Hill long to pick up the sport garnering All-American honors at Texas Southern before getting drafted by Baltimore.
Instead of staying with the NFL Colts, Hill decided to sign with the AFL New York Jets.
Hill protected legendary quarterback Joe Namath and opened holes for Emerson Boozer, Matt Snell and John Riggins. During his 14 seasons (all but one for the Jets), Hill started an incredible 174 consecutive games, tenth all-time.
Hill was part of the 1968 Jets squad, which upset Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Hill was a three-time All-AFL selection, four-time All-AFL All-Star, four-time Pro Bowl selection and member of the Jets Ring of Honor.
Hill was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.