Winston Hill

Winston Hill
6'4" 270
Offensive Tackle
New York Jets
1963 - 1977
15 Seasons
198 Games Played
174 Consecutive Starts
8 Pro Bowls
AFL All-Time Team


Winston Cordell Hill was a 11th round draft pick by the Baltimore Colts in the 1963 NFL draft. He was the 145th player chosen overall. Hill went to Texas Southern University, where he was an All-American player who played along the line on both offense and defense. Hill is a member of the Texas Southern Sports Hall of Fame.

The Texas Southern roster was stacked with great players at the time. Many went on to play professional football. Men like Charlie Frazier, W.K. Hicks, Willis Perkins, Art Strahan (the uncle of future Hall of Famer and Texas Southern Alumni Michael Strahan), Warren Wells, Andy Rice, B.W. Cheeks, Gene Jeter, and Hill's close friend Homer Jones, who invented the spiking of the ball after a touchdown.

The Colts had just drafted future five-time Pro Bowler left tackle Bob Vogel in the first round, and would later draft future Colts greats like Willie Richardson, Jerry Logan, and Hall of Famer John Mackey. Hill decided to join the New York Jets of the American Football League.

He quickly found himself starting at left tackle for the Jets. He missed one game that season, but would never miss another game in his entire time in New York. Though the Jets struggled in his first few years, Hill made the Pro Bowl in just his second season.

Fortunes began to change for the better with the Jets in 1965. They drafted future Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath. With Hill protecting the blindside of "Broadway Joe" under the direction of Hall of Fame coach Weeb Ewbank, Namath was able to throw often to Hall of Fame wide receiver Don Maynard and Jets greats like George Sauer, Emerson Boozer, and Matt Snell.

As the Jets had the first winning season in franchise history during 1967, Hill would begin a string of seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. This highlight of his career came in 1968, when the Jets defeated the Colts in Super Bowl III.

Not only was Hill excellent at pass blocking, but he was also dominating when the Jets ran the ball. The Jets had just coaxed six-time Pro Bowl guard Bob Talamini, who had already won two AFL Championships with the Houston Oilers, out of retirement for one year to play next to Hill. The Jets won 11 games that year, a total they would not match again until 1985.

Hill was seemingly indestructible in an era where blockers were at the mercy of defenses. Blockers in that era were not allowed to extend their arms like they do today, forced to tuck their hands by their chest to resemble a chicken wing. This did not prevent Hill from starting in 174 straight games.

He manned left tackle until 1976 for the Jets. Namath decided to join the Los Angeles Rams in 1977, and he got his good friend and protector to go with him. Hill suited up for three games that year, but decided to retire after the third game.

Not only did Hill help bring the Jets their only championship in franchise history, but he helped make Namath a star. Namath led the league in passing yards three times, including the first 4,000-yard passing season in professional football history.

There is no question that Hill is the greatest blocker in Jets history, and many of the teams fans would tell you he is also the best player the franchise has ever had as well. His eight Pro Bowls are the most in team history, and his 174 consecutive starts are ranked tenth best in pro football history.

Hill is a member of the AFL Hall of Fame and AFL All-Time Team, as well as an inaugural member of the Jets Ring of Honor. Namath, Ewbank, Maynard, and Curtis Martin joined him in the ceremonies.

The disrespect of the AFL is quite evident by his exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Of the 10 offensive linemen on the AFL All-Time Team, which also includes Talamini, only Ron Mix, Billy Shaw, and Jim Otto are inducted. Only 12 of the 48 players on the AFL All-Time Team are members of Canton's exclusive club.

How the voters keep overlooking the AFL can only be attributed to lingering envy and anger that the NFL had for the league when it existed. The AFL played an exciting brand of football and won two of the four Super Bowls between the leagues, including the last two, before the merger of the AFL and NFL was completed. Not bad for a league the NFL liked to call a "Mickey Mouse League" before being forced to merge to save their own product.

Yet it all started with Hill's Jets shocking the football world by soundly defeating the supposedly heavily-favored Colts. Though most recall Namath guaranteeing a win before he game, it is unlikely he would have made such a boast if Hill was not there to protect him.

It is obvious Winston Hill should be inducted into Canton. His eight Pro Bowls are proof, and it must be noted he went to four Pro Bowls after the merger too. This proves not only was he amongst the best in AFL history, but he was one of the very best in all of professional football.

The New York media is given a lot of hype for creating hype for their local teams, but they have dropped the ball here. They need to honor their past better and make a bigger push for Hill to finally get his rightful respect and place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.





Notable Players Drafted In 1963 * Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee

NFL

2. Jerry Stovall, S, Saint Louis Cardinals
5. Bob Vogel, OT, Baltimore Colts
6. Lee Roy Jordan, MLB, Dallas Cowboys
7. Pat Richter, TE, Washington Redskins
8. Kermit Washington, CB, San Francisco 49ers
13. Don Brumm, DE, Saint Louis
14. Dave Robinson, OLB, Green Bay Packers
17. Bob Reynolds, OT, Saint Louis
18. Ray Mansfield, C, Philadelphia Eagles
19. John Mackey, TE, Baltimore *
21. Walt Rock, OT, San Francisco
35. Ron Snidow, DE, Washington
44. Paul Flatley, WR, Minnesota
47. Jerry Logan, S, Baltimore
88. Lee Roy Caffey, OLB, Philadelphia
89. Willie Richardson, WR, Baltimore
102. Tom Woodeshick, FB, Philadelphia
129. Jackie Smith, TE, Saint Louis *
136. Bill Nelsen, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
152. Karl Kassulke, S, Detroit Lions
157. Chuck Walker, DT, Saint Louis
220. Andy Russell, OLB, Pittsburgh
241. Larry Stallings, OLB, Saint Louis
259. Jim Turner, K, Washington
278. Homer Jones, WR, New York Giants

AFL

1. Buck Buchanan, DT, Kansas City Chiefs *
2. Walt Sweeney, OG, San Diego Chargers
4. Dave Behrman, C, Buffalo Bills
8. Ed Budde, OG, Kansas City
9. Jim Dunaway, DT, Buffalo
21. Tom Janik, S, Denver Broncos
46. Sam Silas, DT, Boston Patriots
48. George Saimes, S, Kansas City
49. Dave Costa, DT, Oakland Raiders
50. Mickey Slaughter, QB, Denver (Notable College Coach)
56. Bobby Bell, OLB, Kansas City *
60. Hewritt Dixon, RB, Denver
85. Billy Joe, RB, Denver
88. Jerrell Wilson, RB / P, Kansas City
188. Daryle Lamonica, QB, Buffalo
192. Dave Hill, OT, Kansas City
211. Dave Herman, OG, New York Jets
219. Mike Taliaferro, QB, NY Jets

Bob Talamini

Bob Talamini
6'1" 255
Offensive Guard
Houston Oilers
1960 - 1968
Nine Seasons
126 Games
6 Pro Bowls



Robert Guy Talamini was drafted in the 24th round by the expansion Houston Oilers in the fledgling American Football League before the 1960 season. He was a territorial draft selection, and was the third from last player chosen overall.


He had attended college at Kentucky University, where he had been a starter under coach Blanton Collier for three years. Talamini played 60 minutes as both an offensive guard and middle linebacker, and was named Honorable All-American his senior year. He also was named to the All-SEC Third Team at the conclusion of the year, yet was not invited to any of the post season games to put his skills on display.


Talamini had no thoughts of playing professional football, and had already started planning on life after college. Things changed one day after Adrian Burk called him in a conversation that lasted less than two minutes. Burk, who holds the NFL record for throwing seven touchdown passes in a single game, was working in the Oilers front office for owner Bud Adams. Burk asked him if he would have any interest trying out for the team in a league Talamini had heard nothing about. After a moment of thought, he remained non-committal.


A contract soon arrived in the mail to Talamini, who then had his law professor look over it. It stated that he would make $7,000 only if he made the team, and nothing if he did not. Talamini then called Burk back and asked for a bonus. The Oilers sent him $500, so he decided then to try out for the team.


Houston had just made a big splash in the news by signing Billy Cannon to their roster. Cannon was an All-American running back who had just won the 1959 Heisman Trophy Award. He was the first draft choice of both the NFL and AFL Draft, which had both leagues go to court over the right to sign him.


When he arrived in Houston, the Oilers had already been in training camp for over a week. Over 300 players were at the camp, yet the league rules stipulated that only 35 players could make each roster. After standing out immediately, Talamini was soon told by head coach Lou Rymkus that he would start.


The Oilers started 17 rookies in their inaugural season, nine alone just on offense. They were led by quarterback George Blanda, a wash out in the NFL who would revitalize his career in Houston and end up in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. The only only other veteran on offense was seventh year tight end John Carson. Carson had been a Pro Bowl player in 1957 with the Washington Redskins, and would retire from the game after his lone season in the AFL.

Houston was a well balanced team that was equally adept in all facets of the game. They went 10-4 in their first season, then beat the Los Angeles Chargers to capture the first ever AFL Championship. They repeated as champions the next year by defeating the Chargers again in the championship game. Talamini was named to the All-AFL Second Team by both the UPI and the league in 1961.


Houston went to a third consecutive championship game after the 1962 season, but lost in double overtime to the Dallas Texans 20-17. Lasting just six seconds short of 78 minutes, it is still the longest championship game ever played. The Texans would relocate to Kansas City after the game, and rename themselves the Chiefs.

Talamini was named to the All-AFL First Team after that season, and would garner this award every year that followed up until 1967.

Though the Oilers failed to achieve their previous successes, they were a high scoring team over the next several seasons. One of the teams strengths was their rushing attack, which was led by Talamini's blocking prowess. He was excellent versus the pass rush, and was special when it came to pulling out and leading on sweeps.

After the 1967 concluded, he approached Adams for a pay raise. Despite coming off of six consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, at the young age of 28, he was denied his request. Talamini then asked for his immediate release from his contract.

Joe Spencer was an assistant coach on the New York Jets in 1968. He had worked with the Oilers a few years earlier, and was familiar with Talamini. Spencer called him and asked if he would be interested in joining the Jets. Talamini agreed to after being promised a pay raise, so the Jets gave Houston cash for his contract.

The 1968 season was a magical season for the New York Jets. This was a franchise who had struggled to stay in existence just a few years earlier due to poor attendance and play on the field. Things changed when they drafted Joe Namath in 1965. Namath, a future Hall Of Fame quarterback, brought the team a lot of publicity and credit as the Jets slowly built a winning team.

The Jets won their last four games of the year, and finished 11-3. They then faced the Oakland Raiders, a team that handed them their last loss, in the AFL Championship Game. New York won 27-23 on a late fourth quarter touchdown pass from Namath to Hall Of Fame wide receiver Don Maynard. The victory propelled the Jets into Super Bowl III, where they faced the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.

New York won the game 16-7, and became the first AFL team to be declared world champions. They won by creating five turnovers on defense, and controlling the ball on offense. The offensive line was led by Talamini and Winston Hill. They paved the way for running back Matt Snell to gain 121 yards on 30 rushing attempts, as well as helping Snell score the teams only touchdown off of a four yard run.

Though he was just 30 years old, and had been on three championship teams in his nine years, Talamini decided to retire from the game. He was slightly worn out from a difficult season. Making $17,000 that season, he had to spend over $2,000 to commute from New York City to his family throughout the entire year. He decided to get on with his life after football, and to be with his family.



Bob Talamini is a member of the American Football League All-Time Team, and is on the second unit.

He is a player who deserves his induction into Canton when you try and measure his career in several ways. Many men are in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame now based on the fact they played on winning teams. Talamini obviously played on winners, beginning and ending his career collecting championship rings.

Many other players are inducted because they were Pro Bowl players several times throughout their careers. Being honored with a Pro Bowl invitation indicates that player is amongst the very best at his position that season. Talamini was given this accolade in six of his nine years playing. There are several inducted players who appeared in an equal or lesser amount of Pro Bowls than Talamini. There are also several inductees who played in fewer seasons over the duration of their careers.

It is quite clear that he was one of the best to ever play his position in the history of professional football. The fact that the AFL still continues to be disrespected today can be the only fathomable reason for his exclusion.

Jim Otto, Ron Mix, and Billy Shaw are the only three offensive linemen from the AFL that are in Canton today. Shaw is the only one who spent his entire career just in the AFL. Of the 48 players listed on the American Football League All-Time Team, only 12 are in Canton. This is obviously still a resonant of sour grapes that the NFL had for the upstart AFL, and the prejudice still continues.

The AFL was the league that showed scoring could bring in fans, as opposed to the grinding style the NFL was using in those days. Much of those AFL philosophies are still in play today, after the NFL saw the possibilities and expanded on it by castrating defenses.

The Professional Football Hall Of Fame is NOT the NFL Hall Of Fame! If it were, then many legends from other leagues would not be inducted and it would be even more of a empty facility than it currently is. It is very clear that the only reason Bob Talamini is not in Canton is because of more than just time forgetting him or his impact. It is because the NFL still does not respect the AFL.




Notable 1960 NFL Draftees * Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee


1. Billy Cannon, RB, Los Angeles Rams
2. Richard Bass, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore Colts *
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DE, Cleveland
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams
119. Bobby Boyd, DB, Baltimore


Notable Players Drafted By The AFL In 1960 :

Jim Otto, C, Oakland Raiders *
Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin, DB, Dallas Texans
Larry Grantham, LB, New York Titans
Pat Dye, OT, Boston Patriots (Noted College Coach)
Jim Norton, DB, Dallas
Mel Branch, DE, Denver Broncos
Pail Maguire, P, Los Angeles Chargers (Noted Broadcaster)
Ed "Wahoo" McDaniels, LB, LA Chargers (Noted Wrestler)
Wayne Hawkins, G, Oakland
Tom Day, DE, Buffalo Bills