Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Harlon Hill
City of Florence Walk of Honor
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 13, 2009
1. Harlon Hill Marker
The NFL Rookie of the Year (1954) and MVP (1955), Harlon Hill starred with the Chicago Bears. The Harlon Hill Trophy is presented annually to the NCAA Division II Football Player of the Year.
Erected 2007 by City of Florence.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports.
Location. 34° 48.395′ N, 87° 37.884′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker can be reached from Hightower Place just south of Veterans Drive (Alabama Route 133), on the left when traveling south. Beginning with marker one, this marker is on pole 8 backside. It is one of 18 poles each has four sides that is located behind the Marriott Hotel in River Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Don Leslie Michael (here, next to this marker); Caroline Lee Hentz (here, next to this marker); Jesse Clopton James (here, next to this marker); Michael Hall Mobbs (here, next to this marker); Reeder Glen Nichols (here, next to this marker); John Wilkinson Taylor (here, next to this marker); Lin Dunn (here, next to this marker); Edward Stanley Robbins (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.
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Also see . . .
1. Harlon Hill. Harlon Junius Hill (born May 4, 1932 in Killen, Alabama) was a standout player as an offensive end at Florence State Teachers College, now known as the University of North Alabama, being named an NAIA All-American in his senior year (1953). He later had a successful career in the NFL, playing for the Chicago Bears (1954-1961), the Pittsburgh Steelers (1962), and the Detroit Lions (1962). Hill was the NFL’s rookie of the year in 1954, its most valuable player in 1955, and a three-time All-Pro selection (1954-1956). He is the namesake of the Harlon Hill Trophy. (Submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
2. All -Time Players. Harlon Hill Height: 6-3 Weight: 199 Age: 77 Born: 5/4/1932 Florence , AL College: North Alabama Experience: 9 Seasons (Submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, March 22, 2010
2. Walk of Honor River Heritage Park
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 13, 2010
3. Harlon Hill Plaque -Birmingham at Sports Hall of Fame.
“One of football’s all-time pass receivers ... Born near Florence, Ala. ... Played collegiately at Florence State ... Chicago Bears drafted him low-round but Hill proved sensation ... Rookie of Year in NFL in 1954 ... 4-times all NFL ... Won Jim Thorpe Trophy in 1955–scored 4 touchdowns once in one game on 47-21-11 and 66 yd. receptions, caught two TD passes in final minute against N.Y. Giants to set-up Bears championship ... His 226 receptions were for 4,616 yds., a fantastic 20.4 yds. per catch average ... Elected to Alabama Sports Hall of Fame 1976.”
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,261 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on March 31, 2023, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. Photos: 1. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on March 22, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 3. submitted on November 1, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
