TJB Hall of Fame: Winston Hill
As the tributes to fellow inductees Joe Klecko and Don Maynard show, one of the essential functions of the TJB Hall of Fame and the primary reason for creating this exercise is to go some small way towards righting history’s wrongs. Though many feel he is deserving, Winston Hill has always been overlooked for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but there can be no argument that he doesn’t deserve recognition as a TJB Hall of Famer.
Considering Hill retired from professional football while I was just a baby, the challenge now is to do his contribution to the New York Jets franchise justice to ensure that Hill is not once again overshadowed by the rest of the 2009 class. In order to do that, we must rely on the testimonies of others.
RB Matt Snell, who ran for 121 yards and a touchdown behind Hill’s blocking in Superbowl III:
“So graceful, so beautiful to watch. Took them just where he wanted them to go. Never seemed like he was exerting himself that much. Tell me, did you ever seen [him] sweat?”
“That’s my man, bingo!” You talk about a guy whose name you never hear now, that’s him. I’d love to see the Seniors Committee propose him [for the Pro Football Hall of Fame].”
Former Jets Head Coach, Weeb Ewbank:
“I’ve been telling reporters for a long time that Winston Hill is a great offensive tackle and [in the Superbowl] he proved it. I mean when he blocks, he doesn’t just get a stalemate with the guy he’s on. He blows him out.”
Hill’s achievements speak for themselves: He played 14 seasons with the Jets and at one stage recorded the tenth longest streak of consecutive starts in NFL history (174). He went to 4 AFL all-star games and was a 4-time NFL Pro Bowler. Most importantly of all, he won a Superbowl ring and played a huge role in the big game…
This section is best enjoyed if imagined with an authoritative baritone voice over stirring orchestral music…
The Colts, labelled as the Greatest Team in Pro Football History and an overwhelming 18-point favorite were highly motivated and their defense, anchored by defensive end Bubba Smith planned to go into attack mode from the outset. The Jets, however, had other ideas.
Ewbank’s gameplan was to run away from Smith and at the right side of the Colts line, where defensive end Ordell Braase was matched up with Hill, the Jets left tackle. Five years earlier, Hill had been an eleventh round draft pick of the Colts and had been cut after having been tormented by Braase in practice. However, Hill’s performance was dominant enough to have exploded Bill Simmons’ vengeance scale, had it existed at that time.
With Namath confusing the Colts by mixing run and pass perfectly with multiple audibles at the line, the Jets enjoyed their greatest success with a play called “19-Straight”, where Snell would take the handoff and start up the middle, but then would bounce to the outside, as Hill rode his man off the line and sealed the edge. 19-Straight got Snell into the endzone for the go-ahead score in the first half, culminating a drive which began with that same play four straight times.
“Braase pretty much faded out,” said Snell, although Hill would not take all of the credit for Snell’s success. “Snell is a great runner. He doesn’t ask for much room. The mediocre backs come back to the huddle and cry if they didn’t get a hole big enough to back a truck through. I knew we could do it. We ran against the best teams in our league. What’s so special about the Colts?”
That quote underlines the confidence with which the Jets approached the biggest game (still) in franchise history. Namath had famously guaranteed victory, the players did not watch any film in the last three days prior to the game because they were so confident and it was important for them to represent the AFL with pride. “That year the Raiders had a good team, Kansas City had a good team and San Diego had a good team. And the three of them probably could have beaten Baltimore,” Hill would later say. The message was clear and undeniable – the AFL was a league to be reckoned with.
Despite this, the fact that Hill played the first half of his career in the AFL and not the NFL, hurts him in terms of Hall of Fame recognition. An 8-time Pro Bowler with a Superbowl ring is not necessarily a lock for the Hall of Fame – Harry Carson – a 10-time Pro Bowler – only recently made it after years of campaigning, for example. However, Hill is regarded by many of those old enough to have seen him play as one of the best players of his generation.
It may have hurt Hill that the Jets did not have more postseason success. There were other AFL linemen to have made the Hall of Fame – Jim Otto, Ron Mix and Billy Shaw – but his achievements fall just short of these players, although they all enjoyed most of their success in the AFL, whereas Hill, who played the second half of his career in the NFL, spans two eras, making him difficult to compare with anyone else. However, it seems fair to say that Hill has been overlooked, not just as a potential hall of famer, but also in terms of even being mentioned as one, as the debate tends to center around more recent players.
When Hill first joined the Jets in 1963, he apparently earned the name “Holding Hill”, but went to the AFL all-star game in his second season and then, after two years of being overlooked, was recognized in seven straight seasons (three as an AFL all-star and four as an NFL Pro Bowler). He was not honored in his final three seasons as a Jet, although the coaching staff apparently felt that 1974 was the best season of his career. He finished his career with a year at the Rams, but played in just three games.
Responsible for protecting Namath’s blindside, he was regarded by some as the first great pass-protecting left tackle, using his size and strength well (he played most of his career at 285, very big for a tackle at that time, although he did play a few seasons at 270). This would give Namath and his notoriously quick release sufficient time to get rid of the ball. However, even his work in this area was sometimes overshadowed by his teammates. NFL Films called center John Schmitt “perhaps the key man – and most adept man – at protecting Namath,” whereas ESPN awarded Guard Dave Herman, who played RT in the Superbowl as the real MVP of that game because he neutralized Bubba Smith, holding him to one sack.
As a run blocker, Hill was again influential, as shown by his display in the Superbowl. However, his reputation was as more of a pass protector until the latter stages of his career, moving to right tackle in 1971 and improving his run blocking to a high level of efficiency over the last three seasons. Ultimately, although he may not have been the best pass protector or the best run blocker on those talent-laden offensive lines, most experts agree that Hill was the most complete and most dominating offensive lineman in Jets history.
Off the field, Hill, who still gets involved in Jets fundraising events, was clearly an interesting and witty character, as the internet has many examples of amusing quotes from him.
After the Miami Dolphins voted him “most likely to hold” in 1975 – a sure badge of honor, somewhat reminiscent of Kobe or Lebron complaining about someone playing physical defense against them, because they couldn’t cope with it – Hill said “I never held an honest man in my life.” At the end of his career, when he went into the food business and started marketing “Winston’s Low-Cal Yoghurt”, he said ”I don’t need this extra weight anymore. Starting Sept. 1, I’m going to go on a diet to lose 40 or 50 pounds. By November, I can use ‘before and after’ pictures of me for ads.” When he hurt his foot in 1970, the notoriously tough Hill was quoted as saying “I’m looking for a name this long, Doc. (Moving his hands apart) It’s not so impressive to have a sprained toe.” Finally, perhaps his most famous quote was this:
“Of all the names I could have had that would have inspired fear. Rocky. Bruiser. My parents had to name me Winston … Winnie to everyone. I mean could you see a defensive lineman terrified because he had to go up against a Winnie?”
Before writing this article, I made a point of checking out Winston Hill in action (in the 1972 game where Namath famously out-duelled Unitas, throwing for 496 yards and 6 TDs on FIFTEEN completions…you don’t do that without good pass protection!)
Sure enough, Hill was as smooth and stylish as they say and stood out because of his size (big for an OT even then. He would usually stay comfortably in front of his man to help form a perfect pocket around Namath, despite the loss of Schmitt to an early injury. With the running game not working, the Jets practically abandoned it, which meant the Colts could send multiple pass rushers, but on the couple of occasions when Hill was beaten, he was able to recover and use his strength to knock the pass rusher off balance enough to enable Namath to get rid of the ball. Finally, on a crucial second half drive, the Jets did return to the running game and Riggins picked up 44 yards on six carries, with Hill consistently driving his man off the line. It may be a small sample size, but it was enough to make a believer out of me.
Other than this and the Superbowl itself, I never saw Hill play, but I was convinced. If there’s any justice, hopefully the Canton’s Hall of Fame selection committee will be too, one day. For now, a place in our humble Hall will have to do. Winston Hill, ladies and gentlemen…
If you’re prepared to admit to being old enough, please share your memories of him in the comments.
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Tnx, Bent. Though I knew he played in “the game” I didn’t know much about him other than he was real good. Nice post.
My earliest vivid Jets memory is Namath’s 6-TD game vs. Unitas and the Colts. It’s one the lasting early memories I have of watching football with my father. Thanks, Winston Hill, for making it so.
If TJB ever fills out a roster of TJB HOF’ers, Hill is at LT and Marvin Powell at RT. There are arguments at every other OL position (especially center), but not these. Now that Hill has gotten his due, maybe Marvin (5 Pro Bowls, 3 first-team All-Pros) will get his.
Great idea, Sack. With all these WRs, we might have to go to a run and shoot though!
Wow. What a great post. Winston was just before my time, but my dad always bragged to me about what it was like to watch the Jets in the late 60s. You make a great case for the Canton Hall of Fame, Bent; I can only hope the seniors committee does their “due diligence.” (Sorry, couldn’t stop myself).
Now, about getting Freeman MacNeill in the TJB HOF……………….
Bent,
Besides QB (sorry, Todd, O’B, Vinny and Chad fans, but Namath is the only QB worthy of the TJB HOF), the Jets have had lots of great offensive players, especially at RB, center, and TE to go along with those WRs. Here’s my roster:
RT-Powell
RG-Dave Herman (Dan Alexander is a close 2nd)
C-Mawae (I know, Fields, Schmitt and Mangold deserve some love, too)
LG-Rasmussen (Sweeney was great, too…but RR was there for 15 years and Faneca came too late in his career to merit any consideration)
LT-Hill
TE-Shuler (Caster and Barkum should get some love, too)
RB-Martin (Snell, Boozer, Riggins, McNeil, Hector, TJ and Murrell all get some love, too)
FB-Augustyniak (okay, Snell was technically an FB and, then, Boozer was and Richie Anderson might have been the best offensive weapon…but Augie was a battering ram and one of my favorite Jets)
No. 1 WR (deep threat)-Maynard (has to get the nod over Walker)
No. 2 WR (possession)-Toon (Sauer, Moore and Key also deserve some love)
Slot-Chrebet
3rd Down RB-Harper (Leon still has a way before he can take the “best 3rd down back/KR/PR” title from Bruce, who actually led the Jets in receiving yards in 1980)
Take every name you mentioned above, remove the active players and cut back a bit on receivers and RBs and that’s got the makings of a darn fine offensive half of a 53-man roster!
Bent,
Now, here’s the defense:
LDE-Gastineau (the greatness of Gastineau was that he was on the offense’s right side…in today’s game, he’d be an RDE on the blindside)
LDT-Klecko (he could also be RDE, but not NT anymore)
NT-Jenkins (when is 1 year as a Jet enough to make him the best of all time? When you play like Big Jenks did last year…he was more dominant than Klecko was in his NT days…but it’s close, real close)
RDT-Marty Lyons (old timers tell me that John Elliot was great, but I didn’t see him play)
RDE-Gerry Philbin (I’m switching his side to the blind side…amazing that the Jets 2 greatest pass rushers played on the strong side, plus if I don’t then I have to put John Abraham on my team, and that ain’t happening)
LOLB-Greg Buttle
LILB/MLB-Kyle Clifton (Vilma and Blinka were also candidates, Kyle gets the nod because he was more complete than Vilma and Blinka)
RILB-Lance Mehl (gets the nod over Marvin Jones)
ROLB-Mo Lewis (I know, he played the left side for his best years, but the Jets have not had great RLBs, except for Larry Grantham and if I put him here, then Buttle gets booted)
LCB-Aaron Glenn (IMO, the Jets’ top shut down CB of all-time, with Revis clearly on the horizon)
RCB-Revis (James Hasty should get some love)
SS-Victor Green
FS-Kerry Rhodes (Erik McMillan flamed out, his first 2 years were AWESOME, I mean like historically awesome….do you guys remember? One of the most puzzling declines by a Jets player ever)
I think Harris and Scott could become the best ILB tandem, so we’ll see.
McMillan giving Marino the finger on a TD return is almost HOF worthy itself. He was great but he was benched for Lonnie Young because he was such a terrible tackler that he became a liability in the box. They tried him at corner and he couldn’t hack it. He was routinely beaten in coverage and the interceptions were no longer happening, so he found himself back on the bench before being traded to the Eagles.
Your list doesn’t differ too much from the all four-decade team named in 2003:
Offense Guards (2) Randy Rasmussen 1967-81, Jim Sweeney 1984-94 Tackles (3) Jason Fabini 1998- Present, Marvin Powell 1977-85, T Winston Hill 1963-76 Center (1): Kevin Mawae 1998-Present Tight End (1) Mickey Shuler 1978-89 Running Backs (2): Freeman McNeil 1981-92, Curtis Martin 1998-Present Fullback (1): Matt Snell 1964-72 Wide Receivers (3): Don Maynard 1960-72, Al Toon 1985-92, Wesley Walker 1977-89 Quarterback (1): Joe Namath 1965-76
Defense Tackles (2): Marty Lyons 1979-89, Joe Klecko 1977-87 Ends (2): Mark Gastineau 1979-89, John Abraham 2000-Present Linebackers (3): Greg Buttle 1976-84, Kyle Clifton 1984-96, Mo Lewis 1991-Present Cornerbacks (2): James Hasty 1988-94, Aaron Glenn 1992-2001 Safeties (2): Victor Green 1993-2001, Bill Baird 1963-69
Special Teams Punter (1): Chuck Ramsey 1977-84 Kicker (1): Pat Leahy 1974-91 Kick Returner (1): Bruce Harper 1977-84
Off topic: Is Michael Jackson dead?
Now, for special teams:
K-Jim Turner (Maybe it’s my bitter look back, but I always thought Pat Leahy missed the big FGs)
P-Chuck Ramsey (the best of a bad lot…I don’t think that a Jets punter ever made the Pro Bowl…OUCH!)
KR-Leon (A surprisingly strong group…Aaron Glenn, Miller, Bobby Humphrey, Mathis, Harper, Morton, etc.)
PR-Harper (he’s the best that I can remember, but Jo-Jo Townsell and, especially, Moss, who easily would’ve been the best in Jets history if he had stuck around, had their moments)
Special Teams Demon-Wallace Wright…has anyone been better?
The King of Pop was rushed to the hospital. RIP-Farrah, who has her own piece of Jets history with her famous Noxzema commercial with Joe Willie. I can still remember “Joe Willie gets creamed…LET NOXZEMA CREAM YOUR FACE, SO THE RAZOR WON’T”). God, I’m old.
Moss loses points for all the times he ran sideways out of bounds without even trying to turn upfield (which is why I used to call him the crab).
Maybe the punter should be Steve O’Neal just for the fact that he once had an unassailable 98 yard punt in an NFL game. Or Joe Prokop because he was good at fake punts!
Special Teams Demon – Chris Burkett? All those blocked punts!
RIP Farrah.
And it seems MJ is dead too, but his life was probably even more tragic than his death.
This thread is a fitting tribute to Winston Hill.
Bent,
Good call on Burkett. Ramsey was serviceable, lifetime 40 yard avg., got decent hang time. Joe Willie, who liked his “women blonde and Johnny Walker Red” allegedly was quite smitten with Farrah during the shooting. Oddest coupling in Joe Willie’s bio was with Janis Joplin, who allegedly dragged him semi-comatose off of a bar stool!
Now, I’m truly a Jets’ pig in mud… :-)
Simply put: no Winston, no Namath-Maynard; no Snell/Boozer.
Yes, I’m old enough to have watched Winnie. The best way to describe Hill’s play is to equal him to a VERY large, VERY strong bouncer at a club, who is extremely nice, yet extremely expert and effective at his job. Just as the nice, massive bouncer remains polite while he makes absolutely certain that you follow the rules and stay in line (“Excuse me, sir, but I believe you’re going to have to stay over here.” — which you do since he’s three times your size and his point is clear, especially if you feel that cast-iron hand on your shoulder), That’s how Winston went about his job. In a cowboy era of “pound the crap outta ya,” “biker gang” football, with few if any rules enforced, Winston simply went about his business. I don’t know if I ever saw Winston hit his defensive opponent in the classic sense — instead he just seemed to smoothly move them where he wanted them to be like he was working a door (“Excuse me, sir, but I believe you’re going to have to stay a few yards over here.”), while Snell, Boozer and Riggins would saunter through. It was akin to how you simply change your course when a bus begins to pull out — survival says you just move. Pass blocking was the same (“I’m sorry, sir, but you’re not allowed to go in there.”). Same effect. Winston never played smash-mouth football, simply because he never had to. Snell’s quote is correct — a very elegant player at a very inelegant position.
Sack, you and I fully agree here on this all-time team…
Thanks for Augie as well…had forgotten him.
One thing that usually gets missed here, is that from the Titan teams to now, our single strongest, most consistent, longest-tenured position is and has always been — Center:
1960-1965 — Mike Hudock, 2-time 2nd team All-AFL, missed 6 games in six years;
1966-1973 — John Schmitt, All-AFL (1968); consensus 2nd team All-AFL (1969);
1976-1987 — Joe Fields, Pro Bowl (1981, 1982), 1st-team All-NFL (1982);
1988-1994 — Jim Sweeney, played G-T until taking over for Fields;
1998-2004 — Kevin Mawae, Pro Bowl (1999-2004), named as 1st-team All Pro (1999 and 2001);
2006- current — Nick Mangold, Pro Bowl (2008)
The gap years were manned by two years of Wayne Mulligan, a year of Cal Dixon, a couple years of Roger Duffy, a year of Pete Kendall. Other than that, SIX MEN have anchored this team since its inception, garnering a slew of awards. What’s funny is they all seem cut from the same mold — happy-go-lucky, loud, tough sonavabitches who were solid as rocks and very athletic for the position. All of the other positons have seen a slew of great and not-so-great players man them for different lengths of time. But, at center? That’s NYJ prime real estate.
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