John Hill
COLLEGE: Lehigh University
POSITION: Center / Offensive tackle
BORN: April 16, 1950 in East Orange, New Jersey
JOINED SAINTS: 1975
YEARS WITH SAINTS: 1975-1984
John Hill's Career Background
Former Saints Center/Tackle John Hill was enshrined in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 1992 after a decade-long career with the Black and Gold.
Originally drafted by the New York Giants in the sixth round (132 overall) of the 1972 NFL Draft out of Lehigh, Hill spent his first three seasons in New York as a tackle. He came to New Orleans in 1975 and spent the majority of his career in Black and Gold, eventually transitioning from tackle to center in his second season with the Black and Gold. As a Saint, Hill played 138 games with 134 starts, currently ranking 21st on the club's games played chart. An unsung hero on the offensive line, Hill was selected to the team's All-25th, All-40th, All-45th and All-50th Anniversary Teams.
After his Saints tenure,, Hill spent one season with the San Francisco 49er's before retiring from professional football following the 1985 season. He worked in insurance in Raleigh, NC, before he passed away due to pancreatic cancer in 2018 at the age of 68.Â
John Hill's College Career
Prior to being drafted by the Giants, the East Orange, N.J. native was a stalwart for the Lehigh offensive line while also lettering in track and field. During his time he earned All-East Team, ECAC All-Star First-Team and All-American honors. He was a co-captain of the football team his senior year and set shot put records as a track athlete.
John Hill's Career Honors
New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
New Orleans Saints 50th Anniversary Team
