Don Hutson
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Donald Montgomery Hutson (b. January 31, 1913 at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, d. June 24, 1997 at Rancho Mirage, California) was the first star wide receiver in NFL history. He joined the Green Bay Packers out of the University of Alabama in 1935.
Fans of the Packers received a preview of things to come in Hutson's first game. On his first ever play, Hutson caught an 83 yard touchdown pass from Arnie Herber. It was the first of 99 receiving touchdowns, a record that would stand for 44 years after his retirement.
Hutson was the first receiver to catch more than 50 passes in a season (1941) and to surpass 1,000 receiving yards (1942). In all, Hutson caught 488 passes for 7991 yards. Hutson rushed for three touchdowns and returned three interceptions for touchdowns for a career total of 105.
For many of his 11 seasons, Hutson was also the kicker for the Packers. He added 172 extra points and 7 field goals for another league record, 881 points. He retired from professional football after the 1945 season.
Hutson was the top receiver in the league in nine seasons.
Hutson has been honored in a variety of ways. Don Hutson Street in Green Bay is named for him. The Packers have also retired #14. Hutson was a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Other end in Rose Bowl
Coach Bear Bryant always said he was the "other end" on the University of Alabama football that had both Bear and Don Hutson. That Crimson Tide team won the Rose Bowl in 1935 beating Stanford 29-13 with Hutson catching 6 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Hutson had been selected All American in 1934.
External link
- Career Review (http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00014269.html)