By Darin Long before specialized kickers and punters existed, one man in Athens did it all with legendary poise. Bill Hartman was the ultimate triple-threat for the Georgia Bulldogs—a punishing fullback, a hard-hitting linebacker, and a specialist whose leg strength set records that lasted for generations. Whether he was booming 80-yard punts or sprinting nearly the length of the field against Georgia Tech, “Bill” was the heartbeat of the Bulldogs in the 1930s and remained a cornerstone of the program for nearly 70 years.
Football Bio
March 17, 1915 – Thomaston, Georgia – Bill Hartman, the fine fullback from 1935 to 1937 at the University of Georgia, was born. The NFF says that he was an All-America fullback and captain in 1937. That season, Bill booted an 82-yard punt against Tulane and ran back a 93-yard kick return against Georgia Tech.
Bill Hartman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.
Conclusion
Bill Hartman’s impact on the University of Georgia extends far beyond his 93-yard sprint against the Yellow Jackets. After a brief but successful stint in the NFL as Sammy Baugh’s backup, Hartman returned to Athens to serve as a backfield coach, a volunteer kicking coach, and a tireless fundraiser. He mentored some of the greatest kickers in NFL history and left a legacy so profound that the school’s highest award for student-athlete alumni now bears his name. Hartman wasn’t just a football player; he was the embodiment of the Georgia Bulldog spirit.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1984.
- First-Team All-American: 1937 (Fullback).
- First-Team All-SEC: 1937.
- Georgia Team Captain: Led the Bulldogs during the 1937 season.
- Longest Punt Record: Set a school record with an 82-yard punt vs. Tulane (1937).
- Ironman Tradition: Starred as both a starting fullback and a standout linebacker.
- NFL Draft Pioneer: The first Georgia Bulldog ever selected in the NFL Draft (1938).
- Sammy Baugh’s Backup: Started six games for the Washington Redskins in 1938, throwing a winning 87-yard TD pass in his debut.
- Legendary Kicking Coach: Volunteered for decades under Vince Dooley, developing NFL kickers like Kevin Butler and John Kasay.
- Georgia Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1981.
