Bill Hewitt Eagles and Bears Football...

Born on October 8, 1909, in Bay City, Michigan, William "Bill" Hewitt was a dominant two-way player whose toughness and skill defined early professional football.  

✦ College Career

Hewitt played college football at the University of Michigan from 1929 to 1931. A versatile athlete, he lettered three times for the Wolverines. In his senior season of 1931, he earned First-team All-Big Ten honors from the United Press and was named the team's Most Valuable Player. That year, he showcased his athleticism by starting games at both left end and fullback, amassing 446 rushing yards. He was also recognized as a Third-team All-American in 1931. Hewitt's time in Ann Arbor established him as a formidable talent heading into the professional ranks. He was later inducted into the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor in 2008.  

✦ Road to the Pro Game

The Chicago Bears recognized Hewitt's exceptional abilities and drafted him after his standout season at Michigan. He joined the Bears in 1932, immediately stepping into a significant role. Hewitt's transition to the professional level was seamless, and he quickly became known for his speed off the line of scrimmage and his fearless style of play, famously refusing to wear a helmet for most of his career.  

✦ Football Legacy

Bill Hewitt played nine seasons in the NFL, primarily for the Chicago Bears (1932-1936) and the Philadelphia Eagles (1937-1939). He also briefly played for the Phil-Pitt Steagles in 1943 during World War II. A true "iron man," Hewitt excelled on both offense and defense, averaging over 50 minutes of playing time per game. His innovative plays contributed to the Chicago Bears' 1932 and 1933 NFL Championship victories. He led the league in receiving touchdowns in 1934. Hewitt was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1930s and was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. His number 56 is retired by the Chicago Bears, and he is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame. Hewitt's impact as a dominant two-way end solidified his place as one of the early legends of professional football.  

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Bill Hewitt was a six-time All-Pro selection (First-team in 1933, 1934, 1936, 1938; Second-team in 1932, 1937). He won two NFL Championships with the Chicago Bears (1932, 1933) and led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 1934. He was named to the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team. In his NFL career, Hewitt recorded 103 receptions for 1,638 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also had one rushing touchdown and three passing touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame, the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor, and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.