Football History

Dan "Tiger" Hill, born on March 8, 1917, in Asheville, North Carolina, left an enduring legacy as a dominant force in college football.

Dan played for the famed Iron Dukes of the 1938 season. He was the starting center in the one platoon era when centers played as linebackers on defense. He was an All-America selection and the co-captain of the undefeated, untied and unscored upon 1938 Duke University team.

-College Career

Hill's collegiate career flourished at Duke University, where he played center and linebacker from 1936 to 1938. He was a cornerstone of the legendary "Iron Dukes" of 1938, a team renowned for its defensive prowess. Playing in the one-platoon era, Hill excelled on both sides of the ball. He earned All-Southern Conference honors in 1936 and 1938, and achieved All-American status in 1938. Notably, he served as co-captain of the 1938 team, which achieved an undefeated and unscored-upon regular season. His leadership and exceptional play were pivotal to the team's success.  

The Iron Dukes won five games with the score 6-0 or 7-0. Yes, they were perfect in the regular season until they ran into a powerful Southern Cal team who took the lead with just 41 seconds remaining in the Rose Bowl!

-Road to the Pro Game:

Hill's outstanding college performance led to his selection in the NFL Draft by the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, his most significant contributions remained within the collegiate realm.

-Football Legacy

Dan Hill's legacy is deeply rooted in his contributions to the 1938 Duke "Iron Dukes." He was a key figure in their historic season, which included multiple shutout victories. The team's defensive dominance, culminating in a Rose Bowl appearance, solidified Hill's place in college football history. His impact extended beyond the field, as he later served as assistant athletic director at Duke. The university further honors his legacy with the "Dan 'Tiger' Hill Award," presented to the school's top offensive lineman. ESPN recognized his 1938 season as the best individual season by a Duke football player.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-All-American (1938)  

-All-Southern Conference (1936, 1938)  

-Co-captain of the 1938 "Iron Dukes"  

-Finished tenth in the 1938 Heisman Trophy voting  

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (1962)  

-Inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (1972)  

Dan Hill's career exemplifies exceptional athleticism, leadership, and a profound impact on Duke University football.