Doc Hillebrand

Born March 9, 1876, in Freeport, Illinois was Princeton's standout tackle from 1896 through 1899, Art "Doc" Hillebrand. The nickname of Doc came to Art by the connection to his father Dr. Christian Hillebrand in Freeport. Doc received the physical gift of having 190 pounds of muscle built on a 6'-0" frame, which was a pretty good sized man in the 19th century. The NFF says in Art's bio that he was All-America the last two seasons and also was the football captain in 1898 and baseball captain 1900. The National Football Foundation voters chose Art Hillebrand to join the ranks of the inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970. Right after school Art joined the coaching ranks, starting at the high school level at William Penn Academy until in 1903 being awarded with the Princeton position. The 1903 Tigers team went 11-0, outscored their opponents by the margin of 295-6, and were rewarded with the national championship title. Princeton under Coach Hillebrand achieved a record of 27-4 in the three seasons he spent there and the Tigers out-scored their opponents 669-85.

Dive into the gridiron greats with this collection of articles exploring the lives and legacies of American college football Hall of Fame players. Each piece delves into the on-field heroics that secured their place in history, from jaw-dropping touchdowns to strategic brilliance. But these articles go beyond the stats, uncovering the personal stories that shaped these legends. You'll discover their journeys from high school prospects to national stars, the challenges they overcame, and the impact they left on the game they loved. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply appreciate sporting excellence, this collection offers a captivating look at the men who forever changed the landscape of college football.

The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and interactive attraction devoted to college football. The National Football Foundation members select historic players, coaches, and contributors who rose above their peers in collegiate gridiron history to their College Football Hall of Fame. We are happy to help this legendary museum celebrate the stars and innivators of the gridiron with these individual tributes.