Jerry Hillebrand (2016) - CU Athletic Hall of Fame - University of Colorado Athletics

Jerry Hillebrand

Induction:
2016
Class:
1962

An Associated Press and Football Writers Association of America/ Look All-American as a senior in 1961 (second-team by NEA, third-team by AFCA, The Sporting News) ... A two-time All-Big Eight Conference first-team performer (1960-61) … Recorded the fifth 100-yard receiving game in school history, catching four passes for 137 yards and a score against Arizona in 1960; it set the CU single game mark for yards at the time … In addition to being a great blocker and excellent receiver on offense, he was a tough defensive end and a fine placekicker (he was known for his great hands and good speed, while being almost “unblockable” on defense) ... As a kicker, he booted 54-yard field goal against Oklahoma State in 1961, the longest in school history at the time and the longest in the nation that season (he scored 29 points overall as a kicker) … His 696 career receiving yards at the time of his graduation was a school record, one that would hold for seven more seasons … An honorable mention member on CU’s All-Century team … First-round draft pick by the N.Y. Giants in the 1962 National Football League draft (13th overall; selected as an outside linebacker) … Played nine years in the NFL for three teams, the Giants (1962-66), St. Louis Cardinals (1967) and Pittsburgh (1968-70)… He played in 99 career NFL career games, making 14 interceptions and scoring three touchdowns ... Also a good basketball player, but CU’s coach at the time, Sox Walseth, couldn’t convince him to join the team.