Clarke Hinkle

Clarke Hinkle
Clarke Hinkle
Date of birth: April 10, 1909(1909-04-10)
Place of birth: Toronto, Ohio
Date of death: November 9, 1988(1988-11-09) (aged 79)
Career information
Position(s): Fullback / Linebacker / Kicker
College: Bucknell
Organizations
 As player:
1932-1941 Green Bay Packers
Career highlights and awards
Honors: NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
Playing stats at DatabaseFootball.com
College Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame, 1964

William Clarke Hinkle (April 10, 1909 – November 9, 1988) was a professional American football player for the Green Bay Packers. Wearing # 30, he played Tailback and Linebacker from 1932 to 1941.

At the time of his retirement, he was the NFL’s all time leading rusher. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of fame in 1964 and the Packer Hall of fame in 1972. Hinkle is a member of the 1930s all decade team. In 1997, the Packers' west practice field across Oneida Street from Lambeau Field was dedicated Clarke Hinkle Field.

At 5’ 11”, Hinkle was not physically large, but he is considered to be one of the most physical players of the 1930s. He was a workhorse running back and a savage blocker.[1] As a linebacker, he was a tremendous blitzer and intimidating tackler.[2]

Contents

College career

While playing in Bucknell University, Hinkle led the team to an undefeated season in 1931. Hinkle's coach at Bucknell, Carl Snavely, called him: "Without a doubt, the greatest defensive back I have ever seen or coached." Those words were uttered by a man who had seen and coached many of the nation's best.[3]

Green Bay Packers

When Hinkle left Bucknell University, he signed with the Green Bay Packers and played mainly fullback on offense. He played with the Packers throughout his whole ten-year career. When he retired Hinkle was the NFL all time leading rusher with 3850 career yards. He surpassed the old record of 3511 yards held by Cliff Battles.

Honors

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971, and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1972. In 1997, the Packers' west practice field across Oneida Street from Lambeau Field was dedicated Clarke Hinkle Field. He is on the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team.

Death

Hinkle died on November 9, 1988 in Steubenville, Ohio, at the age of 79.

References

  1. ^ Packer legands and facts
  2. ^ MudBaths and Bloodbaths by Cliff Christl
  3. ^ College Football Hall of Fame bio

External links

Preceded by
Cliff Battles
NFL Career Rushing Yards Leader
1941 - 1949
Succeeded by
Steve Van Buren