David Hill​

A San Antonio native, David Hill was an undiscovered gem at Highlands High School. He didn’t make it on the varsity team until his senior year, where he shined. So much so that after only one year at the varsity level, he was able to play college ball at Texas A&I University.​

As a Javelina, Hill found massive success. There he was team captain and tight end on back-to-back undefeated national championship teams his last two years. While there, he was named to the AP’s Little All-America team, the NAIA All-America teams and the American Football Coaches Association All-American roster. In 1976, the Detroit Lions selected him in the second round of the NFL Draft.​

Hill played seven seasons with the Lions before playing his final five with the Los Angeles Rams. A pass-catching specialist on the Lions, he made the Pro Bowl in 1979 and 1980. When he was traded to the Rams in 1983, he settled into more of a ground-oriented role, blocking for NFL legend Eric Dickerson when he set his single season rushing record. Hill was regarded as the best blocking tight end in football, with NFL legend Lawrence Taylor stating he “hated” to play against Hill. In 1987, Hill retired after 12 years in the NFL, 358 receptions, 4,212 yards and 28 TDs. Football has remained a part of his life after retirement. He works at Dickerson’s football camp annually and is the president of the Southern California chapter of the NFL Alumni Association. ​