Gridiron Greats Hill, Mumphord to Headline Texas Southern University Tigers in the NFL

Former New York Jets all-pro and Super Bowl winning offensive lineman Winston Hill will return to his alma mater –Texas Southern University – October 23, 2015 to be honored as part of the school’s homecoming event Tigers in the NFL – A First and Goal Celebration. Hill, who now resides in Englewood, CO, starred on both the offensive and defensive lines at Texas Southern before signing with the Jets in 1963.  As left offensive tackle for the Jets, he spent his 15-year career protecting Joe Namath's blind side. He was an American Football League All-Star in 1964, ‘67, ‘68 and ‘69, and a Pro Bowl selection in 1970, ‘71, ‘72 and ‘73. Hill was an overpowering blocker who was instrumental in opening gaping holes for Jet running backs during the ‘68 season, in which they won the Eastern division title with 11 wins and 3 losses. Hill also starred in Super Bowl III, as the Jets decimated the right side of the Baltimore Colts' defensive line in the Jets' 16–7 legendary upset victory.

“I am excited to come back home and be honored at the place where my career started,” says Hill. “My experiences at Texas Southern University laid the groundwork for everything that I have accomplished in my professional career.

Hill will join other TSU and NFL gridiron legends Lloyd Mumphord, Willie Ellison, Frederick Dean, Kenny Burrough, Warren Wells, Leroy Mitchell and many more in receiving medallions and Tigers in the NFL blazers during this momentous occasion.   

   
Mumphord, a 10-year NFL veteran who appeared in three Super Bowls, won two, and was a member of the only undefeated team in NFL history (Miami Dolphins), now resides in Opelousas, LA. He finished his career with 21 career interceptions, two returned for a touchdown, and nine blocked field goals and punts.  A 16th-round draft pick out of Texas Southern, Mumphord started seven games and led the team with five-interceptions as a rookie. He eventually served as their captain of the Special Teams. He currently holds NFL records for punt and kick blocks in a season and a career.

Other superlatives from TSU’s NFL alumni include Willie Ellison of the Kansas City Chiefs, who was the fifth player in NFL history to rush for over 200 yards in a single and Homer Jones of the New York Giants, who is credited with the first ever “spike” of the football after a touchdown. In a 1965 game, Jones scored a touchdown and threw the football down hard into the end zone. He called the move a "spike," and modern post-touchdown celebrations, including "touchdown dances," are said to have evolved from Jones' invention of spiking the ball.

Players who were named to Pro Bowls during their career include Kenny Burrough, Warren Wells and Leroy Mitchell. Super Bowl winners include, Hill, Mumphord, Frederick Dean, Michael Strahan, Ernie Holmes.

You don’t want to miss this exciting event. Sponsorship opportunities for Tigers in the NFL – A First and Goal Celebration range from $5,000 to $50,000. Individual table tickets start at $250 with $50 general admission tickets available. Information on sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales can be found at www.tsu.edu