Clarke Hinkle
Encyclopedia
William Clarke Hinkle 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. As a linebacker, he was a tremendous blitzer and intimidating tackler.
, 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.
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.
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
.
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. As a linebacker, he was a tremendous blitzer and intimidating tackler.
College career
While playing in Bucknell UniversityBucknell University
Bucknell University is a private liberal arts university located alongside the West Branch Susquehanna River in the rolling countryside of Central Pennsylvania in the town of Lewisburg, 30 miles southeast of Williamsport and 60 miles north of Harrisburg. The university consists of the College of...
, Hinkle led the team to an undefeated season in 1931.
Hinkle's coach at Bucknell, Carl Snavely
Carl Snavely
Carl "The Grey Fox" Snavely was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at Bucknell University , the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Cornell University , and Washington University in St...
, 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.
Green Bay Packers
When Hinkle left Bucknell University, he signed with the Green Bay PackersGreen Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
and played mainly fullback
Fullback (American football)
A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
on offense
Offense (sports)
In sports, offense or offence , also known as attack, is the action of attacking or engaging an opposing team with the objective of scoring points or goals...
. 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 FamePro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
in 1964, the College Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
in 1971, and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame was the first hall of fame built to honor a single professional American football team. After receiving approval from coach Vince Lombardi, William L. Brault, a Green Bay restaurateur and Packers fan, founded the Hall of Fame in 1966...
in 1972. In 1997, the Packers' west practice field across Oneida Street from Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field
Lambeau Field is an outdoor football stadium in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Opened in 1957 as City Stadium, it replaced the original City Stadium as the Packers' home field...
was dedicated Clarke Hinkle Field
Clarke Hinkle Field
Clarke Hinkle Field is one of the two outdoor American football practice facilities of the Green Bay Packers . These fields, together with the Don Hutson Center, comprise the team's training complex....
. He is on the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
This is a list of all NFL players who have had outstanding performances throughout the 1930s and have been compiled onto this fantasy group. The team was selected by voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.- External links :*...
.
External links
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Member profile
- New York Times Obit