Hall of Fame
John Hilton came to Fork Union as a postgraduate cadet in 1959. He played basketball, football and track and excelled in each to such an extend that he was named FUMA's Best All-Around Athlete for 1960.
Hilton attended the University of Richmond on an athletic scholarship. He was one of the finest tight ends ever to play at University of Richmond and is eighth on Richmond's career receptions list with 87; ninth on the career yardage list with 1,289; and fourth in career touchdown receptions with 14. Hilton was selected All-State in 1961, 1962, and 1964, as well as All-Southern Conference in 1964.
While at Richmond he participated in the Senior Bowl and the Blue-Gray All-Star classic. Hilton is a member of the University of Richmond's Hall of Fame.
After college, John was drafted by the Detroit Lions and spent nine years playing in the NFL - five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one year with the Green Bay Packers and two years with the Detroit Lions. He had a split year with the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins during his career.
In 1996 Hilton was voted the Most Valuable Offensive Player for the Pittsburgh Steelers after breaking a 25 year Steeler's record for tight ends by making 46 catches.
After his playing days John spent seven years coaching the NFL including three with the Chicago Bears. His coaching career also included three years with the Washington Redskins and one with the Green Bay Packers.
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