Clarke Hinkle

Clarke Hinkle
refer to caption
Hinkle at his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction
No. 27, 30, 45, 41
Position:Fullback
Linebacker
Personal information
Born:(1909-04-10)April 10, 1909
Toronto, Ohio, U.S.
Died:November 9, 1988(1988-11-09) (aged 79)
Steubenville, Ohio, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:202 lb (92 kg)
Career information
High school:Toronto
College:Bucknell (1929–1931)
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games:113
Starts:82
Rushing yards:3,860 (3.3 average)
Rushing TDs:35
Receiving yards:537 (11.0 average)
Receiving TDs:9
Player stats at PFR

William Clarke Hinkle (April 10, 1909 – November 9, 1988) was an American professional football fullback and linebacker for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL), also playing occasionally as a placekicker and punter. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its second class of inductees in 1964.

Known as one of the toughest players in the era of iron man football, Hinkle played for the Packers from 1932 to 1941 and held the all-time NFL records for rushing yardage and carries when his playing career ended. He led the NFL in touchdowns (seven) in 1937, in points scored (58) in 1938, and in field goals made and field goal percentage in both 1940 and 1941. He was selected as a first- or second-team All-Pro in each of his 10 NFL seasons and helped lead the Packers to three NFL championship games and NFL championships in 1936 and 1939. His playing career was cut short in 1942 by military service.

A native of Toronto, Ohio, Hinkle played college football for the Bucknell Bison from 1929 to 1931. He scored 50 points in a single game as a sophomore and led Bucknell to an undefeated season in 1931. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971.