When Drew Hill came to Georgia Tech in 1975, he was a 168-pound running back from Newnan, Ga., with little hope of playing time. By the time he left in 1979, Mr. Hill was a cat-quick receiver and key piece of the Yellow Jackets offense.
Mr. Hill, IM 82, died on March 19 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta after suffering two strokes two days earlier. He was 54.
After leaving the Institute, he was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 12th round of the NFL draft. It wasn’t until 1984, when Mr. Hill was traded to the Houston Oilers, that his pro football career took off. Paired with quarterback Warren Moon in the run and shoot offense, Hill became a dangerous threat.
In seven seasons as an Oiler, Mr. Hill caught 480 passes for 7,477 yards and made two Pro Bowls. He finished his career in Atlanta playing with the Falcons. He retired after the 1993 season with a career total of 634 receptions, 13,332 total yards and 60 touchdowns.
A businessman and artist, Mr. Hill was a member of the Georgia Tech Black Alumni Organization and the Atlanta chapter of the NFL Players Association.
In 1998, Mr. Hill was inducted into the Georgia Tech Athletics Hall of Fame. He returned to campus last fall to serve as an honorary captain for the Yellow Jackets game against Middle Tennessee State.
“Drew meant so much to us as a player and as a person,” Moon told the Houston Chronicle. “I counted on him so much. He was the consummate professional. It’s just so sad.”
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