As the Kansas City Chiefs begin the thorough process of preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft, we take a look back at a former top pick. Former running back Greg Hill was Kansas City’s first-round selection in 1994 and was a key contributor during his tenure.
Hill, who turns 50 years old today, was drafted 25th overall out of Texas A&M. The accomplished collegiate star was brought in to split time and eventually replace the aging starter, Marcus Allen. Hill appeared in all 16 games in his rookie season, starting in one game while tallying up the third-most rushing yards among all AFC rookies.
Over the next few seasons, Hill and Allen would continue to split time at running back with roles eventually switching in 1997. Hill, however, didn’t have much success as the primary ball carrier finishing with only 550 yards on 3.5 yards per rush. During an early-season interview of that year, Hill expressed his desire to get more carries and help lead the team.
“This club knows me,” said Hill. “They know that I am the type of guy who thrives off of having the ball as much as I possibly can. I am the type of guy; when given the opportunity, I’m going to make the best of my opportunity. That’s why they promoted me. It’s not because Marcus is getting older . . . In games I have played in and have been given the opportunity, I have proven myself.”
The Chiefs finished the year with a 13-3 record winning the AFC West, but were upset by the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. Allen would go on to retire while Hill entered free agency, only playing two more seasons before ending his career as well.
Hill finished his four-year tenure with the Chiefs rushing for 2,436 and six touchdowns. He may not have been the long-term starter the Chiefs were hoping for, but he was a vital contributor to the team’s success in the mid-90s.
