Tony Hill

Our Home Run Hitter: The explosive receiver who led Dallas for nine straight years.

Born in Long Beach and converted from quarterback at Stanford University, he followed Gene Washington's path before eclipsing his records. Selected by the Cowboys in the third round of the 1977 NFL Draft, Hill quickly became a Pro Bowl starter known for his explosive speed. Dubbed "Our Home Run Hitter" by Coach Tom Landry and nicknamed "Dial 80," he led Dallas in receptions and yardage for nine consecutive years. His career includes a Super Bowl XII championship ring, a standout performance in Super Bowl XIII where he scored a touchdown, and a historic 1979 season where he and Drew Pearson became the first Cowboys tandem to each reach 1,000 receiving yards.

Quick Facts

Position: Wide receiver
Born: 23 June 1956
Birthplace: San Diego, California, U.S.
Draft year: 1977
Draft round: 3
Draft pick: 62
High school: Long Beach Polytechnic (Long Beach, California)
College: Stanford

Lore & Background

Hill's story is defined by his transformation from a high school quarterback at Long Beach Polytechnic High School into Stanford's record-breaking wide receiver. After breaking Gene Washington's passing records in high school, he followed him to Stanford only to shatter Washington's receiving marks as well. As a senior, an ankle injury against Penn State forced him to miss the Michigan game and limited him in two contests, yet he still graduated at age 20 with a 3.3 GPA in Political Science and ranks eleventh on Stanford's career receiving yards list (2,225).

In the NFL, his partnership with Drew Pearson and Tony Dorsett created history in 1979 when Dallas became the first team to feature two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000-yard running back. His best statistical season came in 1985 with 74 catches for 1,100 yards. Known for his ability to adjust to the ball mid-air and turn short plays into big ones, he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.

Reader's Guide

Tony Hill's career statistics reflect his consistency as a deep threat who averaged 16.7 yards per reception over 142 games. He finished with 479 receptions, 7,988 receiving yards, and 51 touchdowns. His total yardage (rushing and receiving) of 8,072 ranks fifth in Cowboys history behind Tony Dorsett, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, and Jason Witten. At the time of his departure, he held the team records for most receiving yards, second-most receptions, and second-most touchdowns. Beyond receiving, Hill returned 27 punts for 268 yards and gained 96 yards on four kickoff returns. His final NFL stop was a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in July 1987; although they outbid the Los Angeles Rams, he was released before playing a regular-season game. Off the field, Hill appeared as a captain on the game show Greed in 2000 and performed "Hot Blooded" on Good Morning Texas in 2011.

Did You Know?

Hill was released by the San Francisco 49ers on September 7, 1987, after they outbid the Los Angeles Rams for his services in July.
He appeared as a contestant and team captain on the game show Greed in 2000, losing $500,000 on an automotive market share question.