Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 35)

We are at day 35 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 35.

The best number 35 to play for Dallas was the ever reliable, Calvin Hill.

Calvin Hill was born January 2, 1947 and was a surprising first-round pick made by Dallas in the 1969 NFL Draft. The Cowboys implemented a unique drafting strategy by utilizing computers for data analysis in order to assist in making draft selections. Player personnel director Gil Brandt demonstrated fearlessness by ranking an Ivy League player such as Hill remarkably close to Heisman Trophy winner O.J. Simpson.

Upon arriving in Dallas, Hill experienced a positional shuffle. Initially, the team had anticipated the 6-foot-4-inch, 227-pound player to fill the tight end or linebacker position. However, with the retirement of Don Perkins and injuries to Dan Reeves during the preseason, Hill was called upon to resume his accustomed role of rushing out of the backfield.

Hill made a remarkable entrance into the league with an unprecedented rookie season that significantly surpassed the performance of O.J. Simpson, the first overall pick. Over the course of his rookie year, he finished with 942 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, which led to his selection for the Pro Bowl, recognition as an All-Pro, and the title of Offensive Rookie of the Year.

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Hill shared playing time with Duane Thomas and faced numerous injuries throughout the 1970 and 1971 seasons. Despite returning the opening kickoff in Super Bowl V, he was only given one rushing play. Hill received a championship ring for the team’s victory in Super Bowl VI against Miami the following year, but his contribution was limited to just 25 yards on seven carries. Both Thomas and Walt Garrison significantly outperformed Hill, with Thomas scoring the game’s sole rushing touchdown.

In 1972, Duane Thomas was traded to San Diego, and quarterback Roger Staubach was lost in the preseason to an injury. Hill took advantage of the new ground-and-pound approach to the season and made Cowboys history by rushing for 1,036 yards, becoming the first Cowboys running back to pass the 1,000-yard milestone.

In the following season, Hill surpassed his previous performance by accumulating 1,142 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl selections in both years and was recognized as an All-Pro once more in 1973. However, just months prior to the commencement of the 1974 season, Hill made a decision that reverberated throughout Dallas and the broader football community. He entered into a three-year contract with the emerging World Football League to join the Honolulu Hawaiians. His NFL career would come to a sudden end.

During his tenure with Dallas, Hill participated in four Pro Bowls, received four All-Pro accolades, and contributed to the team’s victory in Super Bowl VI. He continues to serve as a consultant for the Dallas organization, providing guidance to players.