The Untold Story of Jay Hilgenberg: The Man Behind the Legend
When we think of the Chicago Bears of the 1980s, we often think of the iconic defense that brought the team to several playoff appearances and even a Super Bowl victory. However, one often overlooked member of that team was center Jay Hilgenberg, who played an instrumental role in the team’s success. In this blog post, we will dive into the untold story of Jay Hilgenberg: the man behind the legend.
1. Growing Up
Jay Hilgenberg was born on March 21, 1959 in Iowa. He grew up in a small town and played football at Iowa City West High School. His hard work and dedication on the field earned him a scholarship to attend the University of Iowa.
2. College Career
Hilgenberg played college football at the University of Iowa from 1978-1981. He played center and was known for his toughness and leadership on the field. In his senior year, he was named an All-American and won the team’s MVP award.
3. NFL Draft
After college, Hilgenberg was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He didn’t play much in his rookie year, but he quickly became a starter in the 1982 season and remained a key player on the team’s offensive line for the rest of the decade.
4. The 1985 Chicago Bears
The 1985 Chicago Bears are often considered one of the greatest teams in NFL history. They finished the season with a 15-1 record and dominated in the playoffs, culminating in a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. Hilgenberg was an integral part of that team, anchoring the offensive line that protected quarterback Jim McMahon and helped running back Walter Payton rush for over 1,500 yards.
5. Hilgenberg’s Legacy
After retiring from football in 1993, Hilgenberg returned to Iowa where he worked in real estate and served as an assistant coach for the University of Iowa football team. In 2004, he was inducted into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 58, but his legacy lives on through his family and the impact he made on the game of football.
6. The Importance of Centers
Centers like Jay Hilgenberg are often overlooked in football, but they play a crucial role in the success of a team’s offense. They are responsible for snapping the ball to the quarterback, making pre-snap calls, and blocking defenders in both the run and pass game. Without a strong center like Hilgenberg, the Bears may not have had the same level of success in the 1980s.
7. Hilgenberg’s Toughness
Hilgenberg was known for his toughness on the field, playing through injuries and never backing down from a challenge. He once played an entire game with a broken finger and famously played through a stomach virus during the team’s Super Bowl victory in 1986.
8. Hilgenberg’s Leadership
In addition to his toughness, Hilgenberg was also a respected leader in the Bears’ locker room. He was known for his work ethic and dedication, serving as a role model for younger players on the team.
Conclusion
Jay Hilgenberg may not be a household name, but his contributions to the Chicago Bears and the game of football will never be forgotten. His toughness, leadership, and dedication to the sport are an inspiration to players and fans alike.
FAQs
Q1: What position did Jay Hilgenberg play in football?
A: Jay Hilgenberg played center.
Q2: What team did Jay Hilgenberg play for in the NFL?
A: Jay Hilgenberg played for the Chicago Bears.
Q3: What was Jay Hilgenberg’s role on the 1985 Chicago Bears team?
A: Jay Hilgenberg was the starting center on the 1985 Chicago Bears team that won Super Bowl XX.
Q4: What was Jay Hilgenberg’s legacy in football?
A: Jay Hilgenberg was known for his toughness and leadership on the field. He was inducted into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Q5: Did Jay Hilgenberg continue to be involved in football after retiring from the NFL?
A: Yes, Jay Hilgenberg served as an assistant coach for the University of Iowa football team after retiring from the NFL.