Calvin Hill – 50th Reunion Essay

Calvin Hill

10300 Walker Lake Dr.

Great Falls, VA 22066

Spouse(s): Janet Hill

Child(ren): Grant

Grandchild(ren): Myla, Lael

College: Pierson

During my final Yale football season (Fall 1968), I remember meeting some former Yale players from the 1940’s. I believe it was after a practice before the Princeton game. At any rate, after all of the pleasantries, introductions, etc., I remember thinking. I can’t believe that these “old farts” would have suited up. Today, whenever I meet contemporary students or recent graduates, I imagine what they are thinking. And if you are reading this as a member of the Class of 1969… Congratulations!! We are the “Old Farts.”

I am in the fourth quarter of my life… hopefully not near the two-minute warning or the final game—and the first three quarters have gone by much too quickly.

In those three quarters, I have attended divinity school (Perkins School of Theology) and worked in various jobs, including for a United States Senator (John Glenn), the Peace Corps (Special Assistant to Dick Celeste), and for a steel company (Bethlehem Steel). I played professional football for 13 years and lived in four cities (Dallas, Honolulu, Washington, and Cleveland). After I retired as an active player in 1981, I became an independent consultant working primarily in sports. My clients have included the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys. I also served as a vice president of the Orioles from 1987–1994. Additionally, I have served on several boards, and I have been active in the world of preventing substance abuse.

I have been married to Janet since January 1971. I met her the weekend of the 29-29 tie with you-know-who and took her away from a Harvard guy, which was easier than it should have been. We have one son Grant, who was born October 5, 1972. Grant has been married since 1999 to Tamia, and they have blessed me and Janet with two “grands,” Myla (1/12/02) and Lael (8/9/07).

At this moment, fifty years after June 1969, my family is my world—especially my grands, who think I am the best because I can’t say no them. At this age, it feels better to say yes!