Winston Hill, a starting offensive tackle on the New York Jets' Super Bowl III-winning team, died at the age of 74, the team announced on Tuesday.
A staple on the Jets' offensive line in the 1960s and '70s, Hill went to eight straight All-Star games, including four Pro Bowls post merger. He owns the Jets' all-time record for consecutive games played by a lineman at 195.
The Joaquin, Texas native famously endured the consecutive games played streak, playing through a broken leg during a preseason game in 1965 and having his throat stepped on in 1974.
Hill was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1963 NFL Draft but was cut and immediately scooped up the Jets (then of the AFL.) He was an original member of the team's Ring of Honor.
"I was very sad to hear of the passing of Winston Hill," Jets owner Woody Johnson said. "He was our most decorated player with a franchise-record eight all-star game appearances. And as accomplished as he was on the field, he was an even better person whose profound impact on his teammates and those who came in contact with him left an impression for a lifetime.
"He was the type of man who if you were his friend, you thought you were his best friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of one of the Jets' all-time greats."
