Mack Lee Hill

Who was Mack Lee Hill?

Mack Lee Hill was an American college and professional football player. He played running back at Southern University and for the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs for two seasons, before dying while undergoing knee surgery, days after a game against the Buffalo Bills.

He made the Chiefs' roster in 1964 as a rookie free agent out of Southern and wound up as the team's second-leading rusher that season with 567 yards and four touchdowns on 105 carries. He played in the AFL All-Star Game after his rookie campaign. He gained 627 yards, second-most on the team, in 1965, even though he did not complete the season, dying after the 12th game. He was nicknamed "The Truck."

Hill tore a ligament in his right knee during a game against the Bills, forcing him to undergo season-ending surgery on that knee. He was still on the operating table when his temperature suddenly spiked to 108 degrees, triggering severe convulsions. He died of hyperthermia.

Through Hill's inspiration, the Chiefs created the Mack Lee Hill Award, which is given each season to the team's most outstanding rookie. His #36 jersey has been retired.

He had a son, Marzell Hill.