Editor’s note: The value of sports cards is very subjective. The reality is that they are worth whatever price someone is willing pay. Collecting cards has never been about money or investments because that seems to remove some of the enjoyment of the hobby. Recently, a couple of friends gave me some baseball and football cards from the 1970s. The latest batch of cards were 1970 Topps football. Among the cardboard treasures were three players who were unknown to me. The first player featured in this three-part series is Jerry Hillebrand. It’s a reminder that just because a player isn’t well known, there’s always a story.
Jerry Hillebrand played seven years in the National Football League with the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 1962, Hillebrand was drafted in the first round by the Giants out of Colorado with the 13th overall pick. The Denver Broncos of the American Football League also selected him in the second round, but he chose the Giants.
From 1963 to 1966, Hillebrand played linebacker for the Giants. During that time, he had nine of his 14 career interceptions with five of them coming in his rookie year.
Hillebrand’s best game that season was in the Cotton Bowl against Dallas as the Giants beat the Cowboys 34-27. He picked off two passes and had the first score of the contest as he recovered a fumble in the end zone.
The Giants made the NFL championship game that year, but they fell 14-10 to the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field.
Born in Iowa, Hillebrand spent his final three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In 1968, he caught a pass for 27 yards against the New Orleans Saints. After his final two interceptions in 1970, he retired.
While in college from 1959-61, Hillebrand caught 40 passes for 696 yards and six touchdowns for Colorado. He led the Big 8 in receiving yardage with 218 in 1960 and touchdown receptions with four during his senior year.
In his final college season, the Buffaloes went 9-2. Despite falling 25-7 in the Orange Bowl to LSU, Colorado finished No. 7 in the AP poll.