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Bob Hill (American football) facts for kids

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Bob Hill
No. 7, 9
Position: Guard
Personal information
Born: April 2, 1892
Smethport, Pennsylvania
Died: December 28, 1942(1942-12-28) (aged 50)
Niagara Falls, New York
Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight: 190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
College: Carlisle
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Robert Haskell Hill (born April 2, 1892 – died December 28, 1942) was a professional football player. He was also known by his cool nickname, War Horse. Bob Hill played in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1922 season.

That year, he joined a special team called the Oorang Indians. This team was based in LaRue, Ohio. What made them unique was that all their players were Native Americans. Their coach was the famous athlete Jim Thorpe. Bob Hill himself was a member of the Mohawk nation.

Who Was Bob Hill?

Bob Hill was born in Smethport, Pennsylvania. He grew up to be a strong athlete. He played a position called "Guard" in football. A guard is a player on the offensive line. Their main job is to block opponents. They protect their own team's quarterback and help clear the way for running backs.

Hill was 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 190 pounds. These were good sizes for a football player in his time. He passed away in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1942.

Playing for the Oorang Indians

The Oorang Indians were a very interesting team in the early days of the NFL. They were formed by a man named Walter Lingo. He owned a dog kennel that trained Airedale dogs. The team was created to help advertise his dog business.

The team was unique because it was made up entirely of Native American players. Many of these players had played college football at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. This school was known for its strong football program.

Jim Thorpe: The Famous Coach

The Oorang Indians were coached by Jim Thorpe. He was one of the greatest athletes of all time. Thorpe was a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation. He won Olympic gold medals in track and field. He also played professional baseball and football.

Having Jim Thorpe as their coach made the Oorang Indians even more special. He was a true legend in sports.

Bob Hill's Time in the NFL

Bob Hill played for the Oorang Indians during the 1922 NFL season. This was a time when professional football was still quite new. The NFL was just starting to become popular.

Playing for the Oorang Indians meant Bob Hill was part of a team that traveled a lot. They often put on shows with their dogs before games. This helped draw crowds and entertain fans.

Even though the Oorang Indians only played for two seasons, they are an important part of NFL history. They showed the talent of Native American athletes. Bob Hill was proud to be a part of this unique team.

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