Ken Hutcherson facts for kids
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| No. 59, 55 | |||||
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | July 14, 1952 Anniston, Alabama |
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| Died: | December 18, 2013 (aged 61) Redmond, Washington |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 220 lb (100 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | Anniston (AL) | ||||
| College: | Livingston | ||||
| NFL Draft: | 1974 / Round: 4 / Pick: 97 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
Kenneth Lee Hutcherson (born July 14, 1952 – died December 18, 2013) was a talented American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). After his football career, he became a senior pastor at Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Washington. He led the church from 1985 until his death. People often called him "The Hutch" during his NFL days. Ken Hutcherson passed away after a long battle with cancer.
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Ken Hutcherson's Football Journey
Ken Hutcherson started his football journey in high school. He attended Anniston High School. He then played college football at Livingston University. This school is now known as the University of West Alabama.
College Football Highlights
From 1970 to 1973, Hutcherson was a key player for Livingston University. He played as an outside linebacker. In 1971, his team, the Tigers, won the NAIA National Championship. This was a huge achievement for the team.
Hutcherson was recognized as an All-American player. He earned this honor in both his junior and senior years. In 1972, he was named the NAIA National Player of the Week. This was after he made an amazing 21 tackles in one game. He also won the GSC Defensive Player of the Year award in 1972. He was chosen for the All-GSC and All-Alabama Small College teams. In 1973, he led his team with 86 tackles.
His great college career was remembered years later. In 1985, he was honored. He was inducted into the West Alabama Tigers Athletics Hall of Fame.
Playing in the NFL
The Dallas Cowboys picked Hutcherson in the 1974 NFL Draft. He was chosen in the fourth round. Some teams thought he was too small, which made him drop in the draft. Early in his rookie year, he had a knee injury. He tore cartilage but recovered quickly.
He played as a backup outside linebacker. He was also excellent on special teams. In 1975, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers. He later joined the Green Bay Packers. The Seattle Seahawks then picked him in the 1976 NFL Expansion Draft. Unfortunately, more knee injuries kept him from playing. He had to leave the Seahawks the next year.
Ken Hutcherson's Pastoral Career
After his football career ended, Ken Hutcherson decided to study theology. He attended Cascade Bible College in Bellevue, Washington in 1979. For eight years, he worked at Westminster Chapel. He directed high school ministries there.
In 1984, he helped start the Antioch Bible Church. This church was in Kirkland, Washington. He became the senior pastor in 1985. He was officially ordained as a pastor in 1986.
Hutcherson believed that churches should focus on training people. He thought it was important to teach about evangelism and discipleship. He felt people needed to understand their responsibility to God and the church.
In 2010, Hutcherson shared his personal story in a video. He talked about growing up with racism in the 1950s and 60s. He explained how he found faith in Jesus Christ.
Hutcherson was good friends with radio host Rush Limbaugh. They spent a lot of time together. Hutcherson would often call into Limbaugh's radio show. He even officiated Limbaugh's wedding in 2010. After Hutcherson's death, Limbaugh spoke about their friendship. He said Hutcherson was a strong Christian. He also said Hutcherson was a counselor to many people.
Hutcherson also appeared on Glenn Beck's programs. Beck shared his thoughts about Hutcherson. He spoke about their friendship and Hutcherson's strong faith.
Even people who disagreed with Hutcherson respected him. Eli Sanders, a reporter, wrote about Hutcherson after his death. Sanders mentioned a Bible Hutcherson sent him. He said he would miss Hutcherson.
Ken Hutcherson's Battle with Cancer
Ken Hutcherson bravely fought cancer for 13 years. He battled both prostate and bone cancer. He passed away on December 18, 2013.
In 2012, Hutcherson spoke about his illness. He told a radio host that his faith helped him. He believed that God was in control. He felt that everything that happened to him was for his best. He said it helped him become more like Christ.
Ken Hutcherson's Published Works
Ken Hutcherson also wrote several books. These books shared his thoughts on faith and life.
- Hutcherson, Ken, "Here Comes the Bride : The Church: What We Are Meant to Be". 2000. ISBN: 1-57673-359-9
- Hutcherson, Ken, "Before All Hell Breaks Loose : Preparing for the Coming Perilous Times". 2001. ISBN: 1-57673-793-4
- Hutcherson, Ken, "Enough Faith: You've Already Got What It Takes to Make a Difference". 2006. ISBN: 1-59052-600-7
- Hutcherson, Ken, "Hope Is Contagious: Trusting God in the Face of Any Obstacle". 2010. ISBN: 978-0310327684
