Clarke Hinkle

William Clarke Hinkle (April 10, 1909 – November 9, 1988) was a professional American football player for the Green Bay Packers. Wearing # 30, he played Tailback and Linebacker from 1932 to 1941.

At the time of his retirement, he was the NFL’s all time leading rusher. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of fame in 1964 and the Packer Hall of fame in 1972. Hinkle is a member of the 1930s all decade team. In 1997, the Packers' west practice field across Oneida Street from Lambeau Field was dedicated Clarke Hinkle Field.

At 5’ 11”, Hinkle was not physically large, but he is considered to be one of the most physical players of the 1930s. He was a workhorse running back and a savage blocker. As a linebacker, he was a tremendous blitzer and intimidating tackler.

College career
While playing in Bucknell University, Hinkle led the team to an undefeated season in 1931. Hinkle's coach at Bucknell, Carl Snavely, called him: "Without a doubt, the greatest defensive back I have ever seen or coached." Those words were uttered by a man who had seen and coached many of the nation's best.

Green Bay Packers
When Hinkle left Bucknell University, he signed with the Green Bay Packers and played mainly fullback on offense. He played with the Packers throughout his whole ten-year career. When he retired Hinkle was the NFL all time leading rusher with 3850 career yards. He surpassed the old record of 3511 yards held by Cliff Battles.

Honors
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971, and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1972. In 1997, the Packers' west practice field across Oneida Street from Lambeau Field was dedicated Clarke Hinkle Field. He is on the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team.

Death
Hinkle died on November 9, 1988 in Steubenville, Ohio, at the age of 79.