Green Bay Packers: 50 greatest players in franchise history

Greatest players in Green Bay Packers history: 25. Clarke Hinkle

It was impossible for the Packers to keep Clarke Hinkle off the field in the 1930s. That’s because the guy was as tough as they come. Also, he played a prominent role for the Packers in all three phases of the game. Overall, he was best known offensively as a running back. He would try to corral running backs playing linebacker on defense. Hinkle also kicked field goals and drilled punts on special teams for Green Bay.

After starring in college for Bucknell, Packers head coach Curly Lambeau was able to sign Hinkle to Green Bay after watching him dominate in The Shrine Game. Hinkle played all 10 of his professional seasons in Green Bay, retiring after the 1941 NFL season at age 32. Every year in the pros, Hinkle made an All-Pro first or second team, predominantly for his ability to run the football and make field goals.

Hinkle was a three-time NFL All-Star and a two-time NFL champion while with the Packers. In 1937, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with five. Overall, Hinkle finished with 1,171 carries for 3,860 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns. He had an additional 49 receptions for 537 yards and nine touchdowns.

Hinkle made the NFL’s All-Decade Team in the 1903s. He is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame. In 1964, Hinkle was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of fame. His Canton classmates include Ed Healey, former teammate Mike Michalske and Art Rooney. Hinkle has also been enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame for his time at Bucknell.