Jerry Hilgenberg was an American football player and coach for the University of Iowa. He was a first team All-American in 1953 and served as an assistant coach to the Iowa football team for eight seasons.
Jerry Hilgenberg was born on April 9, 1931. He attended Wilton Junction High School and lived in Wilton, Iowa. His school did not have a football program until his senior year, so he only played one season as a running back.
He walked on to the Iowa team in 1950 as a QB, but was quickly converted to the center and linebacker positions. He started at Iowa for three seasons from 1951-1953 as center and backup defensive line.
In his senior season in 1953, he was named a first team All-American after the season (first time at Iowa in 13 years), and All-Big Ten honoree. He played in the East-West game and the Senior Bowl.
He was also the co-captain of the baseball team as a senior, and lettered in 1952 and 1953. He also excelled in the classroom earning Academic All-District and All-Big Ten accolades as a senior.
He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 4th Round, but he was also drafted by the Air Force, which ended his pro career.
When he returned from service, he was hired as an Iowa assistant football coach from 1956-1963. He was the last surviving assistant coach from Iowa’s historic 1958 Big Ten, Rose Bowl and national championship team.
Jerry Hilgenberg cause of death
According to the University of Iowa Athletics Football website, Jerry Hilgenberg passed away on January 16, 2024 at the age of 92. The website does not mention the cause of his death.
Jerry Hilgenberg wife
Fred Chappell is recognized to have two children, yet there is a lack of public information regarding his wife or the mother of his children.
Jerry Hilgenberg children
According to hawkeyerecap.com, Jerry Hilgenberg had two sons, Joel Hilgenberg and Jay Hilgenberg
Jerry Hilgenberg net worth
Jerry Hilgenberg had an estimated net worth of about $1 to $5 million.
Jerry Hilgenberg illness
Hilgenberg refrained from disclosing any information regarding his health, thus keeping the nature of his illness undisclosed.
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