| No. 56, 53 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Center,linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | (1934-04-08)April 8, 1934 Woodville, Texas, U.S. |
| Died: | April 14, 2017(2017-04-14) (aged 83) Brenham, Texas, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight: | 223 lb (101 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Woodville (TX) |
| College: | TCU |
| NFL draft: | 1956: 2nd round, 23rd pick |
| Career history | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| Stats atPro Football Reference | |
Hugh Lynn Pitts (April 8, 1934 – April 14, 2017) was anAmerican footballlinebacker in theNational Football League (NFL) for theLos Angeles Rams. He also was a member of theHouston Oilers in theAmerican Football League (AFL). He playedcollege football atTexas Christian University.
Pitts attendedWoodville High School. He accepted a football scholarship fromTexas Christian University.
As a junior, he became a starter atcenter, receivingCentral Press Association second-teamAll-American honors.[1] As a senior, he was named a team co-captain and received second-teamAssociated PressAll-American honors.
In 1976, he was inducted into theTCU Lettermen's Association Hall of Fame.
Pitts was selected by theLos Angeles Rams in the second round (23rd overall) of the1956 NFL draft. As a rookie, he appeared in nine games, while playingoutside linebacker and intercepting three passes. In1957, he notified the Rams that he was retiring from football.[2]
On June 18,1960, he signed as afree agent with theHouston Oilers of theAmerican Football League, after he was convinced to come out of retirement. He started 12 games in the franchise's inaugural season and contributed to the team becoming the firstAmerican Football League champion.[3] He was released before the start of the1961 season.
On July 7,1960, the Rams traded hisNFL rights to theDallas Cowboys in exchange foroffensive guardAl Barry.[4] Pitts never played for the Cowboys.
Pitts worked in real state and as a rancher. He received different awards, including San Luis Obispo's Agriculturalist of the Year (2016) and Paso Roblan of the month (March) and of the year (2017).[5] On April 14, 2017, he died at the age of 83, from a heart attack he suffered while flying on a plane.[6]