Rusty Hilger - NFL Career

NFL Career

With the 143rd pick of the 1985 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Raiders selected Rusty Hilger. Rusty was the only Raider Rookie QB to ever enter a regular season game, The only Raider Rookie QB to throw a touchdown, and the youngest starting quarterback in Raider franchise history. After two seasons as a Raider, Al Davis named Rusty as the starting quarterback for the 1987 season. Rusty and the Raiders opened the season 2-0 before the 1987 NFL Players Association strike halted play and replacement players took the field. In 1988, Rusty underwent a knee surgery that changed the course of his career and cause his termination from the Raiders. After missing the first 5 games of the 1988 season, the Detroit Lions signed Hilger. Only 6 days after arriving in Detroit, Hilger was forced into action. Hilger entered the Chicago Bears game down 17-0. Like playing in the schoolyard as a kid, Hilger drew plays in the dirt, attempted a career high 43 passes, and tossed a touchdown in the 24-7 loss. By season end, Hilger would receive his most gratifying honor as an NFL player - the "Most Valuable Player" Award. In 1989, the Detroit Lions released Hilger. In 1990, Hilger got a call from former Raider Head Coach Tom Flores. He had been named as the General Manager for the Seattle Seahawks. Hilger signed with the Seahawks, however, he was released prior to the first game. Hilger then got a call from former Raider Offensive Coordinator Larry Kennan, who was now coaching with the Indianapolis Colts. Hilger signed with the Indianapolis Colts and spent the remainder of the season in Indy. At seasons end, Coach Larry Kennan joined former Raider Head Coach Tom Flores in Seattle. Rusty remained under contract with the Colts until being released just days season 1991 opener. Rusty then resigned with the Seattle Seahawks to play the 1991-1992 seasons with Head Coach Tom Flores and Offensive Coordinator Larry Kennan. Hilger retired in 1992 to end to his NFL career.