HUTSON, DON

born Jan. 31, 1913, Pine Bluff, Ark., U.S. died June 26, 1997, Rancho Mirage, Calif. byname of Donald Montgomery Hutson outstanding American professional football player who, in his 11-year career from 1935 to 1945 in the National Football League (NFL), led the NFL in pass receptions for a total of eight seasons, five of them consecutive. In addition to playing end (wide receiver), he was a skilled place-kicker and defensive safety. After graduation from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Hutson played with the Green Bay Packers of the NFL from 1935 through 1945. He led the league in scoring from 1940 through 1944; in touchdowns from 1935 through 1938 and from 1941 through 1944; in pass receptions in 1936, 1937, and 1939 and from 1941 through 1945; and in yards gained by pass receptions in 1936, 1938, and 1939 and from 1941 through 1944. In 1942, his greatest season, he set NFL records (subsequently tied or broken) by catching 74 passes for 1,211 yards and 17 touchdowns; he also kicked 33 points after touchdown and one field goal for a total of 138 points, which remained the NFL single-season scoring record until 1960. From Sept. 12, 1937, to Dec. 2, 1945, he caught at least one pass in each of 95 consecutive games. Hutson was chosen a member of the NFL's All-Pro team nine times and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1941 and 1942. On his retirement he held NFL career records of 823 points, 105 total touchdowns, 99 touchdowns on passes caught, 488 pass receptions, and 7,991 yards gained by receiving passes. Hutson eventually went into business and became the owner of an automotive dealership in Racine, Wis. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.