1997 Senate Joint Resolution 28
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: commending Don Hutson for revolutionizing pro football's passing game to become the premier football player for the NFL and the Green Bay Packers.
Whereas, Don Hutson, after becoming an all-American at Alabama, went on to play as a receiver, defensive safety and kicker for the Green Bay Packers and later became an assistant coach for the Packers; and
Whereas, Don Hutson is credited with helping to revolutionize pro passing attacks by defining pass patterns, and he was the league's Most Valuable Player in 1941 and 1942, when he caught, at that time, an unheard-of 74 passes for 1,211 yards and 17 touchdowns during a 9-game season; and
Whereas, Don Hutson held the NFL record of 99 touchdown receptions for almost half a century, led the NFL in touchdowns in 8 seasons, led the league in receiving 9 times and led the Packers to NFL Championships in 1936, 1939 and 1944; and
Whereas, Don Hutson's patented play of grabbing the goal post, which then was on the goal line, and swinging around in a sharp hook pattern lead him to score an unbroken record of 29 points in one official 15 minute quarter; and
Whereas, Don Hutson was named to the NFL's All-50 year Team in 1970 and then to the league's 75th anniversary team in 1994; and
Whereas, Don Hutson was the greatest player in the history of the Green Bay franchise, and his professional commitment to the game of football has brought the residents of Wisconsin and millions of football fans throughout the nation to respect a higher level of football in the NFL; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature recognize Don Hutson for his many accomplishments, express their sorrow at his death and extend their condolences to his family and friends; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to Don Hutson's family.
