Former Super Bowl Champion Winston Hill Dies

Winston Hill, a former Super Bowl champion and one of the most revered players in New York Jets history, died Tuesday night at his home in Denver, the team announced. He was 74.

Hill, who protected Joe Namath's blindside during the Jets' only Super Bowl season, in 1968, was one of football's most decorated offensive linemen in the 1960s and '70s. He was a four-time AFL All-Star and a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

An original member of the Jets' Ring of Honor, Hill was known for his elite pass protection and his durability. He played in 195 consecutive games from 1964 to '76, once playing with a broken leg in the preseason.

"I was very sad to hear of the passing of Winston Hill," Jets owner Woody Johnson said. "He was our most decorated player with a franchise-record eight All-Star game appearances. And as accomplished as he was on the field, he was an even better person whose profound impact on his teammates and those who came in contact with him left an impression for a lifetime.

"He was the type of man who if you were his friend, you thought you were his best friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and many friends of one of the Jets' all-time greats."

His performance in Super Bowl III helped the Jets to a historic upset of the Baltimore Colts, the team that drafted Hill in the 11th round in 1962 and cut him a year later. His blocking helped Matt Snell rush for 121 yards and a touchdown in the Jets' 16-7 win.

"Winnie was like my brother," former center John Schmitt told the Jets' official website on Tuesday. "He was a terrific football player. His heart was as big as his body. He did not have a bad thing to say about anyone. I am going to miss that turkey."

A former Texas Southern standout, Hill was signed by the Jets one day after being released by the Colts, and he became a fixture on the offensive line until 1976. He finished his career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1977, as did Namath.

Brees Takes Aim at Goodell

Drew Brees took aim at the disciplinary power of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday when asked for his reaction to the league's Deflategate penalties against Tom Brady being reinstated by a federal appeals court.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback said Goodell's ability to serve as "judge, jury and executioner" has been a "black eye" for the NFL.

"I think we would all agree that he definitely has too much power," Brees told SI.com. "He is judge, jury and executioner when it comes to all the discipline. I'm not going to trust any league-led investigation when it comes to anything. It's not transparent."