Chris Hinton was one of the shining stars for Northwestern during the program’s Dark Ages.

Despite winning just four games in a Wildcat uniform from 1979-82, Hinton developed into a first-team All-America offensive lineman and was selected with the fourth overall pick of the 1983 draft. Hinton went on to play 13 years in the NFL, where he made seven Pro Bowls and was a five-time All-Pro selection. He may be the most successful former Wildcat since Otto Graham.

Now the Wildcats are hoping that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. In a couple years, Northwestern hopes to sew another Hinton nameplate onto another purple jersey.