The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is counting down the Top 50 players in Atlanta Falcons history during the franchise’s 50th anniversary season. No. 33 is offensive tackle Chris Hinton.
Years played for Falcons: The fourth pick in the 1983 draft out of Northwestern where he was an All-American was selected by the Denver Broncos and subsequently traded for a guy named John Elway. He began his career with the Baltimore Colts and in year No. 2 packed up with the team and moved west to Indianapolis. Chris Hinton played seven seasons with the Colts before joining Atlanta in 1990 and playing four seasons with the Falcons.
Jersey No.: 75
His impact on the team: Hinton was selected to seven Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams over his 13-year career. He enjoyed one winning season in Atlanta, the 1991 Falcons that finished 10-6 and lost in the divisional round to the eventual Super Bowl champion Washington Redskins. That year he was named to the Pro Bowl for helping protect Chris Miller, who threw for 3,103 yards and 26 touchdowns. Atlanta ranked fifth in the league in offense during its playoff season.
On what advice he would give young players entering the league: "I would tell all players to save their money and savor the moment. It goes by quickly! If you handle the opportunity correctly, you'll have memories instead of regrets."
On who he wanted to meet the most: "For me, it was Walter Payton. Growing up in Chicago I couldn't help being a Bear fan and idolized Walter."
On who he respected the most: "Bruce Smith and Richard Dent (see video below) were players I respected a great deal. Both were challenges compete against, and they played with class."
Where he is now: Hinton, 54, resides in the Atlanta area and has opened and operates two wine stores located in Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. On July 9, 1999, he and his wife, Mya, opened up "Hinton's Wine Store." Two years later, they opened BIN 75, a wine tasting room. His son, Chris Hinton Jr., is a highly touted freshman basketball and football player at Johns Creek High School.
50: Chuck Smith
49: Michael Haynes
47: John Zook
46: Ken Reaves
45: Lynn Cain
44: Justin Blalock
43: Bobby Butler
42: Tim Mazzetti
41: Buddy Curry
40: Scott Case
39: Jeff Merrow
38: Elbert Shelley
37: Matt Bryant
36: Alge Crumpler
35: Michael Turner
34: Ray Buchanan
33: Chris Hinton
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