KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Despite not hearing his name during the seven rounds of the 2010 NFL Draft, former Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller finds himself in what possibly could be the best position for him and his football future. Hiller is signing as a priority free agent with the Indianapolis Colts and will begin rookie camp next weekend (April 30-May 2).
Hiller learned of his fate almost immediately after the conclusion of the draft on Saturday afternoon. He will fly from Michigan to Indianapolis on Thursday to begin his time with the Colts. Currently, Indianapolis has two quarterbacks on the active roster - Peyton Manning and former Purdue signal caller Curtis Painter. Former Buffalo QB Drew Willey is also listed on the team roster according to the official web site but worked on the Colts' practice squad during the 2009 season.
From a historic standpoint, Western Michigan has only ever had one former student-athlete associated with the Colts organization. In 1973, defensive end Bernard Thomas was drafted in the 12th round (295th overall) by the then Baltimore Colts. He did not make the active roster.
If Hiller makes the Colts' roster in 2010, he would be only the second quarterback in program history to do so in the NFL and the first since Ed Chlebek who played one season (1963) for the New York Jets. He was 2-for-4 for five yards in two career games. The only other former Bronco to complete or attempt a pass in the NFL is kicker/punter Dale Livingston. He completed two passes for 15 yards during the 1969 season.
Hiller rewrote the Western Michigan record book when it comes to passing. He finished his stellar Bronco career with 11,329 yards, 1,607 attempts, 1,013 completions and 99 TDs - all WMU records. He also holds the records for career total offense (11,220 yards) and total offensive plays (1,773) and shares the record for 300-yard passing games in a career (16). He is the single-season record holder for passing yards, attempts, completions and TDs - all set in 2008 - and broke owns the single game records for passing yards, completions and attempts.
Off the field, Hiller finished his academic career with a 4.0 GPA, won the 2009 Wuerffel Trophy ("Humanitarian Heisman"), earned Second Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America and was named a National Scholar Athlete by the National Football Foundation.
Tim Hiller Comments
On the situation in Indy:
"I am grateful to the Colts organization for this tremendous opportunity.
This is a great situation to learn from the best quarterback in the game and to
compete to be a part of one of the best and most respected team in the National
Football League."
On the draft:
"Obviously it's great to be drafted, but I could not be more excited or
pleased with my situation. It's a great opportunity. Obviously the ball is in my
court to perform well and learn the offense quickly, but I am ready to get to
work."
On the Colts offense:
"Some of WMU's coaching staff happened to be visiting the Colts offices a
couple weeks ago for some pass concept ideas to implement in spring practice, so
I had the chance to see a bit of their offense on the board, with some
terminology and I think it translates well from what we've been doing here.
Coach Cubit has prepared me well throughout my career by placing full
responsibility on me at the line of scrimmage, and I am excited to make the most
of this exciting opportunity."
HARRINGTON AND SIMMONS ALSO GET THE CALL
Former Western Michigan long snapper
Tom Harrington received a call from the Chicago Bears on Saturday afternoon and has been invited to next weekend's rookie mini camp. Harrington appeared in 50 games during his career and was on the field for every PAT, FG and punt (in punt formation) snap over the past four years. He recorded 151 PAT snaps, 70 field goal snaps and 237 punt snaps.
Former WMU wide receiver
Jamarko Simmons, career record holder in receptions (260) and season record holder in receiving yards (1,276) has also received a call. Simmons will participate in the New Orleans Saints' rookie mini camp next weekend. He had signed as a priority free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2009 but suffered a back injury.
