BHS Retires the Jersey Number of Baldwin Brave Alumni and Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Leroy Hill

In a surprise half-time ceremony on October 14th, BHS retired the jersey number 48, belonging to Baldwin Brave alumni and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill. Before pursuing professional football at Clemson University where he made history by achieving the 15th most tackles (310) of all time for the Clemson Tigers, Hill had won the Oconee Area Defensive Player of the Year as a Baldwin Brave. He was later drafted to the Seattle Seahawks in 2005 where he earned 20 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, and went up against Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl 40.

"I am truly honored," Hill told the crowd during an emotional speech, "what a full circle moment for me. I could have never imagined, from playing right here when the stadium was in the west end, to ACC football at Clemson, to getting drafted to the NFL, and not just getting there, but becoming an eight year starter, and repping Milledgeville and my family name in Super Bowl 40." Hill personally thanked Coach Hicks, as well as the BHS administration and the community of volunteers who have helped him along the way.

"Let's continue to pull resources, efforts, and ideas into kids because the next great thing is in your community right now."

Hill said that although the jersey has his name on it, the jersey retirement represents something more for Baldwin County; that "it can happen to you," Hill said. "Let's continue to pull resources, efforts, and ideas into kids because the next great thing is in your community right now."