Following consecutive strong preseason performances, Kalispell’s own Lex Hilliard is being called a “folk hero” by the Palm Beach Post. What caught most people’s attention was his 39-yard touchdown run against the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 22. In the Dolphins’ 27-17 victory, Hilliard ran for a team-high 52 yards on nine carries. Click here for a video of his touchdown run.
In the same Palm Beach Post blog that called Hilliard a folk hero, it is also predicted that Hillard – currently the fourth-string tailback on the team in his second professional year – will not make the regular season roster. A quick Google search, however, shows that not all observers in the Miami area agree with that assertion.
Jim Mandich of 560 WQAM Sports Radio says the 5-foot-11, 240-pound Kalispell native is a “lock” to make the team. A writer from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel also thinks there’s a spot on the team for a big back like Hilliard. For good measure, here’s another Sun-Sentinel story about him.
I certainly hope Hilliard makes it. After watching him play on many Saturdays at the University of Montana, I would love to turn on my television on Sundays and see him running over NFL linebackers. Many of you remember his dominant years for the Flathead Braves.
I’ve enjoyed all of my encounters with him – here’s a story I wrote about him two years ago. He’s a great running back and great guy. I wish him the best.