Karl Hilzinger was born in Montreal and considered one of the best all around athletes produced by the city.

Hilzinger played junior football for the N.D.G. Mapleleafs and intermediate football with Verdun before moving up to the professional / senior ranks in 1952, Hilzinger was in camp with the Montreal Alouettes, but did not play any regular season games for them*. Hilzinger did play some for Toronto Balmy Beach of the OrFU in 1952. Hilzinger went west in 1953 and played two seasons for the Saskatchewan Roughriders befoe coming back East to play four seasons (1955-58) with the other Rough Riders in Ottawa.

Hilzinger lost both his legs in a car accident in 1964, but didn't let that stop him from enjoying numerous sports including golfing and swimming. He would go on to be well known for his work for the War Amputees of Canada. In 1981, HIlzinger was awarded the Canadian Progress Award for his contributions to the community.

Karl Hilinger passed away on December 19, 1988.

* Some sources including some of the newspaper articles below refre to Hilzinger as having played for Montreal, but the records available seem to indicate he only attended their training camp in 1952 and was released before the season started.

Karlo: The Karl Hunzinger Story

Hilzinger was inspiration to Jed Roberts

Hilzinger released by Saskatchewan - September 17, 1954

Can Likes Hilzinger - July 28, 1955

Short Bio of HIlzinger with 1957 Ottawa Rough Riders - August 19, 1957

Hilzinger Fund - October 2, 1964

Karl Hilzinger Night - October 3, 1964

Karl Hilzinger Finest Ace

Give Life Best Shot - February 8, 1977

Hilzinger Like Trevino - October 1, 1981

Friends Wonder about Hilzinger - February 10, 1984

Hilzinger wins Canadian Progress Award - September 21, 1984