Chris Hetherington ’91

Chris Hetherington is a successful leader, an amazing athlete, and an incredible competitor. He came to Avon Old Farms as an undersized 14-year-old 9th grader from North Branford, Connecticut. While at Avon, Chris distinguished himself as a scholar, a leader in the community, and as a phenomenal athlete. While Chris is a uniquely gifted athlete, it is his relentless work ethic and intense competitive spirit which has earned him athletic achievements that few people ever attain.

While at Avon Old Farms, Chris competed in varsity football, hockey, baseball, and golf (his 9th grade spring term). Chris enjoyed many accomplishments at Avon, including being a leader on the undefeated football team his senior year (8-0), captaining the baseball team in 1991, and participating in varsity hockey for two years. Chris was recognized as the best athlete in the school his senior year, earning the prestigious George A. Murray Cup on graduation day.

After Avon, Chris enrolled at Yale University. Chris served as a team leader at Yale, and ran the offense as quarterback of the Bulldog football team. Quarterback was a new position for Chris, but his athleticism, determination, and competitive drive resulted in Chris being one of Yale’s best ever at the position. While playing for Yale, Chris attracted close attention from NFL scouts because of his size, speed, strength, intelligence, and toughness.

Chris Hetherington enjoyed a remarkable career in the NFL. He was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals upon graduating from Yale, and went on the play in the NFL for 11 seasons. He played for the Indianapolis Colts in 1996 and 1997 and was recognized as their Most Valuable Special Teams Player. He went on to earn the starting fullback position for the Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers during his career.