Watch Personal With Bill Rhoden: Grant & Calvin Hill
- 2014
- 1 Season
Personal With Bill Rhoden: Grant & Calvin Hill is a captivating show that features a conversation between two of the most recognized and accomplished former athletes in history. Hosted by the celebrated sportswriter Bill Rhoden, the show explores the life journeys of Grant Hill and his father, Calvin Hill, regarding their experiences as black athletes in the United States.
The show starts with a close look at the life and career of Calvin Hill, who was one of the top NFL running backs of his time, playing for the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins. He talks of growing up in Baltimore, playing multiple sports at his local high school and later moving on to Yale University. One of the most intriguing parts of the show is the discussion of race and athletics, with Calvin sharing how he navigated the complexities of being a black athlete in predominantly white institutions. He talks about the importance of being aware of one's position while knowing how to be comfortable in one's own skin.
Furthermore, the show dwells on the journey of Calvinâs son, Grant Hill, towards becoming a professional basketball player, where he carved out a niche for himself in the NBA, playing for the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers. Hill's career is remarkable, having overcome several injuries that threatened to end his career. In his own words, he discusses how he dealt with the pressures that come with being a professional athlete, particularly the weight of fan expectations, injuries and media scrutiny.
An engaging part of this show is the warm and candid discussion between father and son, touching on the inspiration they received from each other throughout their journeys, both as black athletes and as men. The show highlights their family bond and how they have supported each other through various challenges providing each other with the necessary encouragement to press on.
The show culminates in an inspiring note about the power of setting goals and not limiting oneself on the basis of outlooks. Bill Rhoden leads the conversation to finding out what motivates each of these men to keep pushing themselves, even outside of their playing days, with Calvin being an accomplished businessman and retired NFL player, and Grant now serving as a sports analyst. Both emphasize the importance of character and the ability to create their paths and not wait for opportunities to come. The Hill family has a remarkable legacy that has been passed down from generation to generation, and Calvin shares that there is no limit to what one can achieve if they are willing to work hard towards their dreams.
Overall, Personal With Bill Rhoden: Grant & Calvin Hill is a remarkable show that provides an intimate look into the lives of two of sports' most significant figures while highlighting the importance of hard work, resilience, and unwavering determination. The show offers an insightful, inspiring message to its audience while solidifying the enduring greatness of two incredible athletes.