Rusty Hilger, who in 1984 quarterbacked Oklahoma State to its highest-ranking ever, has died at the age of 57. Hilger had been battling cancer in recent years.
Hilger, who played at Southeast High School in Oklahoma City, was the only Cowboy quarterback to throw an NFL pass between Bob Fenimore in the 1940s and Brandon Weeden in this decade.
Hilger, who started 14 NFL games for the Raiders (1987) and the Lions (1988), was OSU’s quarterback in 1983 and 1984.
Hilger was the Bluebonnet Bowl most valuable player in 1983, then the next season led OSU to a 9-1 record and the No.