 Hinton was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft and was traded to the Colts as part of a deal for the Broncos to receive Colts' pick John Elway.Although Hinton noted that his career was often overshadowed by his role in Elway's trade, he had a successful tenure in the NFL, being named to seven Pro Bowls and recognized as a three-time All-Pro, along with becoming the first offensive lineman to appear in the Pro Bowl as a rookie.After retiring, Hinton was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor and was the second player inducted following the Colts' relocation from Baltimore to Indianapolis.