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, his own NFL tenure saw him named to seven Pro Bowls and recognized as a two-time first-team 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.