Dontrell Hilliard

Dontrell Donmond Hilliard, born on February 26, 1995, is an accomplished American professional football running back and return specialist. Known for his dynamic and versatile skills both on and off the field, Hilliard has had a career full of highs, including a stint as a free agent. This biography will take a deeper look at Hilliard’s journey—from his early education and football beginnings to the peak of his professional career—detailing his impressive achievements along the way.

Born into a sports-driven family, Hilliard’s interest in football began during his high school years at Scotlandville Magnet High School, where he played an active role in the school’s football team. His impressive gameplay and potential caught the attention of scouts from various universities, leading to offers from both Tulane and Oklahoma State. Ultimately, he chose to commit to Tulane, home of the Green Wave.

Over the course of his time at Tulane, Hilliard stood out amongst his peers, rushing for 2,948 yards and 30 touchdowns while catching 70 passes for 740 yards and four touchdowns across four seasons (47 games). As a senior, Hilliard earned a place in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) records, ranking third with 1,091 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. This performance led to his nomination as a second-team All-AAC player.

Despite his unorthodox entrance into professional football as an undrafted free agent, Hilliard solidly established himself as a player to watch when he signed with the Cleveland Browns on May 4, 2018. Initially, he was signed to the Browns’ practice squad before making his way up to the active roster following a successful training camp.

Hilliard left a memorable impression during his NFL debut against the Los Angeles Chargers where he returned one kick for 31 yards and recorded a tackle on special teams. Throughout his rookie year, Hilliard perfectly balanced his roles, accumulating nine receptions for 105 yards along with a 264-yard return on 11 kicks and three special teams tackles in 11 appearances.

His career-high came during the 43-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans, where Hilliard made his first touchdown run from a four-yard start, marking the first carry of his NFL career. Despite a few hiccups, such as being placed on injured reserve on December 24, 2019, Hilliard completed his second professional season full of noteworthy moments, including 13 carries for 49 yards, two touchdowns, and leading the team in kickoff return yards and punt return yards.

The year 2020 saw Hilliard tendered by the Browns but also a brush with COVID-19. Despite the challenges, he returned to the field, waiving on September 5, 2020, and rejoining again the next day. His eventful year ended with a stint with the Houston Texans, who signed him on December 15, 2020.

In March 2021, Hilliard and the Texans signed a contract extension which was reported to be a one-year, $1.25 million extension by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. But due to a series of injuries, his contract was waived with an injury designation in August 2021.

Hilliard didn’t stay down for long, quickly rebounding by signing with the Titans’ practice squad in October 2021. After a promotion to the active roster, he showcased a strong performance in a Week 11 22-13 loss to the Texans. He finished the 2021 season with 56 carries for 350 yards and two touchdowns along with 19 receptions for 87 yards and eight returns for 177 yards in eight games and five starts.

In March 2022, Hilliard re-signed with the Titans but unfortunately was placed on injured reserve in December 2022 due to a neck injury obtained during a game. He ended the season with 22 carries for 145 yards, along with 21 receptions for 177 yards, and four touchdowns in 12 games. Despite an eventful season, he was not re-signed by the Titans for the 2023 off-season, leaving his future wide open for opportunity and progression in his ever-prospering football career.