LaDarius Hamilton

BIOGRAPHY

La’Darius Hamilton, born on January 18, 1998, is a notable figure in gridiron football who has worked his way up the professional leagues, amassing noteworthy achievements in his career. Although currently a free agent, Hamilton’s career in the Canadian Football League (CFL) has seen him serve as a key member of the esteemed Toronto Argonauts, a testament to his prowess as a formidable defensive end.

The early stage of Hamilton’s football career journey dates back to his time at Corrigan-Camden High School in Texas, where he showcased remarkable versatility by playing up to six different positions on the team. He played as an offensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, tight end, and was also a proficient long snapper and occasional placekicker.

In his sophomore year, Hamilton’s talent was undeniable, and he was awarded with the District 12-2A-DII defensive newcomer of the year honors. His performance was unswerving throughout his junior and senior years, earning him a coveted spot in the first-team All-district. His final year in high school ended on an impressive note as he recorded 83 tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Owing to the relentless efforts of Hamilton and his teammates, the school made it to the quarterfinal round of the Texas Class 3A Division II playoffs.

Hamilton’s ever-growing reputation as a talented footballer had by then earned him a football scholarship from the prestigious North Texas University. He entered the university as a three-star recruit and wasted no time in making his mark. In his first year, he demonstrated exceptional performance; a feat that led to his inclusion in the Conference USA All-Freshman team. With successful appearances in all 13 games, Hamilton gathered nine tackles, three of which were for loss, and one sack.

Hamilton’s sophomore and junior years displayed an impressive trajectory of improvement. Playing 14 games with eight starts in his second year, he produced 40 tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and five quarterback hurries. In his third year, he managed to register 33 tackles, 7.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries. In a match against Louisiana Tech, where Hamilton honored retired number 75, Mean Joe Greene, he came out with three tackles, two sacks, and one quarterback hurry against the University of Arkansas.

Hamilton’s final year, as a senior, was equally if not more impressive as he played 12 games, recorded 39 tackles described as 10.5 for loss, managed 8.5 sacks, and forced a fumble. It was against Southern Methodist University, Hamilton made six tackles, two of which were for loss, two sacks and three quarterback hurries. He wrapped up his University education, tying for the sixth place in North Texas career for sacks with 17.0 and 28.5 tackles for loss.

Pro football came calling after his college career, with Hamilton signing as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys once the 2020 NFL draft came to an end on April 26. His first year was spent on the practice squad. Unfortunately, after the NFL draft in 2021, he was waived on May 5, 2021 but immediately claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just a day later.

His stint with the Buccaneers was quite engaging with Hamilton being signed off the Buccaneers’ practice squad by the Green Bay Packers to occupy the roster spot vacated due to Za’Darius Smith’s short-term injury. Although waived in November, he was re-signed in three days to the practice squad and later elevated to the active roster.

By January 25, 2022, Hamilton had secured a reserve/future contract with the Packers but was waived again in August. After signing with the San Francisco 49ers in the late summer of 2023 and getting waived shortly after, he had a brief spell with the Toronto Argonauts in early 2024.

Following the end of the training camp in the summer of 2024, Hamilton was cut from the roster, and he currently remains a free agent. Despite the fluctuations in his professional career, La’Darius Hamilton’s journey is a story of passion and devotion to the sport, with his athletic journey acting as a testament to his tenacity.