Maurice Hurst

Maurice Hurst's Biography

Maurice Roy Hurst Jr., born on May 9, 1995, has established a reputable career in the National Football League (NFL) as a professional football defensive tackle. Today, he delivers strong performances for the Cleveland Browns. His journey from athlete to pro athlete is a testament to his combined talent, drive, and determination.

The path to success was paved in his early years. Born and raised in Canton, Massachusetts, by his mother Nicole Page, this young and promising athlete grew up in a household familiar with sports, as his father Maurice Hurst was a former New England Patriot. Hurst Jr’s interest in football progressed during his time at Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts, where he was a dedicated three-year varsity starter. His skill and dedication were recognized, earning him a two-time first-team all-state player title during the 2011 and 2012 seasons in Massachusetts, and participation in the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.

His talent shone brightly upon his enrollment at the University of Michigan. In 2014, Hurst earned recognition by making a significant impression in his first seven games, earning his first varsity letter. The following year, the Maxwell Football Club acknowledged Hurst’s prowess by adding him to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List. He received Academic All-Big Ten recognition in both 2014 and 2015 with the highlights of his 2016 season solidifying his reputation when Pro Football Focus College Big Ten Team of the Week recognized him for his six-tackle and one sack performance against Penn State. Hurst’s inimitable abilities on the field increased his draft stock and caught the eyes of major NFL scouts.

In 2017, Hurst set his career-high record with 59 tackles – ranking him sixth in the conference. His stellar performance in that season also won him recognition, where he was named to the All-Big Ten defensive first-team by coaches and media alike.

Despite being diagnosed with a heart condition which meant he couldn’t participate in the 2018 NFL Combine, Hurst never wavered from chasing his dreams. His heart condition affected his draft projections pushing him from top 5 to a mid first-round pick. However, he was officially cleared to play football and participate in Michigan’s pro day. Even with these challenges, Hurst didn’t cease to impress.

In the 2018 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders drafted his talent in the fifth round. Throughout his rookie season, he made some monumental strides. By week 2, he had recorded his first-ever career sack against the Denver Broncos, thereby launching his professional career on a promising note. He then registered the third sack of the season off quarterback Philip Rivers, rounding off his year with a 23-21 win against the Arizona Cardinals.

Hurst’s 2019 season saw improvements on the field. Aside from recovering a fumble from Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford in week 9, he procured an interception from Tennessee Titans’ Ryan Tannehill, earning him his first career play of that nature. Major strides continued into 2020 when Hurst was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Raiders in October. However, his stint with the Raiders came to an end in 2021 when released in April.

Hurst immediately signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, showing his relentless spirit. He overcame several career hurdles including being placed on injured reserve in September 2021, re-signing with the 49ers in March 2022, and dealing with a torn bicep injury in August 2022.

In March 2023, he started a new chapter in his career by signing a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. Despite an initial hurdle of an ankle injury in 2024, he bounced back to play in 13 matches and deliver notable performances. His contributions to the Browns consisted of 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended and an interception. This resilience and determination kept him on the team, and he re-signed with the Browns on March 15, 2024.

The journey of Maurice Roy Hurst Jr. from a young athlete in Canton, Massachusetts, to a professional player hailed for his commitment to the game displays a great testament to hard work, talent, and resilience. His path hasn’t been easy, but despite the challenges, he’s become an inspiring and invaluable asset to the teams he’s played for in the NFL.