Troy Hairston

BIOGRAPHY

Born on 8th December 1998 with his roots from Panama through his mother, Troy Hairston II had an early start to his spectacular journey in American football. Born and raised in the iconic city of Detroit, Michigan, Hairston excelled through the initial chapter of his life, showcasing an evident beacon of zeal for the sport he loved so dearly.

The foundation of his football prowess was laid in Seaholm High School, where he displayed a tremendous performance. His talent propelled him to earn a spot in Central Michigan University’s esteemed football roster, kick-starting an exhilarating journey in college football. His first year was met with fervor and undeniable skill. Hairston emerged as a force to be reckoned with, appearing in 11 games and recording five tackles, four of which were solo.

The subsequent year, 2019, saw Hairston’s passion for the sport grow exponentially. He played in all 14 games, starting two, and registered an impressive 28 tackles, with 15 being solo. Hairston also contributed significantly by achieving five TFLs, two quarterback sacks, and two quarterback hurries. In recognition of his remarkable performance, he was named a game captain against Western Michigan.

2020 turned out to be a breakthrough year for Hairston, who earned the prestigious co-Mid-American Conference (MAC) Defensive Player of the Year honor for leading the conference with 5.5 sacks and 12 TFLs. Moreover, Hairston was also awarded a spot in the All-MAC first team curated by Phil Steele and found his name in the third team by Pro Football Focus. At a game against Eastern Michigan, Hairston set a new personal record with 11 tackles (1.5 for loss) and a fumble recovery. He continued his impressive performance against Toledo, recording seven tackles and two sacks with three TFLs.

In the 2021 season, Hairston’s star continued to rise as he outdid his past achievements by starting all 13 games and leading the team in TFLs with 17 and sacks with nine – a feat that ranked 13th nationally. Besides, he placed fifth on the team with 55 total tackles. He showcased his consistency by recording at least five tackles in eight games, at least one sack in six games, and at least two TFLs in five games, earning him All-MAC first-team honors as well as second-team placement by Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus.

After displaying a convincing performance throughout his college career, Hairston stayed hopeful for the 2022 NFL draft. Unfortunately, he went undrafted but was later signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans. During his training camp with the Texans, Hairston switched his position from a linebacker and defensive end to fullback. He then outperformed the seasoned Andy Janovich to secure his spot on the Texans’ 53-man roster. Hairston was one of three undrafted free agents who made the cut to the team’s 53-man roster.

However, Troy’s journey was not devoid of setbacks. On August 1, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve due to a herniated disc. Following the recovery, presence of the extensive competition within the team led to his release by the Texans on August 27, 2024. Nevertheless, Hairston’s spirit was unscathed, and he was quickly re-signed to the practice squad.

Today, despite the challenges and hurdles, Troy Hairston II stands as a notable figure in American professional football testimony of unwavering resilience and relentless dedication towards the sport he holds close to his heart. His illustrious career as a football fullback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL) continues to inspire many aspiring athletes.