Troy Hill

Troy Hill's Biography

Troy Hill is a football athlete known for his big plays on defense in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 29, 1991, in Youngstown, Ohio, Hill’s talent on the football field has made him an indispensable asset to the teams he has played for. He has had a significant impact in the NFL, demonstrating exceptional skills in man-to-man coverage as a defensive back.

Hill’s journey into football began in high school at St. Bonaventure High School, a school located in Ventura, California. At St Bonaventure, he played cornerback and demonstrated his exceptional sporting skills, which earned him numerous accolades and recognition. Going into college, he was labeled a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and decided to continue his football career at the University of Oregon.

From 2010 to 2014, Hill continued to develop his skills at Oregon, playing for the Oregon Ducks football team. He had a successful stint with the Ducks, playing impressively during his four-year college career. He played 49 games during his tenure and had stellar stats: 141 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, and 19 passes defended. His performance showcased the skills and potential that would be witnessed in his professional career.

Though undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, Hill’s prowess caught the eye of the Cincinnati Bengals who signed him as an undrafted free agent on May 8, 2015. His stint with the Bengals was brief, only playing three games before being waived by the team. However, he was soon signed by the New England Patriots to their practice squad, only to be waived again a little over a week later.

After the brief engagement with two teams, Hill’s true chance to shine came when he was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams off waivers. The Rams’ service marked the beginning of a more stable stint in his professional career.

Between 2015 and 2020, Hill played consistently for the Rams with his best season being in 2020. During this season, he recorded three interceptions (one was a pick-six), 77 combined tackles, 10 passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries. He demonstrated his keen instincts as a cornerback, often shutting down receivers, and showing his superiority in man coverage.

One of the highlights of Hill’s NFL career occurred when he scored a touchdown off a 20-yard interception return against the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. The following week, against the New England Patriots, he returned a fumble 79 yards for a touchdown, becoming the first player to score touchdowns in consecutive games off an interception and a fumble recovery since 1950.

After the 2020 season, Hill entered unrestricted free agency. He was subsequently signed by the Cleveland Browns in a four-year, $24 million deal. The opportunity to join the Browns presented Hill with a fresh new challenge in his professional career.

Hill’s off-the-field life hasn’t been fully smooth. In 2016, he was arrested for driving under the influence and was subsequently suspended by the Rams for two games. In the aftermath, he committed himself to making positive changes in his life and bounced back to continue his thriving football career.

To conclude, despite the challenges he has faced, Troy Hill’s work ethic, resilience, and sheer talent have firmly established him as a formidable cornerback in the NFL. Known for his quick decision-making, versatile coverage skills, and explosive speed, Hill has proven himself as one of the dependable defensive backs in the league. He continues to make his mark in the NFL, contributing to his team’s success while also inspiring future generations. Whether on or off the field, Hill’s journey continues to be one of resilience, passion, and dedication to the sport.