Troy Hill (American football)

Troy Hill
refer to caption
Hill in 2021
No. 25 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1991-08-29) August 29, 1991 (age 33)
Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.
Height:5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight:182 lb (83 kg)
Career information
High school:St. Bonaventure
(Ventura, California)
College:Oregon (2010–2014)
Undrafted:2015
Career history
Roster status:Injured reserve
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Total tackles:414
Sacks:3.0
Forced fumbles:2
Fumble recoveries:3
Pass deflections:41
Interceptions:9
Defensive touchdowns:4
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Troy Hill (born August 29, 1991) is an American professional football cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He has previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, and Carolina Panthers. He played college football at Oregon.

Early life

Hill attended St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, California. He played defensive back and wide receiver for a team that posted an 11–2 record his senior season; however, all of those wins were forfeited when it was learned that Hill was ineligible. Hill received high school honors, earning the 2009 All-Channel League First-Team Defense,[1] 2008 Second-Team All-State Junior by CalHiSports.com,[2] 2007 All-Channel League Second-Team Defense,[2] and All-CIF-Southern Section Northern Division.[3] Hill earned a three-star rating from Scout.com, also a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, and the No. 32 corner in the country.

College career

As a junior, Hill was the Ducks’ fifth-leading tackler among their defensive backs. Hill finished the year with 29 tackles with 21 tackles being solo and four deflected passes. As a senior in Oregon, Hill finished seventh on the team in tackles with 71. Hill was awarded with a second-team all-Pac-12 Conference choice[4] and 14-game starter ranked second in the league (1.46 avg.) in passes defended and 11th nationally. Hill was arrested on December 16, 2013[5] and suspended from the team after he pleaded guilty to menacing; he was later reinstated to the team.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 10+1⁄2 in
(1.79 m) 		182 lb
(83 kg) 		29+1⁄2 in
(0.75 m) 		8+3⁄4 in
(0.22 m)		 4.54 s 1.55 s 2.57 s 4.15 s 6.65 s 34.0 in
(0.86 m)		 10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)		 8 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[6][7][8]

Cincinnati Bengals

On May 3, 2015, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Hill to a three-year, $1.58 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $5,500.[9][10][11]

Throughout training camp, Hill competed for a roster spot as a backup cornerback against Chris Lewis-Harris, Onterio McCalebb, and Brandon Ghee.[12] On September 5, 2015, the Bengals waived Hill, but signed him to their practice squad the next day after clearing waivers.[13][14] On December 5, 2015, Hill was promoted from the practice squad to the Bengals’ active roster.[15] Upon joining the active roster, head coach Marvin Lewis named Hill the fourth cornerback on the Bengals’ depth chart, behind Dre Kirkpatrick, Leon Hall, and Josh Shaw. On December 6, 2015, Hill made his professional regular season debut and recorded three solo tackles during a 37–3 win at the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. In Week 15, he collected a season-high three solo tackles in the Bengals’ 24–14 victory at the San Francisco 49ers.[16] On December 24, 2015, the Bengals waived Hill and replaced him with Chris Lewis-Harris.[17]

New England Patriots

On December 25, 2015, the New England Patriots claimed Hill off waivers.[18] He appeared in three games for the Patriots and recorded six combined tackles (five solo).[19] On December 30, 2015, New England officially waived Hill.[20]

St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (first stint)

Hill with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018

On December 31, 2015, the St. Louis Rams claimed Hill off waivers from the New England Patriots.[21] Hill was inactive for the Rams' season-ending 19–16 loss at 49ers.

Following the Rams' relocation to Los Angeles, Hill competed for a roster spot in training camp against Jabriel Washington and Mike Jordan.[22] Head coach Jeff Fisher named Hill the fifth cornerback on the Rams’ depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Trumaine Johnson, E. J. Gaines, Coty Sensabaugh, and Lamarcus Joyner.[23]

On September 25, 2016, Hill earned his first career start and collected a season-high 11 solo tackles during a 37–32 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. Hill earned his first career start after passing Coty Sensabaugh on the depth chart. Sensabaugh had a disappointing performance after replacing E.J Gaines who missed the first three games due to a thigh injury.[24][25] Hill was inactive for the Rams’ Week 11 loss to the Miami Dolphins as a result of his arrest. On November 22, 2016, the Los Angeles Rams released Hill and signed him to their practice squad after he was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence (See Personal life).[26][27] On December 12, 2016, the Los Angeles Rams fired head coach Jeff Fisher after they fell to a 4–9 record. Special teams coordinator John Fassel was named the interim head coach for the remaining three games of the regular season.[28] On December 13, 2016, the Los Angeles Rams promoted Hill to their active roster.[29] He finished the 2016 NFL season with 40 combined tackles (32 solo) and two pass deflections in 12 games and four starts.[19]

On January 13, 2017, the Los Angeles Rams announced their decision to hire Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay as their new head coach.[30] On May 1, 2017, the NFL announced their decision to suspend Hill for the first two games of the 2017 NFL season after violating the NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy.[31][32] Throughout training camp, Hill competed for a roster spot as a backup cornerback against Nickell Robey-Coleman and Mike Jordan.[33] Upon returning from his three-game suspension, head coach Sean McVay named Hill the fifth cornerback on the Rams’ depth chart, behind Trumaine Johnson, Kayvon Webster, Nickell Robey-Coleman, and Dominique Hatfield.[34]

Hill was inactive for a Week 6 victory at the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a shoulder injury.[35] He was also sidelined for the Rams’ Week 11 loss at the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a hamstring injury.[36] Hill started the final three games of the regular season as well as the wild card loss to the Atlanta Falcons in place of the injured Kayvon Webster, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 14.[37]

On March 12, 2019, the Rams tendered Hill as a restricted free agent.[38] He was re-signed to a two-year deal on May 30, 2019.

After wearing #32 since becoming a Ram, Hill voluntarily gave up his jersey number during the 2019 offseason after being paid $32,000 by free agent signee Eric Weddle and switched to #20. During the 2019 season, Hill changed his number from #20 to #22 to accommodate the acquisition of Jalen Ramsey, for which Ramsey reportedly paid $20,000.[39] In Week 11 against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football, Hill recorded six tackles, sacked Mitch Trubisky once, and intercepted a pass thrown by Trubisky in the 17–7 win.[40]

In Week 2 of the 2020 season against the Philadelphia Eagles, Hill recorded his second interception of the season off a pass thrown by Carson Wentz late in the fourth quarter to secure a 37–19 Rams' win.[41] In Week 12, against the 49ers, Hill recovered a fumble forced by teammate Aaron Donald on Raheem Mostert and returned it for a 20 yard touchdown during the 23–20 loss.[42] In Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals, Hill intercepted a pass thrown by Kyler Murray and returned it for a 35-yard touchdown during the 38–28 win.[43] In Week 17 against the Arizona Cardinals, Hill intercepted a pass thrown by Chris Streveler and returned it for an 84 yard touchdown during the 18–7 win.[44]

Cleveland Browns

On March 22, 2021, Hill signed a four-year, $24 million with the Browns.[45]

Los Angeles Rams (second stint)

On April 30, 2022, the Browns traded Hill to the Rams for a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft.[46] He was placed on injured reserve on September 20, 2022 after suffering a groin injury in Week 2.[47] He was designated to return from injured reserve on October 24, 2022, and activated for Week 8.[48] Hill started 12 games for the Rams, recording 67 tackles (45 solo) and an interception.[49]

Carolina Panthers

On August 20, 2023, Hill signed with the Carolina Panthers.[50] He played in 16 games with three starts, recording 48 tackles, one forced fumble, and a 61-yard interception return for a touchdown.

On March 13, 2024, Hill signed a one-year contract extension with the Panthers.[51] In 6 games (2 starts) for Carolina, he logged 32 combined tackles. On October 18, Hill was released by the Panthers.[52]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On October 30, 2024, Hill was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad.[53] He was promoted to the active roster on November 18.

NFL career statistics

Regular season statistics

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Comb Solo Ast Sack PD Int Yds Avg Lng TD FF FR
2015 CIN 3 0 6 5 1 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2016 LAR 12 4 40 35 5 0.0 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2017 LAR 12 3 18 16 2 0.0 4 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 1
2018 LAR 16 7 34 29 5 0.0 5 2 7 3.5 7 0 0 0
2019 LAR 14 9 43 32 11 1.0 8 2 6 3.0 6 0 0 0
2020 LAR 16 16 77 55 22 0.0 10 3 119 39.7 84 2 1 2
2021 CLE 12 4 49 34 15 2.0 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
2022 LAR 12 12 67 45 22 0.0 4 1 5 5.0 5 0 0 0
Total 97 55 334 251 83 3.0 34 8 137 18.9 84 2 1 3

Personal life

While at the University of Oregon, Hill majored in social science.[10] On November 19, 2016, Hill was arrested by California Highway Patrol for suspicion of drunk driving. Hill was driving on U.S. Route 101 in his white Mercedes-Benz just before 8AM and swerved into a semi-trailer truck. California Highway Patrol responded to the scene of the accident and arrested Hill after noticing signs of intoxication and performing a field sobriety test.[54] Hill was taken to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Van Nuys station and was booked and processed before posting a $15,000 bail.[55]

References

  1. ^ "All-Channel League, Fall 2008". PresidioSports.com. January 20, 2009. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Troy Hill - Football". University of Oregon Athletics.
  3. ^ "St. Bonaventure football team forfeits title over ineligible player". Vcstar.com.
  4. ^ "Pac-12 football All-Conference team announced". pac-12.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2014. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  5. ^ Greif, Andrew (December 17, 2013). "Oregon football: Cornerback Troy Hill suspended from team after Friday arrest and later arraignment". The Oregonian/OregonLive. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  6. ^ "Troy Hill Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
  7. ^ "2015 NFL Draft Scout Troy Hill College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  8. ^ "Troy Hill 2015 NFL Draft Profile". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 9, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  9. ^ Marcum, Jason; Toback, Rebecca (May 8, 2015). "Bengals announce undrafted free agents signed". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  10. ^ a b "Cincinnati Bengals: Troy Hill". Bengals.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  11. ^ "Spotrac.com: Troy Hill contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  12. ^ "Are the Bengals Prepared at Cornerback?". stripehype.com. May 13, 2015. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  13. ^ Toback, Rebecca (September 5, 2015). "Bengals roster cuts: Bengals 53-man roster 2015". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  14. ^ Kirkendall, Josh (September 6, 2015). "Cincinnati Bengals 2015 practice squad announced". CincyJungle.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  15. ^ "Bengals waive Lewis-Harris, promote Troy Hill". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  16. ^ "NFL Player stats: Troy Hill (2015)". NFL.com. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  17. ^ "Bengals waive Troy Hill, promote Chris Lewis-Harris to 53-man roster". Cincy Jungle. December 24, 2015. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  18. ^ "Patriots Claim Cornerback Troy Hill From Bengals, Waive Asante Cleveland". NESN.com. December 26, 2015. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  19. ^ a b "NFL Player stats: Troy Hill (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  20. ^ "Patriots waive rookie cornerback Troy Hill". New England Patriots. Archived from the original on January 4, 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  21. ^ "Rams place Nick Fairley, Doug Worthington on injured reserve". January 2016. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  22. ^ "CB Jabriel Washington's road from four-star recruit to Rams UDFA". theramswire.usatoday.com. June 4, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  23. ^ "2016 LA Rams Week 1 Depth Chart Projection". turfshowtimes.com. September 6, 2016. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  24. ^ Smith, Jeff (September 11, 2016). "Rams injury report: E.J. Gaines, Nelson Spruce ruled out for Week 1". theramswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  25. ^ "Rams part ways with CB Coty Sensabaugh". NFL.com. October 9, 2016. Archived from the original on July 6, 2017. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  26. ^ White, Tiffany (November 22, 2016). "Rams Make Week 12 Roster Changes". TheRams.com. Archived from the original on August 25, 2017.
  27. ^ Klein, Gary (November 23, 2016). "Rams re-sign cornerback Troy Hill to the practice squad". Los Angeles Times.
  28. ^ Orr, Conor (December 12, 2016). "Los Angeles Rams fire head coach Jeff Fisher". NFL.com. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  29. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (December 13, 2016). "Rams place TE Cory Harkey on IR, promote CB Troy Hill". ESPN.com.
  30. ^ González, Alden (January 13, 2017). "Rams hire Redskins OC Sean McVay as head coach". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  31. ^ Florio, Mike (May 1, 2017). "Rams cornerback Troy Hill suspended for first two games of season". NBC Sports. ProFootballTalk. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  32. ^ "Hill Suspended for First Two Games of 2017". TheRams.com. May 1, 2017.
  33. ^ González, Alden (August 8, 2017). "Kayvon Webster locks down starting CB job for Rams". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  34. ^ "Ourlads.com: Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart: 10/01/2017". Ourlads.com. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  35. ^ DaSilva, Cameron (October 13, 2017). "Week 6 injury report: Mark Barron, Troy Hill remain sidelined for Rams". theramswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  36. ^ Gates, Christopher (November 17, 2017). "Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings: Final injury reports for both teams". Daily Norseman. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  37. ^ "Rams' Troy Hill: Should play Saturday vs. Falcons". CBSSports.com. January 2, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  38. ^ Simmons, Myles (March 12, 2019). "Rams tender restricted free agents, exclusive rights free agents". TheRams.com. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  39. ^ Breech, John (October 24, 2019). "Jalen Ramsey reportedly paid hefty sum to acquire jersey number from new Rams teammate". CBSSports.com. Retrieved December 25, 2019.
  40. ^ "Gurley, Brown help Rams ground out 17–7 win over Bears". Espn.com. Associated Press. November 17, 2019. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  41. ^ "Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles – September 20th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  42. ^ "San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams – November 29th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
  43. ^ "Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals - December 6th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  44. ^ "Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams - January 3rd, 2021". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  45. ^ Gribble, Andrew (March 22, 2021). "Browns sign versatile CB Troy Hill". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  46. ^ Jackson, Stu (April 30, 2022). "Rams trade 2023 fifth-round pick to Browns for CB Troy Hill". TheRams.com. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  47. ^ @RamsNFL (September 20, 2022). "LA Rams Transactions: • Reserve/Injured T Tremayne Anchrum Jr., DB Troy Hill • Signed G Oday Aboushi to Active Roster • Signed to Practice Squad DE Zach VanValkenburg • Terminated (by Club) from Practice Squad LS Matt Overton • Waived/Injury Settlement DB Daniel Isom" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ^ @RamsNFL (October 24, 2022). "LA Rams Transactions: • Designated for Return/Returned to Practice DB Troy Hill, LB Travin Howard, WR Van Jefferson" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  49. ^ "Troy Hill Stats". pro-football-reference.com. September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  50. ^ "Panthers agree to terms with Troy Hill". Panthers.com. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  51. ^ Gantt, Darin (March 13, 2024). "Panthers agree to terms with cornerback Troy Hill". Panthers.com.
  52. ^ "Panthers' release of Troy Hill opens up an opportunity for rookie Chau Smith-Wade". counton2.com. October 18, 2024. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  53. ^ Smith, Scott (October 30, 2024). "Bucs Add Veteran CB Troy Hill to Practice Squad". Buccaneers.com.
  54. ^ Klein, Gary (November 19, 2016). "Rams cornerback Troy Hill is arrested on suspicion of DUI". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
  55. ^ Rice, Jessica (November 19, 2016). "Rams' Troy Hill Arrested on Suspicion of DUI After Crash". nbcphiladelphia.com. Retrieved November 21, 2018.
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