Early Life and College Career
Will Hill was born on March 7, 1990, in West Orange, New Jersey. His athletic prowess emerged at St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, where he became one of the nation's top safety prospects. His exceptional performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Florida, where he played for the Florida Gators from 2008 to 2010.
At Florida, Hill's collegiate career statistics included:
- 144 total tackles
- 4 interceptions
- 1.5 sacks
- Multiple SEC defensive honors
His performance helped the Gators win the BCS National Championship in 2009, and he was later named a Second-Team All-American in 2010.
Professional Career
NFL Journey
Hill entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2012, signing with the New York Giants. During his time with the Giants (2012-2013), he recorded:
- 115 combined tackles
- 2 interceptions
- Strong special teams contributions
After his stint with the Giants, Hill joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, where his performance reached new heights:
- Started 14 games in 2014
- Recorded 41 tackles and an interception
- Made several game-changing plays, including a memorable game-winning interception return for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints
Transition to Other Leagues
Following his NFL career, Hill played in various professional circuits, including:
- The Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2017
- The XFL with the St. Louis BattleHawks in 2020
- The Arena Football League
Playing Style and Strengths
Hill's athletic abilities set him apart on the field with:
- Exceptional closing speed
- Strong tackling technique
- Versatility in coverage
- Natural playmaking instincts
Key Attributes
Speed: 4.4 40-yard dash
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 207 lbs
Position: Safety
Career Statistics Highlights
| League | Games Played | Tackles | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL | 47 | 220 | 4 | 2 |
| AFL | 12 | 45 | 3 | 1 |
Personal Life and Impact
Off the field, Hill is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Will Hill Foundation, which provides support to underprivileged youth. He has also been open about his struggles with mental health, using his platform to raise awareness and reduce stigma around the issue.
"Will Hill possessed natural abilities that couldn't be taught. When he was on the field, he changed the complexity of our defense." - Former NFL coach
Despite facing various challenges throughout his career, Hill's resilience and determination to overcome obstacles have been a testament to his character and commitment to the sport. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that success at the highest levels of competition requires both talent and perseverance.
For more information on Will Hill's career and statistics, you can visit his NFL profile or follow him on Twitter.