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{{Short description|American gridiron football player (born 1990)}}
{{Infobox NFL player
{{For|other people|William Hill (disambiguation){{!}}William Hill}}
|name = William Hilliam III
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
|image = Will hill ravens2015.jpg
{{Infobox NFL biography
|image_size = 300px
|alt =
| name = Will Hill
| image = Will hill ravens2015.jpg
|caption = Hill playing for the [[Baltimore Ravens]] in [[2015 Baltimore Ravens season|2015]]
| image_size = 300px
|current_team = Hamilton Tiger-Cats
|number = 1
| alt =
| caption = Hill with the Ravens in 2015
|position = [[Linebacker]] / [[Safety (American football position)|Strong safety]]
| current_team =
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|3|7|mf=y}}
| number =
|birth_place = [[Jacksonville, Florida]]
| position = [[Safety (American football position)|Safety]]
|death_date =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|3|7|mf=y}}
|death_place =
| birth_place = [[East Orange, New Jersey]], U.S.
|height_ft = 6
| death_date =
|height_in = 2
| death_place =
|weight_lbs = 205
| height_ft = 6
|high_school = [[St. Peter's Preparatory School|Jersey City (NJ) St. Peter's Prep]]
| height_in = 3
|college = [[Florida Gators football|Florida]]
| weight_lbs = 215
|undraftedyear = 2012
| high_school = [[St. Peter's Preparatory School]]<br />([[Jersey City, New Jersey]])
|pastteams =
| college = [[Florida Gators football|Florida]]
* [[Arizona Rattlers]] ({{AFL Year|2012}})*
| undraftedyear = 2011
| pastteams =
* [[Arizona Rattlers]] ({{AFL Year|2012}})
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|2012}}–{{NFL Year|2013}})
* [[New York Giants]] ({{NFL Year|2012}}–{{NFL Year|2013}})
* [[Arizona Rattlers]] ({{AFL Year|2014}})*
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2015}})
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ({{NFL Year|2014}}–{{NFL Year|2015}})
* [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] ({{CFL Year|2017}}-present)
* [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] ({{CFL Year|2017}})
* [[Orlando Apollos]] ({{AAF Year|2019}})
|pastteamsnote = yes
* [[St. Louis BattleHawks]] ({{XFL Year|2020}})
|status = Active
* [[Arlington Renegades]] ({{XFL Year|2023}})
|cflstatus = International
|highlights =
| status =
| cflstatus =
;College
| highlights =
* [[SEC Championship Game|SEC Champion]] ([[2008 SEC Championship Game|2008]])
* [[BCS National Championship Game|BCS National Champion]] ([[2009 BCS National Championship Game|2009]])
* [[XFL (2020)|XFL champion]] ([[2023 XFL Championship Game|2023]])
* Mid-season All-XFL (2020)
* [[BCS National Championship Game|BCS national champion]] ([[2009 BCS National Championship Game|2009]])
* SEC All-Freshman Team (2008)
* SEC All-Freshman Team (2008)
| statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]]
;High School
| statvalue1 = 221
* ''[[USA Today]]'' High School All-American ([[2007 USA Today All-USA high school football team|2007]])
| statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]]
|statleague = NFL
|statweek = 17
| statvalue2 = 1.0
| statlabel3 = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
|statseason = 2015
| statvalue3 = 3
|statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Tackles]]
| statlabel4 = [[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]]
|statvalue1 = 221
| statvalue4 = 2
|statlabel2=[[Quarterback sack]]s
| statlabel5 = [[Interceptions]]
|statvalue2=1.0
| statvalue5 = 4
|statlabel3 = [[Pass deflected|Pass deflections]]
| statlabel6 = [[Touchdown|Total touchdowns]]
|statvalue3 = 14
| statvalue6 = 3
|statlabel4 = [[Interception]]s
|statvalue4 = 4
| pfr = HillWi01
| cfl = will-hill/162463/
|statlabel5 = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]]
|statvalue5 = 3
|statlabel6=[[Touchdowns]]
|statvalue6=3
|nflnew = willhill/2536028
}}
}}


'''William Hilliam III (Will Hill III) (born March 7, 1990) is an American professional [[Canadian football]] [[linebacker]] and [[Safety (American football position)|safety]] for the [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Florida Gators football|University of Florida]] and was a member of Florida's [[2009 BCS National Championship]] team. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the [[New York Giants]] in 2012, and has also played for the [[Arizona Rattlers]] of the [[Arena Football League]]. He played for the [[Baltimore Ravens]] from 2014-2015.
'''Will Hill III''' (born March 7, 1990) is an [[American football]] [[Safety (American football position)|safety]] who is a free agent. He played [[college football]] for the [[Florida Gators football|University of Florida]] and was a member of Florida's [[2009 BCS National Championship]] team. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the [[New York Giants]] in 2012, and has also played for the [[Baltimore Ravens]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL) from 2014 to 2015. He was also a member of the [[Arizona Rattlers]] of the [[Arena Football League]] (AFL), the [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL), the [[Orlando Apollos]] of the [[Alliance of American Football]] (AAF), and the [[St. Louis BattleHawks]] and [[Arlington Renegades]] of the [[XFL (2020)|XFL]].


== Early years ==
==Early life==
Hill was born and raised in [[East Orange, New Jersey]]. He attended [[St. Peter's Preparatory School]] in [[Jersey City, New Jersey]]. At St. Peter's Preparatory School, he was a two-sport athlete in football and track. In [[high school football|football]], he played [[wide receiver|receiver]], [[quarterback]], [[running back]], and [[safety (American football position)|safety]] in his junior year. He ran for 682 yards from both running back and quarterback positions and threw for 758 yards. He had three [[interceptions]] and 68 tackles playing [[free safety]] and had 444 yards receiving.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=2458183 |title=Scout.com Stats |publisher=Recruiting.scout.com |access-date=March 19, 2012}}</ref> As a senior, Hill had 947 yards passing and seven touchdowns, he rushed for 960 yards and 19 touchdowns and had 43 tackles, four interceptions, and three pass breakups on defense. He was a first team all-state selection. He was the 2007 New Jersey Offensive Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|author=Will Hill |url=http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=46770&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d46770 |title=ESPN.com Stats |publisher=[[ESPN]] |date=October 10, 2010 |access-date=March 19, 2012}}</ref>


In [[track and field]], Hill competed as a [[sprint (running)|sprinter]]. He recorded a personal-best time of 52.9 seconds in the [[400-meter dash]] as a freshman.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hctca.org/meetrecords.html|title = Hudson County Track Coaches Association}}</ref> In addition, he also ran a 4.4-second [[40-yard dash]] as a senior.
Hill was born in [[Jacksonville, Florida]], and was raised in [[East Orange, New Jersey]]. He attended [[St. Peter's Preparatory School]] in [[Jersey City, New Jersey]]. At St. Peter's Preparatory School, he was a two-sport athlete in football and track. In [[high school football|football]], he played [[wide receiver|receiver]], [[quarterback]], [[running back]], and [[safety (American football position)|safety]] in his junior year. He ran for 682 yards from both running back and quarterback positions and threw for 758 yards. He had three [[interceptions]] and 68 tackles playing [[free safety]] and had 444 yards receiving.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=2458183 |title=Scout.com Stats |publisher=Recruiting.scout.com |date= |accessdate=March 19, 2012}}</ref> As a senior, Hill had 947 yards passing and seven touchdowns, he rushed for 960 yards and 19 touchdowns and had 43 tackles, four interceptions, and three pass breakups on defense. He was a first team all-state selection. He was the 2007 New Jersey Offensive Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|author=Will Hill |url=http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/recruiting/tracker/player?recruitId=46770&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncf%2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fplayer%3frecruitId%3d46770 |title=ESPN.com Stats |publisher=Insider.espn.go.com |date=October 10, 2010 |accessdate=March 19, 2012}}</ref>

In [[track and field]], Hill competed as a [[sprint (running)|sprinter]]. He recorded a personal-best time of 52.9 seconds in the [[400-meter dash]] as a freshman.<ref>http://www.hctca.org/meetrecords.html</ref> In addition, he also ran a 4.4-second [[40-yard dash]] as a senior.


Following his high school senior season, [[Rivals.com]], [[ESPN]], and [[Scout.com]] all rated Hill as the top high school safety in the nation. ESPN rated him as the second overall football prospect and the top-ranked overall athlete in the nation. Rivals rated Hill tenth and Scout rated him sixth among all college football recruits.
Following his high school senior season, [[Rivals.com]], [[ESPN]], and [[Scout.com]] all rated Hill as the top high school safety in the nation. ESPN rated him as the second overall football prospect and the top-ranked overall athlete in the nation. Rivals rated Hill tenth and Scout rated him sixth among all college football recruits.


== College career ==
==College career==
[[File:Will Hill (November 28, 2009).jpg|thumb|left|100px|Hill with the [[Florida Gators football|Florida Gators]] in 2009]]

Hill accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the [[University of Florida]], where he played for coach [[Urban Meyer]]'s [[Florida Gators football]] team from [[2008 Florida Gators football team|2008]] to [[2010 Florida Gators football team|2010]]. As a [[free safety]] and [[special teams]] contributor, he was chosen to be on the 2008 SEC Football All-Freshman Team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=11940&change_well_id=2 |title=2008 SEC Football All-Freshman Team Announced |publisher=Secsports.com |date= |accessdate=March 19, 2012}}</ref> Hill compiled 48 tackles and two interceptions as a freshman for the Gators. He recorded the first tackle of the [[2009 BCS Championship Game]], in which the Gators defeated the [[2008 Oklahoma Sooners football team|Oklahoma Sooners]] by a score of 24–14.
Hill accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the [[University of Florida]], where he played for coach [[Urban Meyer]]'s [[Florida Gators football]] team from [[2008 Florida Gators football team|2008]] to [[2010 Florida Gators football team|2010]]. As a [[free safety]] and [[special teams]] contributor, he was chosen to be on the 2008 SEC Football All-Freshman Team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=11940&change_well_id=2 |title=2008 SEC Football All-Freshman Team Announced |publisher=Secsports.com |access-date=March 19, 2012}}</ref> Hill compiled 48 tackles and two interceptions as a freshman for the Gators. He recorded the first tackle of the [[2009 BCS Championship Game]], in which the Gators defeated the [[2008 Oklahoma Sooners football team|Oklahoma Sooners]] by a score of 24–14.


== Professional career ==
==Professional career==
{{nfl predraft
{{nfl predraft
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| note = All values from NFL Combine and Pro Day<ref>http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=83020&draftyear=2011&genpos=FS</ref>
| note = All values from [[NFL Combine]] and [[Pro Day]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nfldraftscout.com/|title=Hall of Football|website=Hall of Football}}</ref>
}}
}}


Hill was not selected in the [[2011 NFL Draft]]. Hill later signed with the [[Arizona Rattlers]] of the [[Arena Football League]] (AFL).<ref>[http://azrattlers.com/2011/09/28/rattlers-sign-db-will-hill-db-arkeith-brown-and-db-da’mon-merkerson/]</ref>
Hill was not selected in the [[2011 NFL draft]]. Hill later signed with the [[Arizona Rattlers]] of the [[Arena Football League]] (AFL).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azrattlers.com/2011/09/28/rattlers-sign-db-will-hill-db-arkeith-brown-and-db-da’mon-merkerson/|title=Unknown}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>


===New York Giants===
=== New York Giants ===
[[File:Will Hill 2012.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Hill with the [[New York Giants]] in 2012]]
On May 14, 2012, Hill was signed by the [[New York Giants]]. He was eventually activated to their active roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000092604/article/new-york-giants-activate-will-hill-place-michael-coe-on-ir|title=New York Giants activate Will Hill, place Michael Coe on IR|work=[[National Football League]]|date=November 10, 2012|accessdate=November 10, 2012}}</ref> On June 2, 2014, Hill was waived by the Giants.<ref name="ESPN 2014-06-02">{{cite news|last=Graziano|first=Dan|date=2 June 2014|title=Giants waive Will Hill|url=http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/11020969/new-york-giants-waive-suspended-safety-hill|newspaper=[[ESPN.com|ESPN]]|accessdate=October 24, 2014}}</ref> On June 3, 2014, Hill was activated from the other league exempt list by the Arizona Rattlers.
On May 14, 2012, Hill was signed by the [[New York Giants]]. He was eventually activated to their active roster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000092604/article/new-york-giants-activate-will-hill-place-michael-coe-on-ir|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113021203/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000092604/article/new-york-giants-activate-will-hill-place-michael-coe-on-ir|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 13, 2012|title=New York Giants activate Will Hill, place Michael Coe on IR|work=[[National Football League]]|date=November 10, 2012|access-date=November 10, 2012}}</ref> On June 2, 2014, Hill was waived by the Giants.<ref name="ESPN 2014-06-02">{{cite news|last=Graziano|first=Dan|date=June 2, 2014|title=Giants waive Will Hill|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/11020969/new-york-giants-waive-suspended-safety-hill|newspaper=[[ESPN.com|ESPN]]|access-date=October 24, 2014}}</ref>


===Baltimore Ravens===
=== Baltimore Ravens ===
It was reported on July 25, 2014 that the [[Baltimore Ravens]] signed Hill after former Giants teammate, [[Aaron Ross]], was injured in training camp and lost for the entire 2014 season. On November 24, 2014, in Week 12 against the [[New Orleans Saints]], Hill intercepted quarterback [[Drew Brees]] and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown. The Ravens won the game by a score of 34-27.
It was reported on July 25, 2014 that the [[Baltimore Ravens]] signed Hill after former Giants teammate [[Aaron Ross]] was injured in training camp and lost for the entire 2014 season. On November 24, 2014, in Week 12 against the [[New Orleans Saints]], Hill intercepted quarterback [[Drew Brees]] and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown. The Ravens won 34–27.


On August 27, 2015, the Ravens signed him to a two-year contract extension worth roughly $7 million.<ref>{{cite web|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13525631/will-hill-signs-two-year-contract-extension-baltimore-ravens|title=Will Hill re-ups with Baltimore|date=August 27, 2015|first=Jamison|last=Hensley|accessdate=December 13, 2015}}</ref> On November 30, 2015, in Week 12, Hill recovered a potential game-winning field goal blocked by defensive end [[Brent Urban]] as time expired and returned it for a game-winning touchdown against the [[Cleveland Browns]] on ''[[Monday Night Football]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/dec/01/kick-six-last-play-of-game-gives-ravens-stunning-win-over-browns|title=Kick six on last play of game gives Ravens stunning win over Browns|publisher=The Guardian|date=1 December 2015|accessdate=1 December 2015}}</ref> Hill was then awarded as the [[American Football Conference|AFC]] Special Teams Player of the Week in recognition of his successful performance.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Ravens' Will Hill wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award|url = http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-will-hill-wins-first-afc-special-teams-player-of-the-week-award-for-field-goal-return-20151202-story.html|website = baltimoresun.com|accessdate = 2015-12-03}}</ref>
On August 27, 2015, the Ravens signed him to a two-year contract extension worth roughly $7 million.<ref>{{cite web|work=ESPN.com|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13525631/will-hill-signs-two-year-contract-extension-baltimore-ravens|title=Will Hill re-ups with Baltimore|date=August 27, 2015|first=Jamison|last=Hensley|access-date=December 13, 2015}}</ref> On November 30, 2015, in Week 12, Hill recovered a potential game-winning field goal blocked by defensive end [[Brent Urban]] as time expired and returned it for a game-winning touchdown against the [[Cleveland Browns]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/dec/01/kick-six-last-play-of-game-gives-ravens-stunning-win-over-browns|title=Kick six on last play of game gives Ravens stunning win over Browns|work=The Guardian|date=December 1, 2015|access-date=December 1, 2015}}</ref> Hill was named the [[American Football Conference|AFC]] Special Teams Player of the Week in recognition of his successful performance.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Ravens' Will Hill wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award|url = http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-will-hill-wins-first-afc-special-teams-player-of-the-week-award-for-field-goal-return-20151202-story.html|website = baltimoresun.com|access-date = December 3, 2015}}</ref>


On March 16, 2016, the Ravens released Hill upon learning that he had failed a drug test and would be suspended ten games.<ref>{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000644985/article/baltimore-ravens-release-safety-will-hill|title=Will Hill facing 10-game suspension for drug violation|first=Kevin|last=Patra|date= March 16, 2016 |accessdate= March 16, 2016}}</ref>
On March 16, 2016, the Ravens released Hill upon learning that he had failed a drug test and would be suspended ten games.<ref>{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/will-hill-facing-10-game-suspension-for-drug-violation-0ap3000000644985|title=Will Hill facing 10-game suspension for drug violation|first=Kevin|last=Patra|date= March 16, 2016 |access-date= March 16, 2016}}</ref>


===Hamilton Tiger-Cats===
===Hamilton Tiger-Cats===
On May 9, 2017, Hill signed with the [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL). In his second game with the team, Hill was ejected for grabbing a referee by his uniform after disputing a call on the field. He was subsequently suspended for one game by the league. Hill was also issued a fine for punching a Saskatchewan player in a separate incident on the same play.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nationalpost.com/g00/pmn/sports-pmn/football-sports-pmn/cfl-football-sports-pmn/cfl-fines-suspends-hamiltons-hill-for-separate-incidents-in-loss-to-riders/wcm/e4bcd31e-6e68-48d8-b5fc-4559da0c9ae3?i10c.referrer=https://news.google.com/|title=CFL fines, suspends Hamilton’s Hill for separate incidents in loss to Riders|date=2017-07-11|work=National Post|access-date=2017-07-11|language=en-US}}</ref>
On May 9, 2017, Hill signed with the [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] of the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL). In the season opening loss to the [[Toronto Argonauts]], Hill blocked a pair of field goals, one of which was returned for a touchdown by teammate [[Richard Leonard (Canadian football)|Richard Leonard]].<ref name="z905">{{cite web | title=Ray shreds Ticats for over 500 yards passing as Argos take opener at BMO | website=CFL.ca | date=2017-06-25 | url=https://www.cfl.ca/2017/06/25/rays-career-day-leads-argonauts-past-tiger-cats-season-opener/ | access-date=2025-01-01}}</ref> In his second game with the team, Hill was ejected for grabbing a referee by his uniform after disputing a call on the field. He was subsequently suspended for one game by the league. Hill was also issued a fine for punching a Saskatchewan player in a separate incident on the same play.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/sports-pmn/football-sports-pmn/cfl-football-sports-pmn/cfl-fines-suspends-hamiltons-hill-for-separate-incidents-in-loss-to-riders/wcm/e4bcd31e-6e68-48d8-b5fc-4559da0c9ae3|title=CFL fines, suspends Hamilton's Hill for separate incidents in loss to Riders|date=July 11, 2017|work=National Post|access-date=July 11, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> On August 10, 2017 Hill was released by the Tiger-Cats who were 0–6 at the time, citing character concerns.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/ticats-release-db-hill-cite-character-concerns-1.827296|title=Ticats release DB Hill, cite character concerns – Article – TSN|date=August 10, 2017|work=TSN|access-date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> Hill appeared in 5 games for the Ti-Cats and contributed 25 defensive tackles, one tackle on special teams, one quarterback sack, and two blocked field goals.

==Personal troubles==
On October 8, 2012, the NFL suspended Hill for using the prescription drug [[Adderall]]. He was able to return to the Giants' active roster on November 5.<ref>{{cite web|title=Giants' Safety Hill Suspended For Adderall|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/10/08/giants-safety-hill-suspended-for-adderall/|publisher=CBS News New York|accessdate=October 9, 2012}}</ref> Hill was suspended a second time for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL substance abuse policy; his suspension ended on September 30.<ref>{{cite web|title=Giants safety Will Hill suspended four games for second consecutive season|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-07-20/will-hill-giants-safety-suspended-four-games-nfl-policy-substance-abuse-policy|publisher=The Sporting News|accessdate=July 20, 2013}}</ref> Following his second suspension, Hill underwent drug rehabilitation in March and April in [[Boston]], and followed that with outpatient meetings in New Jersey.<ref>{{cite web|title=Giants' Will Hill opens up about drug use|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2013/07/28/giants-will-hill/2593905/|accessdate=July 28, 2013}}</ref>

On December 21, 2013, Hill was arrested in New Jersey on a warrant for outstanding child support payments.<ref>{{cite web|last=Orr|first=Conor|title=Giants' Will Hill arrested for non-payment of child support, will play on Sunday|url=http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2013/12/giants_will_hill_arrested_will_play_on_sunday.html|publisher=NJ.com|accessdate=December 22, 2013}}</ref> Despite the arrest, Hill still played that Sunday against the [[Detroit Lions]]. During the game, he intercepted a pass thrown by [[Matthew Stafford]] in the fourth quarter and scored on a 38-yard touchdown to tie the game and force overtime. In overtime, the Giants would go on to win the game by a score of 23-20.

In March 2014, New Jersey police issued a warrant for Hill's arrest for failure to pay child support.<ref name="baltimoresun.com">{{cite web|last1=Wilson|first1=Aaron|title=Ravens' Will Hill has active warrant for failure to pay child support in New Jersey|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ravens-safety-will-hill-has-an-active-warrant-for-failure-to-pay-child-support-in-new-jersey-20150128-story.html|website=The Baltimore Sun}}</ref>


===Orlando Apollos===
On May 30, 2014, Hill was suspended for the first six games of the [[2014 NFL season|2014 season]] for violations of the league's substance abuse policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Safety-Will-Hill-suspended-for-six-games/41baddca-d7c8-4d63-863f-5fb444ec0e4e |title=CSafety Will Hill suspended for six games |work=[[Giants.com]] |date=May 30, 2014 |accessdate=May 30, 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531090642/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Safety-Will-Hill-suspended-for-six-games/41baddca-d7c8-4d63-863f-5fb444ec0e4e |archivedate=May 31, 2014 }}</ref>
In 2018, Hill signed with the [[Orlando Apollos]] of the [[Alliance of American Football]] for the 2019 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Romero |first1=Iliana Limon |last2=Parry |first2=Roy |title=Orlando Apollos unveil debut uniforms, land QB Garrett Gilbert |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/sports-editor-blog/os-sp-orlando-apollos-uniforms-1128-story.html |website=OrlandoSentinel.com |access-date=December 11, 2018}}</ref> The league ceased operations in April 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rothstein |first=Michael |last2=Wickersham |first2=Seth |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Inside the short, unhappy life of the Alliance of American Football |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26957796/inside-short-unhappy-life-alliance-american-football |access-date=January 9, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> In 8 games, Hill made 35 tackles, one sack, and one interception.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://noextrapoints.com/players/will-hilliii/|title = Will Hill III}}</ref>


===St. Louis BattleHawks===
Hill has been trying to make changes in his personal life. "I sit in the house with my family. I used to be a nightclub guy, especially coming out of college. I've just been watching a lot of movies. I'm a homebody. I took a long look in the mirror and decided to change a lot of things," Hill said in December 2014.<ref name="baltimoresun.com"/>
In October 2019, Hill was drafted by the [[St. Louis BattleHawks]] in the [[2020 XFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Bender|first=Bill|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/xfl-draft-tracker-results-picks-list-rosters-football-league/jahz8p84e4i61hb8lajqs4a22|title=XFL Draft picks 2019: Complete results, rosters, players for new football league|website=[[Sporting News]]|date=October 21, 2019|access-date=October 23, 2019}}</ref> During the 5 game shorted season due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Hill had 33 tackles and 2 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://stats.xfl.com/Player/10232|title = XFL Live Stats}}</ref> Hill was named to both the XFL mid-season awards,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xfl.com/articles/all-xfl-midseason-team|title=All-XFL Midseason Team|website=www.xfl.com}}</ref> and was rated as one of the top graded defensive backs by [[Pro Football Focus]].<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1247912697045438465|user=XFL2023|title=The grades are in. ⁣⁣Take a look at the highest-graded players of the season according to @PFF.<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |author=Condotta, Bob |title=XFL suspends operations, terminates all employees, but Jim Zorn says he has hopes league will continue |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/xfl-suspends-operations-terminates-all-employees/ |website=SeattleTimes.com |date=April 10, 2020 |access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>


===Arlington Renegades===
== References ==
On November 16, 2022, Hill was drafted by the [[Arlington Renegades]] in the 2022 XFL Draft. He was drafted 22nd overall in the Defensive Backs phase of the draft.<ref>{{Cite web|title= When there's a Will (Hill), there's a way. Welcome back to the league, @WillThrill25! |url=https://twitter.com/xflrenegades/status/1592984604163846144 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Twitter |language=en}}</ref> He was not part of the roster after the [[2024 UFL dispersal draft]] on January 15, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 UFL Team Rosters |url=https://www.theufl.com/rosters |website=TheUFL.com |access-date=January 20, 2024}}</ref>


==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}


== External links ==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/roster/Will-Hill/968b3543-838a-4f08-8e29-d12495f6d258 Baltimore Ravens bio]
{{footballstats|espn=15621|yahoo=26478}}
* [http://gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2010&player_id=185 Florida Gators bio]
* [http://gatorzone.com/football/bios.php?year=2010&player_id=185 Florida Gators bio]
* [http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=2458183 Scout.com Profile]
* [https://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=55566&Sport=1 Rivals.com Profile]


{{Hamilton Tiger-Cats roster navbox}}
{{2008 Florida Gators football navbox}}
{{2008 Florida Gators football navbox}}
{{2023 Arlington Renegades}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hill, Will}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hill, Will}}
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[[Category:American football safeties]]
[[Category:American football safeties]]
[[Category:Arizona Rattlers players]]
[[Category:Arizona Rattlers players]]
[[Category:Arlington Renegades players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Ravens players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Ravens players]]
[[Category:Florida Gators football players]]
[[Category:Florida Gators football players]]
[[Category:Hamilton Tiger-Cats players]]
[[Category:New York Giants players]]
[[Category:New York Giants players]]
[[Category:People from West Orange, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Orlando Apollos players]]
[[Category:Players of American football from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from West Orange, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Essex County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:St. Louis Battlehawks players]]
[[Category:St. Peter's Preparatory School alumni]]
[[Category:Under Armour All-American football players]]
[[Category:Under Armour All-American football players]]
[[Category:Canadian football defensive backs]]
[[Category:Players of Canadian football from New Jersey]]

Latest revision as of 21:36, 1 January 2025

Will Hill
refer to caption
Hill with the Ravens in 2015
Personal information
Born: (1990-03-07) March 7, 1990 (age 34)
East Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
High school:St. Peter's Preparatory School
(Jersey City, New Jersey)
College:Florida
Position:Safety
Undrafted:2011
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:221
Sacks:1.0
Forced fumbles:3
Fumble recoveries:2
Interceptions:4
Total touchdowns:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Stats at CFL.ca

Will Hill III (born March 7, 1990) is an American football safety who is a free agent. He played college football for the University of Florida and was a member of Florida's 2009 BCS National Championship team. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants in 2012, and has also played for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL) from 2014 to 2015. He was also a member of the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League (AFL), the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL), the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), and the St. Louis BattleHawks and Arlington Renegades of the XFL.

Early life

[edit]

Hill was born and raised in East Orange, New Jersey. He attended St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, New Jersey. At St. Peter's Preparatory School, he was a two-sport athlete in football and track. In football, he played receiver, quarterback, running back, and safety in his junior year. He ran for 682 yards from both running back and quarterback positions and threw for 758 yards. He had three interceptions and 68 tackles playing free safety and had 444 yards receiving.[1] As a senior, Hill had 947 yards passing and seven touchdowns, he rushed for 960 yards and 19 touchdowns and had 43 tackles, four interceptions, and three pass breakups on defense. He was a first team all-state selection. He was the 2007 New Jersey Offensive Player of the Year.[2]

In track and field, Hill competed as a sprinter. He recorded a personal-best time of 52.9 seconds in the 400-meter dash as a freshman.[3] In addition, he also ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash as a senior.

Following his high school senior season, Rivals.com, ESPN, and Scout.com all rated Hill as the top high school safety in the nation. ESPN rated him as the second overall football prospect and the top-ranked overall athlete in the nation. Rivals rated Hill tenth and Scout rated him sixth among all college football recruits.

College career

[edit]
Hill with the Florida Gators in 2009

Hill accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida, where he played for coach Urban Meyer's Florida Gators football team from 2008 to 2010. As a free safety and special teams contributor, he was chosen to be on the 2008 SEC Football All-Freshman Team.[4] Hill compiled 48 tackles and two interceptions as a freshman for the Gators. He recorded the first tackle of the 2009 BCS Championship Game, in which the Gators defeated the Oklahoma Sooners by a score of 24–14.

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 1 in
(1.85 m)
202 lb
(92 kg)
4.63 s 1.56 s 2.69 s 4.19 s 6.94 s 34+12 in
(0.88 m)
10 ft 5 in
(3.18 m)
13 reps
All values from NFL Combine and Pro Day[5]

Hill was not selected in the 2011 NFL draft. Hill later signed with the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League (AFL).[6]

New York Giants

[edit]
Hill with the New York Giants in 2012

On May 14, 2012, Hill was signed by the New York Giants. He was eventually activated to their active roster.[7] On June 2, 2014, Hill was waived by the Giants.[8]

Baltimore Ravens

[edit]

It was reported on July 25, 2014 that the Baltimore Ravens signed Hill after former Giants teammate Aaron Ross was injured in training camp and lost for the entire 2014 season. On November 24, 2014, in Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, Hill intercepted quarterback Drew Brees and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown. The Ravens won 34–27.

On August 27, 2015, the Ravens signed him to a two-year contract extension worth roughly $7 million.[9] On November 30, 2015, in Week 12, Hill recovered a potential game-winning field goal blocked by defensive end Brent Urban as time expired and returned it for a game-winning touchdown against the Cleveland Browns.[10] Hill was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in recognition of his successful performance.[11]

On March 16, 2016, the Ravens released Hill upon learning that he had failed a drug test and would be suspended ten games.[12]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

[edit]

On May 9, 2017, Hill signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In the season opening loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Hill blocked a pair of field goals, one of which was returned for a touchdown by teammate Richard Leonard.[13] In his second game with the team, Hill was ejected for grabbing a referee by his uniform after disputing a call on the field. He was subsequently suspended for one game by the league. Hill was also issued a fine for punching a Saskatchewan player in a separate incident on the same play.[14] On August 10, 2017 Hill was released by the Tiger-Cats who were 0–6 at the time, citing character concerns.[15] Hill appeared in 5 games for the Ti-Cats and contributed 25 defensive tackles, one tackle on special teams, one quarterback sack, and two blocked field goals.

Orlando Apollos

[edit]

In 2018, Hill signed with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football for the 2019 season.[16] The league ceased operations in April 2019.[17] In 8 games, Hill made 35 tackles, one sack, and one interception.[18]

St. Louis BattleHawks

[edit]

In October 2019, Hill was drafted by the St. Louis BattleHawks in the 2020 XFL Draft.[19] During the 5 game shorted season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hill had 33 tackles and 2 interceptions.[20] Hill was named to both the XFL mid-season awards,[21] and was rated as one of the top graded defensive backs by Pro Football Focus.[22] He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.[23]

Arlington Renegades

[edit]

On November 16, 2022, Hill was drafted by the Arlington Renegades in the 2022 XFL Draft. He was drafted 22nd overall in the Defensive Backs phase of the draft.[24] He was not part of the roster after the 2024 UFL dispersal draft on January 15, 2024.[25]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Scout.com Stats". Recruiting.scout.com. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  2. ^ Will Hill (October 10, 2010). "ESPN.com Stats". ESPN. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  3. ^ "Hudson County Track Coaches Association".
  4. ^ "2008 SEC Football All-Freshman Team Announced". Secsports.com. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  5. ^ "Hall of Football". Hall of Football.
  6. ^ "Unknown".[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ "New York Giants activate Will Hill, place Michael Coe on IR". National Football League. November 10, 2012. Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  8. ^ Graziano, Dan (June 2, 2014). "Giants waive Will Hill". ESPN. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  9. ^ Hensley, Jamison (August 27, 2015). "Will Hill re-ups with Baltimore". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  10. ^ "Kick six on last play of game gives Ravens stunning win over Browns". The Guardian. December 1, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
  11. ^ "Ravens' Will Hill wins AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  12. ^ Patra, Kevin (March 16, 2016). "Will Hill facing 10-game suspension for drug violation". NFL.com. Retrieved March 16, 2016.
  13. ^ "Ray shreds Ticats for over 500 yards passing as Argos take opener at BMO". CFL.ca. June 25, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
  14. ^ "CFL fines, suspends Hamilton's Hill for separate incidents in loss to Riders". National Post. July 11, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  15. ^ "Ticats release DB Hill, cite character concerns – Article – TSN". TSN. August 10, 2017. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  16. ^ Romero, Iliana Limon; Parry, Roy. "Orlando Apollos unveil debut uniforms, land QB Garrett Gilbert". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  17. ^ Rothstein, Michael; Wickersham, Seth (June 13, 2019). "Inside the short, unhappy life of the Alliance of American Football". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  18. ^ "Will Hill III".
  19. ^ Bender, Bill (October 21, 2019). "XFL Draft picks 2019: Complete results, rosters, players for new football league". Sporting News. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  20. ^ "XFL Live Stats".
  21. ^ "All-XFL Midseason Team". www.xfl.com.
  22. ^ @XFL2023 (April 8, 2020). "The grades are in. ⁣⁣Take a look at the highest-graded players of the season according to @PFF" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Condotta, Bob (April 10, 2020). "XFL suspends operations, terminates all employees, but Jim Zorn says he has hopes league will continue". SeattleTimes.com. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  24. ^ "When there's a Will (Hill), there's a way. Welcome back to the league, @WillThrill25!". Twitter. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  25. ^ "2024 UFL Team Rosters". TheUFL.com. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
[edit]