Peyton Hillis
No. 22, 40, 44, 33 | |||||||||||||
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Position: | Running back, Fullback | ||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||
Born: | Conway, Arkansas, U.S. | January 21, 1986||||||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||
Weight: | 250 lb (113 kg) | ||||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||||
High school: | Conway (AR) | ||||||||||||
College: | Arkansas (2004–2007) | ||||||||||||
NFL draft: | 2008 / Round: 7 / Pick: 227 | ||||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||||
Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
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Player stats at NFL.com · PFR |
Peyton Derek Hillis (born January 21, 1986) is a former
College career
After a high school career that saw him ranked as the #119 player in the country for the 2004 recruiting class, Peyton chose to attend college at the University of Arkansas from 2004 to 2007, majoring in Sociology. He chose Arkansas over a number of other offers from schools such as Oklahoma, Nebraska, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, and LSU.
As a
During his sophomore year, Hillis accounted for 947 all-purpose yards (including more than 200 in kick-off and punt returns) and seven touchdowns while also serving as a blocker for up-and-coming star running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
In his junior season, Hillis only appeared in ten games due to a nagging injury, although he did return late in the season to help Arkansas win the 2006 SEC Western Division Championship. That team finished 10-4 after losing to Wisconsin in the 2007 Capital One Bowl. The biggest victory of the season came on November 11 with ESPN College GameDay in attendance, Arkansas defeated #13 Tennessee in Fayetteville, 31–14.
His senior season in 2007 saw Hillis finish with over 800 yards of total offense and score 7 total touchdowns. Although this team did not meet pre-season expectations, finishing 8–5 after losing to Missouri in the
Over his four seasons as a fullback at Arkansas, Hillis helped paved the way for Darren McFadden to become the Razorbacks all-time rushing leader with three straight 1,000 yard seasons from 2005 to 2007, as well as two straight for fellow running back Felix Jones in 2006 and 2007. Arkansas was one of the most prolific running teams in the nation over those three seasons, owed in no small part to Hillis' blocking and receiving prowess.
College career statistics
Season | Team | GP | Rushing | Receiving | Kickoff Returns | Punt Returns | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | |||
2004 | Arkansas | 10 | 63 | 240 | 3.8 | 42 | 6 | 12 | 97 | 8.1 | 18 | 2 | 7 | 128 | 18.3 | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
2005 | Arkansas | 11 | 65 | 315 | 4.8 | 32 | 3 | 38 | 402 | 10.6 | 45 | 4 | 3 | 65 | 21.7 | 23 | 0 | 16 | 165 | 10.3 | 27 | 0 |
2006 | Arkansas | 10 | 13 | 57 | 4.9 | 12 | 1 | 19 | 159 | 8.4 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 18 | 0 | 8 | 92 | 11.5 | 27 | 0 |
2007 | Arkansas | 13 | 62 | 348 | 5.6 | 65 | 2 | 49 | 539 | 11.0 | 34 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Total | 44 | 203 | 960 | 4.7 | 65 | 12 | 118 | 1,197 | 10.1 | 45 | 11 | 12 | 213 | 17.8 | 30 | 0 | 25 | 257 | 10.3 | 27 | 0 |
Professional career
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 | Wonderlic
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 ft 0+3⁄4 in (1.85 m) |
240 lb (109 kg) |
31+1⁄8 in (0.79 m) |
9 in (0.23 m) |
4.57 ** s | 1.56 ** s | 2.64 ** s | 4.24 ** s | 7.15 s | 35 in (0.89 m)** |
9 ft 9 in (2.97 m) |
26 reps | 45 |
** From Arkansas NFL Combine[3]
|
Denver Broncos
The
2008 season
At the start of the
Following an injury to
With the loss of Hillis, depth at the running back position was practically nil and the Broncos fell to 8–8 on the season and failed to make the playoffs. Due to a lack of postseason berths in recent years, Broncos coach
.2009 season
Despite rising to the starting fullback position and becoming the leading rusher the previous year, Hillis had only 54 yards on 13 carries in the 2009 season. As the Broncos offense collapsed late-season and Hillis still saw no significant playtime, fans began speculating about a disagreement between Hillis and McDaniels as had been the case with other Shanahan carry-overs.[14] In a postseason interview, Hillis expressed disappointment over his playing time on the season, but remained tight-lipped about the controversy, maintaining that conversations between him and McDaniels were "friendly".[15] In the same interview, Hillis was quoted as saying his future in Denver was "up in the air". On March 14, 2010, the Broncos traded Hillis to the Cleveland Browns along with a sixth-round pick in the 2011 Draft and a conditional pick in the 2012 Draft in exchange for quarterback Brady Quinn.[16]
Cleveland Browns
2010 season
Hillis's arrival in Cleveland was met with anticipation after the results of his active stint in Denver during the 2008 season.
As the regular season began, Hillis' start in Cleveland began much the same way as it did in Denver, listed down the depth chart at both tight end and fullback. Also like his start in Denver, early season injuries to Harrison and Davis thrust Hillis into the starting spot for the Week 3 game versus the Baltimore Ravens.[22] The result was a 144-yard (6.5 YPC) romp against the Ravens' staunch rushing defense, which allowed just 3.4 yards per carry in the 2009 season.[23] Hillis also added 36 yards on seven receptions for a total of 180 all-purpose yards. The next week, Hillis again ran for over 100 yards at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, leading the Browns to their first victory in the 2010 regular season. A thigh injury in practice limited Hillis in Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons, though Hillis did add a 19-yard reception for a touchdown, making him the first Browns player since Greg Pruitt to record touchdowns in five consecutive games, though Pruitt's came all through rushing.[24][25] Coming off a bye week in Week 8, Hillis set career marks in both rushing and all-purpose yards against the New England Patriots in Week 9, finishing the game with 184 rushing yards (6.5 ypc) and 220 yards of total offense.[26] Following this game, Hillis was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 9, the first Cleveland Browns running back to win that honor since Eric Metcalf in 1992. In week 12, Hillis joined Marshall Faulk as the only players to have achieved more than 130 yards rushing, three rushing touchdowns, and 60 yards receiving in a single game.[27] On December 12, 2010, Hillis went over the 1,000 yard mark on an eight-yard rush, that was preceded by a 25-yard rush.
Due to his breakout season, Hillis was the Browns finalist in the Madden NFL 12 cover vote. After upsetting Ray Rice, Matt Ryan, and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers, he advanced to the finals where he faced off against Michael Vick. On April 27, 2011, Hillis was announced as the cover athlete for the game, beating out Vick with 66 percent of the vote.[28]
2011 season
Hillis had a difficult 2011–12 season that led him to be associated with the Madden Curse, a history of poor performance by athletes after appearing on the Madden cover.[29] The season began with unsuccessful negotiations to extend his contract.[30] He had a good game in a Week 2 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, running for 94 yards and two touchdowns,[31] but he then sat out a game the next week against the Miami Dolphins with strep throat on the advice of his agent.[32] Hillis then injured his hamstring twice, once in a game and once in practice, limiting his performance and frustrating teammates.[33] He rebounded towards the end of the season, rushing for 99 yards in Arizona and 112 in Baltimore to finish with 587 and three touchdowns. At the end of the year, Hillis stated he wanted to re-sign with the Browns, even willing to offer a hometown discount, but the Browns never made him an offer and allowed him to leave as a free agent to Kansas City.[34]
Kansas City Chiefs
On March 14, 2012, Hillis signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.[35] He finished the 2012 season with 309 yards on 85 carries as a backup to Jamaal Charles.[36]
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On July 23, 2013, Hillis signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[37] On September 21, 2013, Hillis was released by the Buccaneers without appearing in a game.[38]
New York Giants
On October 16, 2013, the New York Giants announced they had signed Hillis for the 2013–14 season.[39] On March 11, 2014, the Giants gave Hillis a $1.8 million contract extension for two more years. Before the start of the 2014 season, Hillis agreed to change his number from #44 to #33, so that rookie Andre Williams could wear the number he wore in college. Hillis had also worn number 33 while in training camp with the Buccaneers.[40]
On February 25, 2015, the Giants announced the release of Hillis.[41][42]
Retirement
Hillis retired in 2015, at his doctor's behest due to his history of
NFL career statistics
Year | Team | Games | Rushing | Receiving | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GP | GS | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
2008 | DEN | 12 | 6 | 68 | 343 | 5.0 | 19 | 5 | 14 | 179 | 12.8 | 47 | 1 |
2009 | DEN | 14 | 2 | 13 | 54 | 4.2 | 13 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 4.8 | 6 | 0 |
2010 | CLE | 16 | 14 | 270 | 1,177 | 4.4 | 48 | 11 | 61 | 477 | 7.8 | 47 | 2 |
2011 | CLE | 10 | 9 | 161 | 587 | 3.6 | 24 | 3 | 22 | 130 | 5.9 | 52 | 0 |
2012 | KC | 13 | 2 | 85 | 309 | 3.6 | 18 | 1 | 10 | 62 | 6.2 | 15 | 0 |
2013 | NYG | 7 | 1 | 73 | 247 | 3.4 | 27 | 2 | 13 | 96 | 7.4 | 16 | 0 |
2014 | NYG | 9 | 0 | 26 | 115 | 4.4 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 87 | 8.7 | 26 | 0 |
Career | 81 | 34 | 696 | 2,832 | 4.1 | 48 | 23 | 134 | 1,050 | 7.8 | 52 | 3 |
Personal life
In 2021, Hillis made his acting debut in the horror movie The Hunting,[44] directed by Mark Andrew Hamer. Hillis received top-billing in the film for his role. Set photos indicated he portrayed a werewolf.[45]
In January 2023, Hillis was reported to be in critical condition after getting injured while saving his young niece and son from drowning.[46] He was released from the hospital after almost three weeks.[47] In February 2023, Hillis said that he expects to make a full recovery.[48]
References
- ^ "Peyton Hillis Biography thru 2006". Archived from the original on February 12, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2010.
- ^ Peyton Hillis - Arkansas, FB : 2008 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile
- ^ "Peyton Hillis Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
- ^ "2008 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ "Broncos vs. Raiders - NFL Game Recap - September 8, 2008". ESPN.
- ^ "Dolphins vs. Broncos - NFL Game Recap - November 2, 2008". ESPN.
- ^ "Broncos vs. Falcons - NFL Game Recap - November 16, 2008". ESPN.
- ^ "Broncos vs. Jets - NFL Game Recap - November 30, 2008". ESPN.
- NFL.com. Archived from the originalon December 11, 2008.
- ^ "Broncos' backfield woes continue with Hillis on IR". ESPN.com. December 8, 2008.
- ^ "Peyton Hillis Stats, News and Video - RB". NFL.com.
- ^ "Broncos fire Shanahan after season falls apart". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 30, 2008. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "Broncos Introduce McDaniels".
- ^ "The answer is Hillis".
- ^ Peyton Hillis Speaks on his First Season with Josh McDaniels Archived January 10, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Bena, John (March 14, 2010). "Broncos trade Peyton Hillis, 6th Round Pick for QB Brady Quinn". Mile High Report. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "Browns Training Camp Notebook for Aug. 1". Archived from the original on August 5, 2010.
- ^ "Browns vs. Packers - NFL Box Score - August 14, 2010". ESPN.
- ^ "Rams vs. Browns - NFL Box Score - August 21, 2010". ESPN.
- ^ "Browns vs. Lions - NFL Box Score - August 28, 2010". ESPN.
- ^ "Bears vs. Browns - NFL Box Score - September 2, 2010". ESPN.
- ^ "Browns Notebook: Who's got the ball on Sunday". Archived from the original on April 1, 2012.
- ^ "Browns vs. Ravens - NFL Game Recap - September 26, 2010". ESPN.
- ^ "Falcons vs. Browns - NFL Game Recap - October 10, 2010". ESPN.
- ^ "Account Suspended". www.brownsgab.com.
- ^ "Patriots vs. Browns - NFL Game Recap - November 7, 2010". ESPN.
- ^ "Hillis Joins Rams Legend in NFL Record Book". Archived from the original on December 3, 2010.
- ^ Bena, John (April 27, 2011). "EA Sports Reveals Madden '12 Cover Featuring Peyton Hillis". SB Nation Cleveland. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "After struggles, Hillis a believer in Madden curse". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 31, 2011. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "Cleveland Browns weary of Peyton Hillis drama, prepared to let him go after season, sources say". November 5, 2011.
- ^ "Browns vs. Colts - Box Score - September 18, 2011 - ESPN".
- ^ "Peyton Hillis' agent tries to cool illness controversy by pouring gas on it: Bud Shaw's Sports Spin". October 6, 2011.
- ^ "Are Browns done with Peyton Hillis?". November 5, 2011.
- ^ "Cleveland Browns let Peyton Hillis agree to deal with Kansas City Chiefs; guard Eric Steinbach released". March 15, 2012.
- ^ "Peyton Hillis leaves Browns for fresh start with Chiefs". NFL.com.
- ^ Williamson, Bill (July 23, 2013). "Peyton Hillis never fit with Chiefs". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ Schwab, Frank (July 23, 2013). "Peyton Hillis (remember him?) has signed one-year with Tampa Bay Buccaneers". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved July 23, 2013.
- ^ La Canfora, Jason (September 21, 2013). "Peyton Hillis released by Tampa Bay Buccaneers". Twitter.com. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- ^ Orr, Conor (October 16, 2013). "Giants sign RB Peyton Hillis". NJ.com. Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ Hanzus, Dan (March 11, 2014). "Report: Peyton Hillis signs New York Giants contract". NFL.com. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
- ^ "Giants release RB Peyton Hillis". ESPN. February 25, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
- NFL. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
- ^ Gagnon, Brad (August 25, 2015). "The Peyton Hillis Story: From Madden Cover to Outside Looking In". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
- ^ Billington, Alex (June 28, 2021). "First Trailer for Indie Werewolf Thriller 'The Hunting' Filmed in Ohio". FirstShowing.net. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
- ^ Porto, Chad (February 27, 2021). "Browns: Former Madden cover star Peyton Hillis to star in new movie". Factory of Sadness. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
- ^ Little, Brandon (January 5, 2023). "Report: Former Browns RB Peyton Hillis in Critical Condition After Swimming Accident". Browns Digest. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ Czachor, Emily Mae (January 23, 2023). "Former NFL star Peyton Hillis discharged from hospital weeks after rescuing kids from drowning at Florida beach". CBS News. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
- ^ Trotter, Jake (February 22, 2023). "Thankful Hillis expects to make '100% recovery'". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.