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Margus Hunt
Margus Hunt
Margus Hunt
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Margus Hunt (born 14 July 1987) is a former professional American football defensive end. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft. He played college football at SMU. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints.

Key Information

Before taking up American football, Hunt competed in the discus throw and shot put, and was the former world junior record holder in discus throw.[1] He stands at 6'8", or 203.2 centimeters[2]

Early life (track and field)

[edit]

Hunt grew up in the small town of Karksi-Nuia and took up athletics because "there wasn’t much to do". After trying decathlon he decided to concentrate on the throwing events – discus, shot and hammer throw. Hunt started training with Aleksander Tammert, an Olympic bronze medalist in discus throw from the 2004 Summer Olympics. Hunt competed in hammer throw at the 2003 World Youth Championships and discus at the 2004 World Junior Championships, placing eighth and sixth respectively.

In 2005, he won his first title at the European Junior Championships in Kaunas, throwing 62.19 metres (Championship record) with the 1.75 kg discus.

In 2006, at the World Junior Championships in Beijing Hunt established a new world junior record of 66.35 metres with his first throw in the qualifying round. In the finals, Hunt improved his own world junior record to 66.68 m in the fourth round and then 67.32 m in the sixth and final round.

Three days later he won the gold medal in the shot put at 20.53 metres in the final, beating the closest competitor by 39 centimetres. Hunt became the first athlete to win the gold medal in both shot and discus at the World Junior Championships, outperforming Rutger Smith of the Netherlands who won a gold and a bronze in 2000. His winning distance of 20.53 m was a national junior record with the 6 kg shot.

His personal best hammer throw result is 64.89 made on 28 March 2008, in Arlington, Texas.[3][4] His personal best shot put result is 17.98 made on 22 March 2008, in Waco.[5]

His personal best with the senior 2 kg discus is 61.33 meters made on 6 July 2010, in Viljandi.

College career

[edit]
See also: 2009 SMU Mustangs football team, 2010 SMU Mustangs football team, 2011 SMU Mustangs football team, and 2012 SMU Mustangs football team

Hunt left Estonia for Dallas, Texas, in 2007 in order to train with Southern Methodist University track and field coach Dave Wollman,[6] and he began attending SMU part-time. However, by the time he arrived at SMU, the university had dropped its men's track program. Hunt wanted to keep working with Wollman, who had previously worked with an Estonian discus thrower, 2004 Olympic bronze Aleksander Tammert, and Wollman decided that Hunt's size and athleticism could earn him an athletic scholarship playing for the SMU Mustangs football team.[6] When Hunt tried out for football, his physical power, combined with a 4.7-second 40-yard dash, led Mustangs head football coach June Jones to offer him a scholarship,[6] and he began attending SMU full-time in 2009. He then played for the Mustangs for the next four seasons. On 12 October 2009, Hunt was named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week.[7] On 7 November Hunt broke the school record for blocked kicks in a season when he blocked an extra-point try and a field goal against Rice. In his first 14 games at SMU he blocked eight kicks, putting him in the top 10 in blocked kicks among all NCAA players.[8] He was named the MVP of the 2012 Hawaii Bowl. He almost broke the NCAA's all-time record for blocked kicks (19),[9] but eventually finished college career with 17 blocks,[10] the second highest in that account.[11]

For nearly 10 years, Bruce Feldman, a writer for CBSSports.com, has annually compiled what he calls a "Freak List" of the 10 college football players he considers the most freakish athletes. In 2012, Hunt was on top of his list. According to Feldman, Hunt "sounds like a PlayStation football creation"—despite his 82-inch (2.1 m) wingspan, he is able to bench press 225 pounds (102 kg) 35 times, and has also cleaned 384 pounds (174 kg) and snatched 345 pounds (156 kg). Hunt also boasts a 36-inch (91 cm) vertical jump. Wollman predicted that Hunt would have 45 repetitions and a 4.6-second 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL Combine.[6] Hunt did, in fact, run a 4.60-second 40-yard dash and did 38 bench press repetitions while posting a vertical leap of 34.5-inch (88 cm) at the 2013 combine.[12]

Professional career

[edit]
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
6 ft 8+1⁄8 in
(2.04 m)		 277 lb
(126 kg)		 33+3⁄4 in
(0.86 m)		 10 in
(0.25 m)		 4.60 s 1.63 s 2.71 s 4.51 s 7.07 s 34.5 in
(0.88 m)		 10 ft 1 in
(3.07 m)		 38 reps
All values from NFL Combine.[13][14]

Cincinnati Bengals (first stint)

[edit]

On 26 April 2013, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Hunt in the second round, 53rd pick overall, of the 2013 NFL draft.[15] Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer compared him to Bengals defensive end/linebacker Michael Johnson at a post-draft news conference, explaining that both players were very raw coming out of college but had the potential to be great.

On 6 October 2013, Hunt made his debut in NFL, when the Bengals beat the New England Patriots 13–6.[16] He played in 10 games and was inactive the other six. He totaled four tackles, a shared sack and seven quarterback pressures as the Bengals won the AFC North.[17]

Hunt totaled seven tackles and one sack in 12 games in 2014 as the Bengals went 10-5-1 and again made the playoffs.[18][19]

Hunt was anticipated to have a breakout season in 2015.[20] He did not, and totaled only 2 tackles and no sacks in 7 games for the Bengals.

Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Hunt (left, #92) playing against the Washington Redskins in 2018.

On 13 March 2017, Hunt signed a two-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts.[21] In his first season with the Colts, Hunt totaled 29 tackles and a sack.[22]

In Week 1 of the 2018 season, Hunt had two sacks against his former team the Bengals, nearly totalling the 2.5 career sacks he had coming into the game.[23] In Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Hunt recorded four tackles, including a sack, and recovered his own forced fumble. Through three weeks, Hunt was leading the league in tackles for a loss with eight.[24] He started 15 games in 2018, recording 30 combined tackles and five sacks.

On 5 March 2019, Hunt signed a two-year, $9 million contract extension with the Colts.[25]

The Colts released Hunt on 16 March 2020.[26]

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

On 1 May 2020, Hunt signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.[27] He was released on 5 September 2020, and signed to the practice squad the next day.[28][29] He was elevated to the active roster on 12 September for the team's week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,[30] and reverted to the practice squad on 14 September. He was elevated again on 21 September for the week 2 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, and reverted to the practice squad again following the game.[31] He was promoted to the active roster on 26 September 2020.[32] On 12 October 2020, Hunt was released by the Saints.[33]

Cincinnati Bengals (second stint)

[edit]

On 19 October 2020, Hunt signed with the Bengals.[34] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on 9 November 2020,[35] and was activated on 20 November.[36]

Arizona Cardinals

[edit]

On 11 August 2021, Hunt signed with the Arizona Cardinals.[37] He was released on 31 August 2021.[38]

Chicago Bears

[edit]

On 8 September 2021, Hunt was signed to the Chicago Bears practice squad. Hunt was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster on 18 September 2021, for the week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago,[39] as well on 25 September 2021, for the week 3 game against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland.[40] He was promoted to the active roster on 23 November.[41]

NFL statistics

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
G GS Comb Solo Ast Sk PD Int TD FF
2013 CIN 10 0 3 1 2 0.5 0 0 0 0
2014 CIN 12 0 7 5 2 1.0 1 0 0 0
2015 CIN 7 0 2 1 1 0.0 0 0 0 0
2016 CIN 15 0 17 9 8 0.0 2 0 0 0
2017 IND 16 5 29 19 10 1.0 2 0 0 0
2018 IND 15 15 30 22 8 5.0 2 0 0 1
2019 IND 16 5 17 14 3 0.0 0 0 0 0
2020 NOR 4 0 3 2 1 0.0 0 0 0 0
CIN 9 1 6 5 1 1.0 4 0 0 0
2021 CHI 10 0 14 6 8 0.0 0 0 0 0
Career 106 26 117 80 37 8.5 11 0 0 1

Achievements (track and field)

[edit]
Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing  Estonia
2003 Youth World Championships Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada 8th Hammer throw (5 kg) 64.77 PB
2004 World Junior Championships Grosseto, Italy 6th Discus throw (1.75 kg) 58.30 m PB
2005 Junior European Championships Kaunas, Lithuania 1st Discus throw (1.75 kg) 62.19 CR, NJR
2006 Junior World Championships Beijing, China 1st Shot put (6 kg) 20.53 m WJL, NJR
1st Discus throw (1.75 kg) 67.32 m WJR
European Cup First League Group A Prague, Czech Republic 6th Hammer throw 60.21 SB
2007 European U23 Championships Debrecen, Hungary 6th Discus throw 56.49 m
2009 European U23 Championships Kaunas, Lithuania 14th (q) Shot put 17.25 m
9th Discus throw 56.09 m

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Margus Hunt

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Margus Hunt (born July 14, 1987) is an Estonian former professional who played nine seasons in the (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) and weighing 295 pounds (134 kg), Hunt transitioned from a successful career—where he became the first athlete to win gold medals in both the shot put and at the 2006 World U20 Championships—to , which he began playing only in college. Selected by the in the second round (53rd overall) of the after a standout tenure at (SMU), Hunt appeared in 114 games across four teams, recording 8.5 sacks, 128 combined tackles, and notable contributions as a rotational pass rusher and special teams player. Born in Karksi-Nuia, , Hunt grew up in a small town and initially focused on athletics due to limited opportunities, quickly rising to national prominence as a teenager. By age 16, he had set youth world records in the and earned a sixth-place finish at the World Junior Championships in 2004. His 2006 triumphs at the World U20 Championships in marked him as a dual-event prodigy, also securing the European Junior discus title the previous year. Relocating to the in 2006 to train with SMU throwing coach Jim Wollman despite the men's track program having been discontinued two years earlier, Hunt tried out for the as a in 2009 despite having no prior experience; he self-taught the sport using video games like and American media to learn English and rules. At SMU, Hunt rapidly developed into an All-Conference USA honorable mention , amassing 45 tackles, 3 sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss in his senior year while blocking three kicks. His athleticism shone at the 2013 , where his performance as a 277-pound lineman highlighted his rare speed and strength. In the , Hunt's career spanned the Bengals (2013–2016, 2020), (2017–2019), (2020), and (2021), with his most productive season in 2018 alongside the Colts, where he started 15 games, notched 5 sacks, and played 74% of defensive snaps. Known for his length and special teams prowess, including multiple blocked kicks, Hunt retired after the 2021 season without a formal announcement, appearing in 10 games for the Bears in his final season.

Early life

Birth and upbringing in Estonia

Margus Hunt was born on July 14, 1987, in Karksi-Nuia, a rural village in Viljandi County, Estonia. He was raised by his mother, Eda Hunt, a former speed skater and athletics champion who worked as a bookkeeper in the county, and his older sister Kairi, a former track athlete who is 14 years his senior. His father, a championship-caliber motorbike racer, was absent throughout his early years. Hunt's upbringing occurred amid Estonia's post-Soviet transition after in , a period marked by economic restructuring that led to declining primary and secondary industries, rising , and rural depopulation in areas like Viljandi County as intensified. In Karksi-Nuia, a town of approximately 2,000 residents near the Latvian border, the socio-economic environment was modest and isolated, with limited opportunities and families navigating financial constraints, such as paying for excursions in installments. This rural setting fostered a close-knit community where daily life revolved around local routines, including travel to nearby Viljandi for various needs. As a child, Hunt attended Karksi-Nuia High School, where his towering stature earned him the nickname "Biggie," and he was noted for his kind, helpful nature, frequently assisting teachers despite initial academic struggles that resulted in mostly satisfactory grades. He ultimately improved his performance to achieve excellent marks in his final exams, reflecting a disciplined approach amid the demands of rural education. Beyond school, his early interests centered on community interactions and a budding competitive spirit, supported by the school's accommodations like double meal portions for his size, which underscored the practical, communal aspects of daily life in Viljandi County. This family-influenced environment of athletic heritage provided a natural pathway to organized sports later on.

Introduction to athletics

Margus Hunt's initial foray into organized sports began in his childhood in Karksi-Nuia, , where he played soccer until an injury sidelined him at around age 10. This setback, combined with encouragement from his family—particularly his mother, Eda Hunt, a former speed skater, and his older sister, Kairi Hunt, who competed in —led him to explore events through the school's program, which integrates the sport prominently in . By sixth grade, around age 12, Hunt was formally introduced to throwing events, starting with the discus under local coach Rein Ahun. Hunt's early training focused on and , alongside discus, as he honed his natural strength and explosiveness in regional youth competitions in Viljandi County. Under Ahun's guidance, he progressed rapidly, participating in local meets where his quick learning—often by observing techniques from videos—allowed him to master complex movements with minimal instruction. By his mid-teens, Hunt had advanced to the national level, setting a national youth record in discus while training in modest facilities during winters, including sessions in Viljandi. Recognizing the limitations of Estonia's small athletic infrastructure and resources, Hunt decided around age 19 to pursue professionally by seeking advanced training abroad, driven by a desire to compete at higher levels beyond the constraints of his homeland. This choice reflected the challenges of developing elite talent in a nation of just 1.3 million, where access to world-class coaching and facilities was scarce, prompting him to self-fund opportunities for growth.

Track and field career

Junior achievements

Margus Hunt began competing internationally as a junior athlete in 2003 at the World Youth Championships in Sherbrooke, Quebec, where he placed eighth in the hammer throw with the 5 kg implement at age 15. In 2004, at the age of 16, Hunt qualified for the World Junior Championships in Grosseto, Italy, advancing to the discus throw final with a 55.87 m mark in qualification before securing sixth place overall with a personal best of 58.30 m using the 1.75 kg discus. That same year, he set a youth world record of 69.50 m (228 feet) in the lighter 1 kg discus at a national meet in Valmiera, Latvia, highlighting his rapid development in throwing events. Hunt's breakthrough came in 2005 at the European Junior Championships in , , where he won gold in the with a championship record of 62.19 m using the 1.75 kg implement, marking his first major international title and establishing him as 's leading junior thrower. His performances drew significant media attention in , positioning him as the nation's top emerging talent in . The pinnacle of Hunt's junior career occurred in 2006 at the World Junior Championships in , , where he became the first athlete in history to win gold medals in both the shot put and discus throw in the same edition. In the discus, he set three world junior records during the competition—starting with 66.35 m in qualification—before clinching gold with a final throw of 67.32 m using the 1.75 kg discus. In the shot put, Hunt earned gold with 20.53 m using the 6 kg implement, a world junior leading mark that also served as his personal best and Estonia's first-ever golds at the event. These achievements solidified his status as Estonia's premier junior athlete and garnered widespread national recognition for bringing historic success to the country's throwing discipline.

Collegiate track at SMU

Margus Hunt arrived at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2007, drawn primarily by the opportunity to train in track and field under renowned throws coach Dave Wollman, who had built a reputation for developing elite throwers. Despite SMU discontinuing its men's track and field program shortly after his arrival, Hunt continued training privately with Wollman while enrolling part-time, focusing on shot put, discus throw, and hammer throw. His recruitment to SMU was influenced by his prior success as a junior international athlete, where he had won gold medals in both shot put and discus at the 2006 World Junior Championships. Under Wollman's guidance, Hunt's technique and power improved, leading to several notable performances during his early years at SMU. In March 2008, he achieved a hammer throw of 64.89 meters at a meet in Arlington, Texas, marking a personal best in the event. That same month, on March 22 in Waco, Texas, he recorded a shot put throw of 17.98 meters. By April 2009, competing unattached at a regional meet, Hunt won the discus event with a throw of 58.17 meters, exceeding the NCAA provisional qualifying standard for that season. His discus prowess peaked in July 2010 with a personal best of 61.33 meters at a competition in Viljandi, Estonia, achieved during a summer break from SMU. Hunt balanced his track commitments with emerging interests in starting in 2009, transitioning into a dual-sport while maintaining his throwing regimen. Wollman's training emphasized explosive power and rotational mechanics, which not only enhanced Hunt's personal records but also contributed to his physical development for football, allowing him to compete effectively in both disciplines during his initial seasons at SMU.

Notable records and awards

Margus Hunt achieved significant recognition in international junior competitions, particularly in throwing events. In 2005, he won the gold medal in the at the European Junior Championships in , , with a throw of 62.19 meters, setting a championship record. The following year, at the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing, China, Hunt became the first athlete in history to claim gold medals in both the shot put and in the same edition, throwing 20.53 meters in the shot put—a national junior record for —and 67.32 meters in the discus, establishing a world junior record. These performances earned him the IAAF Rising Star Award in 2006. At the collegiate level with Southern Methodist University (SMU), Hunt's throwing prowess continued to shine despite his transition toward football. His personal best in the discus throw was 61.33 meters, achieved on July 6, 2010, in Viljandi, Estonia, while his hammer throw best of 64.89 meters came on March 28, 2008, in Arlington, Texas. In shot put, he recorded an indoor best of 18.49 meters on January 23, 2007, in Tallinn, Estonia. During a 2009 meet, Hunt threw 58.17 meters in the discus, exceeding the NCAA provisional qualifying standard and winning the event while competing unattached. His explosive athleticism, honed through track, translated to football, where as a freshman in 2009 he set an NCAA record by blocking seven kicks in a season. Hunt's accomplishments marked him as a trailblazer for Estonian athletics, becoming the first from his country to compete at the elite NCAA level in . His success inspired a new generation of young athletes in , particularly in throwing events, by demonstrating the potential for international excellence from a small nation. He also secured Estonian national championships in his events, further solidifying his status as a homegrown hero.

College football career

Joining the team at SMU

Margus Hunt, who began training at (SMU) in 2006-2007 as a athlete specializing in discus throwing, had no prior experience in organized football before college. After the men's track program had been discontinued in 2004, leaving Hunt to train privately with track coach Dave Wollman, his transition to the sport began in late 2008 when Wollman recommended Hunt to the football staff based on his exceptional athletic profile. Standing at 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 280 pounds, Hunt's combination of height, power from his track background, and demonstrated caught the attention of head football coach , who invited him for a tryout and quickly offered a to join the team as a . Hunt officially started with the team in spring 2009, entering as a academically after two years focused on track success, including setting world junior records in discus. During his initial practices, he faced significant challenges adapting to the demands of football, having only familiarized himself with the game through video games like ; he had to rapidly learn fundamental rules, tackling techniques, and the physicality of contact under the guidance of Vic Viloria. Despite these hurdles, Hunt showed quick progress in drills, blending his track-honed explosiveness and timing into football movements, though he noted the shift from individual track events to team dynamics was initially daunting. In his early role, Hunt did not start games but contributed primarily on special teams during the 2009 season, appearing in all 13 contests while focusing on building football-specific strength through intensive weight training to add mass and power to his frame. This period allowed him to acclimate without immediate pressure as a starter, leveraging his athletic foundation to gradually integrate into the defensive line. Coach Jones praised Hunt's determination, stating it was key to his rapid development from novice to contributor.

Performance and accolades

During his four seasons at (SMU), Margus Hunt established himself as a formidable , accumulating 16.5 sacks, 112 total tackles, and 28 tackles for loss (TFL) across 53 games. His production peaked in his senior year of 2012, when he started all 13 games, recording 31 tackles, a career-high 11.5 TFL, and 8 sacks, including a notable sack against in a matchup. In 2011, Hunt started 12 games and contributed 28 tackles, 7.5 TFL, and 3 sacks, highlighted by a three-sack performance in the BBVA Bowl victory over . Hunt's most distinctive contribution came on special teams, where he set an NCAA record with 17 blocked kicks, including a single-season record of 10 blocked field goals. As a freshman in 2009, he blocked 7 kicks, nearly doubling SMU's previous single-season record and earning him Special Teams Player of the Week honors after a standout performance against Tulsa. His exceptional reach, honed from his track and field background in discus throwing, enabled these blocks, often disrupting opponents' scoring attempts in critical moments. Hunt received consistent recognition for his dual-threat impact, earning All-Conference USA Honorable Mention honors in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. He was also named to the Hendricks Award watch list in 2012, acknowledging his pass-rushing prowess, and was considered a key special teams contributor, often highlighted in team MVP discussions for his blocking ability. These accolades underscored his role in SMU's defensive resurgence during the early .

Professional career

2013 NFL Draft and rookie season

Margus Hunt was selected by the in the second round (53rd overall) of the , becoming the first player born in to be chosen in the league's draft history. His selection highlighted his rare athletic profile, stemming from a background that included world junior championships in and discus, which translated to exceptional combine results such as a 4.6-second and a 36-inch vertical leap for a 6-foot-8, 277-pound . Hunt signed a four-year contract with the Bengals worth $3,671,102, including a $1,049,892 , on May 22, 2013, making him the seventh of the team's draft picks to ink a deal that year. During , featured prominently on HBO's Hard Knocks, Hunt impressed coaches and teammates with his raw athleticism, often drawing comparisons to his Olympic-level track exploits despite his limited football experience, which began only in . His physical gifts shone in drills, where he demonstrated explosive speed and power, though defensive line coach Michael Johnson noted the need for Hunt to adapt to the nuances of professional technique. In his rookie season, Hunt appeared in 10 games, primarily contributing on special teams with limited defensive snaps totaling just 57 (5% of team total), recording 3 tackles and 0.5 sack while adjusting to the faster pace and complexity of play. A highlight came in Week 3 against the , where he blocked a 47-yard attempt, leveraging his college record of five blocked kicks as a key asset in his transition to the pros. Despite these flashes, Hunt faced challenges with inexperience, including reading plays and maintaining gap discipline, which limited his overall impact as he focused on learning the Bengals' defensive scheme under coordinator .

Cincinnati Bengals (2013–2016, 2020)

Margus Hunt joined the as a second-round draft pick in 2013 and spent his initial four seasons as a rotational on a talented defensive line, appearing in 44 games with 29 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks while contributing significantly on special teams units. Under head coach , Hunt's role emphasized pass-rushing potential from his athletic background, but he transitioned toward run-stopping duties as he gained experience, logging over 700 defensive snaps across those years. His special teams work was particularly notable in 2016, when he blocked two kicks, including a 22-yard attempt by New York Jets kicker in Week 1, helping secure a narrow 23-22 victory. Later that season, on December 24 against the Houston Texans, Hunt blocked an extra-point attempt, preserving a two-point deficit in a 16-10 win that kept playoff hopes alive. Hunt recorded his lone full sack of the first stint in 2014 against rival quarterback , contributing to a 27-24 home win. The Bengals made the in each of Hunt's first three seasons (2013–2015), with Hunt appearing in three postseason games, including the 2013 Wild Card loss to the , where he helped in rotational duties during the 27-10 defeat. Despite these contributions, Hunt was released by the Bengals in March 2017 as part of roster adjustments following Lewis's tenure. Hunt returned to the Bengals on October 19, 2020, signing a one-year deal to bolster the defensive line amid injuries, shifting primarily to in a rotational role under . In nine games, he recorded six tackles, one sack—against quarterback in a 37-34 win—and three quarterback hits, focusing on run defense and interior pressure. His veteran presence aided the Bengals' defensive front in late-season efforts, though the team finished 4-11-1 and missed the playoffs.

Indianapolis Colts (2017–2019)

After being released by the Cincinnati Bengals, Margus Hunt signed a two-year contract with the in March 2017 worth $4.1 million, initially positioned as a in the team's 3-4 scheme. In his debut season, Hunt appeared in all 16 games with five starts, contributing 29 combined tackles and one sack while also making an impact on special teams by blocking an extra point attempt. Hunt's role expanded significantly in 2018 under defensive coordinator , who implemented a scheme that emphasized gap-shooting and interior pressure, allowing Hunt to transition effectively to . He started 15 of 15 games, posting career-best totals of 30 tackles and five sacks, including a standout performance with two sacks against former teammate and the Bengals in Week 1. His contributions bolstered a Colts defense that synergized well with emerging star linebacker Darius Leonard, helping the unit generate consistent pressure and ranking among the league's top pass-rush groups that year. In March 2019, the Colts re-signed Hunt to a two-year extension valued at $9 million, recognizing his versatility despite a late-2018 knee injury that caused him to miss one game. However, the 2019 season brought setbacks, including lingering effects from the injury and increased competition on the defensive line, limiting him to five starts in 16 games with 17 tackles and no sacks. Hunt shifted toward a rotational and special teams role under Eberflus, providing depth amid the team's injury challenges while maintaining his value as a reliable veteran on the front.

New Orleans Saints (2020)

Hunt signed with the as a on May 1, 2020, following three seasons with the , bringing his veteran experience to the defensive line. He participated in but was waived on September 5, 2020, as the team trimmed to the 53-man roster, and subsequently joined the practice squad the next day amid expanded protocols that allowed for multiple elevations without permanent roster spots. Throughout the early 2020 season, Hunt served as a depth and special teams contributor, elevated from the practice squad for four games (Weeks 1–4) under the league's pandemic-adjusted rules, which limited in-person practices and emphasized health protocols. In these appearances, he recorded three total tackles (two solo, one assisted) while logging limited defensive snaps but contributing on special teams, where his height and prior blocking prowess proved valuable. His most notable play came in Week 1 against the on September 13, when he blocked a 54-yard attempt in the second quarter, helping secure a 34–23 ; this marked his first blocked kick in the since college and drew on his SMU background of 17 career blocks. The shortened offseason and restrictions, including virtual meetings and frequent testing, shaped Hunt's integration into the Saints' defensive scheme under coordinator Dennis Allen, where he provided rotational depth behind starters like and while adapting to a 3-4 alignment focused on run defense and . Postgame, Hunt reflected on the opportunity, noting the intense preparation despite limited reps and the unique atmosphere of fanless games at the Superdome. Hunt was released from the Saints' practice squad on October 12, 2020, prior to Week 6, ending his brief tenure after contributing to early-season special teams efforts in a season marked by roster fluidity due to the pandemic.

Chicago Bears (2021)

On September 8, 2021, Hunt joined the Chicago Bears' practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for several games during the season. In 2021, Hunt appeared in 10 games for the Bears, primarily in rotational defensive roles and on special teams, recording 14 combined tackles (6 solo, 8 assisted) with 3 tackles for loss. He provided depth on the defensive line amid injuries and contributed to run defense efforts under head coach . Hunt signed a one-year contract worth $1,075,000 with the Bears. Hunt did not play in the NFL after the 2021 season and is considered retired as of 2025.

Career NFL statistics

Margus Hunt recorded 128 combined tackles, including 84 solo stops, over 114 regular-season games from 2013 to 2021, primarily as a rotational and interior lineman across multiple teams. His career included 8.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, and 24 quarterback hits, with a peak performance in 2018 when he notched 5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss while starting all 15 games for the . On special teams, Hunt contributed significantly by blocking 5 kicks, including 3 in 2016 with the Bengals, and appeared in 1,282 special teams snaps overall.

Regular Season Defensive Statistics

Hunt's defensive production is summarized in the following year-by-year table, highlighting his tackles, sacks, and other key metrics.
YearTeam(s)StartsCombined TacklesSoloAssistedSacksTackles for LossQB HitsForced FumblesFumble RecoveriesPasses Defended
2013CIN1003120.502000
2014CIN1207521.021001
2015CIN702110.000000
2016CIN15017980.024002
2017IND1652919101.067002
2018IND1515302285.0136112
2019IND165171430.000000
2020CIN/NOR1319721.034014
2021CHI10014680.030000
Career Totals1142612884448.529241211

Special Teams Contributions

In addition to his defensive role, Hunt was active on special teams, logging 1,282 snaps and blocking 5 kicks across his career, with notable contributions in coverage and return units during his early years with the Bengals. His blocked kicks include three or extra-point attempts in , helping to swing close games.

Postseason Statistics

Hunt appeared in 4 postseason games, starting 2, all with the Bengals and Colts, accumulating 6 combined tackles and 0.5 sacks.
YearTeamGames PlayedStartsCombined TacklesSacksTackles for LossQB Hits
2013CIN1000.000
CIN1020.501
IND2240.000
Totals4260.501

Advanced Metrics and Snap Counts

Hunt's snap counts totaled approximately 3,015 defensive snaps and 1,282 special teams snaps over his career, with a positional breakdown primarily at (DE) early on, shifting to left (LDE) and left (LDT) later. In 2018, his peak year, he played 724 defensive snaps (averaging 48 per game) while earning a (PFF) overall grade of 89.5 in Week 14 against , highlighting his pass-rush effectiveness in limited bursts. Career PFF grades averaged in the mid-60s for overall defense, reflecting his role as a depth player with occasional high-impact plays rather than consistent starter-level production.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Margus Hunt is married to Heather Hunt. The couple has three children: sons (born December 2016) and Haegen (born September 24, 2018), and daughter Hadleigh (born March 2021). Hunt's first son, , was born in December 2016 during the ' season, requiring coordination between Hunt's professional commitments and family needs. Heather's mother was present in to support the birth, demonstrating the role of extended family in managing the challenges of an NFL schedule. Their second son, Haegen James, arrived on September 24, 2018, while Hunt played for the , marking another birth amid the football season. Heather's parents traveled to assist during this time, underscoring their ongoing support as the family navigated Hunt's career demands, including frequent team relocations from to and beyond. By 2020, with two young children, Hunt prioritized family-oriented aspects when signing with the , valuing the organization's emphasis on work-life balance during his transitions between teams. The family's support system has been essential in balancing fatherhood with Hunt's nomadic career, which involved moves to multiple cities before his retirement after the 2021 season.

Citizenship and impact on Estonia

Margus Hunt retains his Estonian citizenship and does not hold a U.S. , while obtaining through a to facilitate his professional career in the United States since his college years at . After his NFL career, Hunt and his family settled near , , as of 2025, where he works as a defensive line coach and throwing coach at Friendswood High School. As the first Estonian-raised player to achieve significant success in the , Hunt has emerged as a cultural ambassador for , inspiring heightened interest in among the nation's youth and fostering national pride in his accomplishments. He has contributed to this impact through media engagements, including multiple interviews with (ERR), where he discussed his NFL experiences in Estonian, such as his 2019 comments on the challenges and improvements during the ' season. Hunt maintains close family ties to , which reinforce his connection to his homeland amid his professional life abroad.

References

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  3. https://worldathletics.org/athletes/estonia/margus-hunt-14164619
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  8. https://news.postimees.ee/1219204/margus-hunt-dying-to-be-first-since-childhood
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  10. https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/1999nhdrestonia.pdf
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  13. https://www.bengals.com/news/hunt-ing-for-a-role-12928690
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  20. https://247sports.com/player/margus-hunt-31153/
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  37. https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-hunt-for-answers-up-front
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  39. https://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/things-know-about-bengals-loss-texans/BpO5B0vNdl49ec4CddkATK/
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  44. https://www.stampedeblue.com/2017/11/15/16653702/the-best-colts-defensive-lineman-that-nobody-is-talking-about-is-margus-hunt
  45. https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/9/28/17912518/film-room-margus-hunt-breakout-player-or-product-of-a-great-scheme
  46. https://www.colts.com/video/highlight-margus-hunt-comes-through-with-speed-for-second-sack-on-dalton
  47. https://fox59.com/sports/colts-defense-asserting-itself-under-matt-eberflus-direction-after-odd-beginning/
  48. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/26142817/colts-reach-multiyear-extension-dt-hunt
  49. https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2018/11/18/indianapolis-colts-margus-hunt-injury-tennessee-titans/
  50. https://www.colts.com/news/2019-colts-midseason-review-snap-counts
  51. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/saints-sign-defensive-lineman-margus-hunt-free-agency
  52. https://www.profootballrumors.com/2020/09/saints-cut-margus-hunt-drop-roster-to-53
  53. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-announce-practice-squad-additions-2020-roster
  54. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HuntMa00/gamelog/2020/
  55. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/video/margus-hunt-blocks-field-goal-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers
  56. https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/with-his-fg-block-saints-de-margus-hunt-made-the-most-of-his-call-up/article_709b6190-f6b0-11ea-9d5c-13f1b18230c4.html
  57. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/transcript-saints-dl-margus-hunt-postgame-quotes-saints-buccaneers-2020-week-1
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  61. https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/margus-hunt/7834
  62. https://friendswoodfootball.org/information/
  63. https://www.colts.com/news/baby-makes-four-for-margus-hunt-and-his-wife
  64. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMdB6NXJ8DS/
  65. https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/editorial-opinion/hunt-smu-alumni-signed-with-saints
  66. https://www.eesti.ca/hunt-achieves-estonian-first-as-bengals-win-afc-central/print40954
  67. https://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/2grtml/i_can_not_explain_how_proud_i_am_of_margus_hunt/
  68. https://news.err.ee/1003812/margus-hunt-nfl-season-started-out-hard-getting-better
  69. https://news.err.ee/1006579/interview-the-tallinn-kings-and-the-future-of-american-football-in-estonia
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