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Mike Hilton
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Mike Hilton
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Michael Hilton Jr. (born March 9, 1994) is an American professional football cornerback. He played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

Key Information

College career

[edit]

2012

[edit]

Hilton began attending the University of Mississippi in 2012. After sitting out the Rebels' season-opener against Central Arkansas, Hilton made his collegiate debut in Week 2 against UTEP. He recorded his first two career tackles the following week as Ole Miss lost to Texas. Hilton made his first career start on October 6, 2012, against Texas A&M, finishing with three solo tackles, a forced fumble, and two sacks of Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel as the Rebels lost 27–30. In Week 8, he recorded a season-high six combined tackles and had the first two pass deflections of his career, helping the Rebels defeat Arkansas 30–27.[1] He played in 12 games as a freshman, starting four and finishing with 33 combined tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.[2]

2013

[edit]

Hilton started the Ole Miss Rebels' season-opener against Vanderbilt at their "Huskie" position (hybrid strong safety). He finished the 39–35 victory with five total tackles, two of which were for a loss. On October 5, 2013, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles during a 22–30 loss to Auburn. On November 16, 2013, Hilton made his first career interception to go along with four combined tackles as the Rebels defeated Troy 51–21. He finished the season with 52 combined tackles (37 solo), 5.5 tackles for a loss, four pass deflections, a sack, and a forced fumble in 11 games and 11 starts.[3]

2014

[edit]

In the Ole Miss Rebels' season-opening 35–13 victory over Boise State, Hilton recorded a season-high nine combined tackles. On September 13, 2014, he collected four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first interception of the season in a 56–15 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette. On October 25, 2014, he accumulated eight combined tackles and made his third interception of the season in a 7–10 loss to #24 LSU. Hilton finished his junior season with career-high 71 combined tackles (48 solo), four tackles for a loss, three interceptions, and seven pass deflections in 13 starts and 13 games.[4] He led the team with 71 tackles and started 11 games at cornerback and two games as rover.[2]

2015

[edit]

As a senior, Hilton was given the #38 jersey This number holds special significance at Ole Miss and is only given to a player who embodies the spirit of former Rebels defensive back Chucky Mullins, who in 1989 became paralyzed after making a head-first tackle that shattered four vertebrae in his cervical spine.[5]

In a 73–22 victory over Fresno State in Week 2, Hilton collected six combined tackles (one for a loss), a forced fumble, and half a sack while starting at rover. On October 10, 2015, he recorded four combined tackles (three for a loss), a pass deflection, and his first interception of the season in a 52–3 victory over New Mexico State. The following week, the Rebels were defeated by Memphis with Hilton making a career-high 11 combined tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, a pass deflection, and an interception. He finished his senior season with 70 combined tackles (49 solo), 12.5 tackles for a loss, 11 pass deflections, 1.5 sacks, and two interceptions in 11 starts and 13 games.[6]

Hilton finished his college career with 226 combined tackles (156 solo), 25.5 tackles for a loss, 24 pass deflections, six interceptions, four forced fumbles, and 3.5 sacks in 49 games and 39 starts.

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

Coming out of Ole Miss, Hilton was projected to go undrafted and be a priority free agent by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts. He did not receive an invitation to the NFL Combine and attended Ole Miss' pro day on March 28, 2016. Team representatives and scouts from all 32 NFL teams were present at Ole Miss' pro day to scout one of the most talented groups in school history, one that included Hilton, Laquon Treadwell, Laremy Tunsil, Robert Nkemdiche, Cody Core, Chad Kelly, Evan Engram, Fahn Cooper and ten other prospects.[7] Hilton was ranked as the 27th-best free safety prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. He received positive reviews from scouts for his ability to play multiple positions in college, decent coverage skills, gritty tackling ability, reaction quickness, and ability to track balls well downfield. NFL scouts thought his ability to produce a professional career was greatly hindered by his lack of size.[8]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 8+3⁄4 in
(1.75 m)		 178 lb
(81 kg)		 29+3⁄4 in
(0.76 m)		 8+5⁄8 in
(0.22 m)		 4.55 s 1.59 s 2.67 s 4.19 s 6.86 s 33.5 in
(0.85 m)		 9 ft 9 in
(2.97 m)		 13 reps
All values from Ole Miss' Pro Day[9]

Jacksonville Jaguars

[edit]

On May 1, 2016, Hilton was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars following the 2016 NFL draft.[10]

Throughout training camp, Hilton competed with Aaron Colvin, Dwayne Gratz, Peyton Thompson, Josh Johnson, Demetrius McCray, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, and Nick Marshall for a job as a backup cornerback.[11] On August 29, 2016, the Jaguars released Hilton as a part of their final roster cuts.[12]

New England Patriots

[edit]

On September 6, 2016, Hilton was signed to the practice squad of the New England Patriots.[13] He was released by the team on September 14, 2016.[14]

Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]

2016

[edit]

On December 13, 2016, Hilton was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad.[15] Hilton spent the remainder of his rookie season on the Steelers' practice squad and did not appear in any games in 2016. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Steelers on January 24, 2017.[16] He reunited with his former teammate Senquez Golson whom he played with and backed up at Ole Miss.

2017

[edit]

Hilton entered training camp competing with William Gay and Senquez Golson for the job as the starting nickelback. Hilton was named the starting nickelback to begin the regular season.[17]

External videos
video icon Mike Hilton records a speedy third sack of the game
video icon Hilton plucks tipped pass with one handed interception

He made his regular season debut during the Steelers' 18–17 season-opening victory over the Cleveland Browns and finished the game with two combined tackles. The following week, he earned his first career start and recorded a season-high nine combined tackles during a 26–9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. On October 1, 2017, Hilton collected four solo tackles, earned his first career sack, and made his first career interception off of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco during the Steelers' 26–9 victory.[18] On December 25, 2017, Hilton recorded six solo tackles as well as three sacks on Houston Texans quarterbacks T. J. Yates and Taylor Heinicke during the Steelers' 34–6 victory, earning him American Football Conference (AFC) Defensive Player of the Week honors.[19][20] Hilton finished the season with 64 combined tackles (48 solo), six pass deflections, four sacks, and two interceptions in 16 games and four starts.[21] Hilton received an overall grade of 83.6 from Pro Football Focus (PFF), which ranked as the 28th-best grade among all cornerbacks in 2017.[22]

2018

[edit]
External videos
video icon Mike Hilton recovers ball after Carr’s pass slips

Hilton changed his jersey number from No. 31 to No. 28 after it became available when Sean Davis and Joe Haden also changed numbers.[23] Head coach Mike Tomlin retained Hilton as the primary nickelback to begin the regular season and also named him the fifth backup cornerback, behind Haden, Artie Burns, Coty Sensabaugh, and Cameron Sutton.[24] On September 24, 2018, Hilton made five combined tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during a 30–27 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hilton sustained an elbow injury during the game and was subsequently inactive for the Steelers’ Week 4 loss against the Ravens.[25] In Week 14, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles during a 24–21 loss at the Oakland Raiders. He finished the season with 57 combined tackles (44 solo), eight pass deflections, one sack, and one interception in 15 games and two starts.[21] He received an overall grade of 69.9 from PFF, which ranked as the 43rd-best grade among cornerbacks in 2018.[26]

2019

[edit]

In Week 5 against the Ravens, Hilton recorded his first interception of the season off Lamar Jackson in the 23–26 overtime loss.[27] In Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins, Hilton forced a fumble on running back Mark Walton which was recovered by teammate Steven Nelson in the 27–14 win.[28] In Week 15 against the Buffalo Bills, Hilton recovered a fumble forced by teammate T. J. Watt on running back Devin Singletary during the 10–17 loss.[29]

2020

[edit]

On March 18, 2020, the Steelers placed a second-round restricted free agent tender on Hilton. He signed the tender on June 12, 2020.[30]

In Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, Hilton led the team with eight tackles, recorded his first sack of the season on Jeff Driskel, and recovered a fumble during the 26–21 win.[31] In Week 3 against the Texans, Hilton recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Deshaun Watson during the 28–21 win.[32] In Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Hilton again led the team with eight tackles and sacked Carson Wentz once during the 38–29 win.[33] In Week 14 against the Bills, Hilton intercepted a pass thrown by Josh Allen and forced a fumble on Dawson Knox that was recovered by the Steelers during the 15–26 loss.[34] In Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts, Hilton recovered a fumble lost by Philip Rivers and intercepted a pass thrown by Rivers late in the fourth quarter to secure a 28–24 win for the Steelers.[35] Hilton earned the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance in Week 16.[36]

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

2021

[edit]

Hilton signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 19, 2021.[37][38] He was named the starting nickel cornerback for the season.[39] In Week 12 against his former team, the Steelers, he returned an interception 24 yards for his first career touchdown in a 41–10 rout.[40] Hilton made a crucial third-quarter interception in the Divisional Round game against the Tennessee Titans, which the Bengals won on their path to Super Bowl LVI, where they lost 23–20 to the Los Angeles Rams.

2022

[edit]

Hilton returned to his nickelback slot corner role for the Bengals in 2022. He missed the Week 15 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a finger injury. In the Wild Card game against the Ravens, he sacked quarterback Tyler Huntley.

Miami Dolphins

[edit]

On July 28, 2025, Hilton signed with the Miami Dolphins.[41] He was released on August 25.[42]

Indianapolis Colts

[edit]

On September 23, 2025, Hilton was signed to the Indianapolis Colts' practice squad.[43]

Career NFL statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Comb Solo Ast Sck PD Int Yds Avg TD FF FR Yds Avg TD
2016 PIT DNP
2017 PIT 16 4 64 48 16 4.0 6 2 45 22.5 0 1 0 0 0.0 0
2018 PIT 15 2 57 44 13 1.0 8 1 0 0.0 0 0 2 2 1.0 0
2019 PIT 16 8 65 52 13 1.5 11 1 1 1.0 0 1 1 0 0.0 0
2020 PIT 12 6 51 42 9 3.0 7 3 5 2.5 0 1 2 22 11.0 0
2021 CIN 17 9 66 48 18 0.0 5 2 59 29.5 1 1 0 0 0.0 0
2022 CIN 14 4 60 48 12 0.0 6 1 5 5.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2023 CIN 17 13 84 64 20 1.0 8 2 16 8.0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0
2024 CIN 16 10 73 50 23 0.0 5 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2025 IND 2 2 5 4 1 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 1 0 0 0.0 0
Total 125 58 525 400 125 11.5 56 13 131 10.1 1 5 6 24 4.0 0
Source: [1]

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Comb Solo Ast Sck PD Int Yds Avg TD FF FR Yds Avg TD
2017 PIT 1 0 2 1 1 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2020 PIT 1 0 2 2 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2021 CIN 4 3 13 8 5 0.0 4 1 19 19.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
2022 CIN 3 1 15 12 3 1.0 2 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
Total 9 4 32 23 9 1.0 6 1 19 4.8 0 0 0 0 0.0 0
Source: [2]

References

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

Mike Hilton

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Hilton Jr. (born March 9, 1994) is an American professional football cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Hilton attended the University of Mississippi, where he played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2012 to 2015, starting at multiple defensive back positions including rover, husky, and safety during his senior year. After going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent but was released prior to the regular season. Hilton joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, quickly becoming a standout slot cornerback known for his blitzing ability, recording 3 sacks in a single game against the Houston Texans in Week 16 of that year to earn AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He repeated the award in Week 16 of 2020 after securing two takeaways in a win over the Indianapolis Colts. In 2021, Hilton signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played through the 2024 season and contributed to their run to Super Bowl LVI, recording an interception and four pass breakups in the playoffs that year. Over his first eight NFL seasons with the Steelers and Bengals, Hilton appeared in 123 games with 56 starts, amassing 13 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 11.5 sacks, 6 fumble recoveries, and 396 solo tackles. Following the expiration of his Bengals contract, he signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins on July 26, 2025, but was released on August 25, 2025, during final roster cuts. Hilton joined the ' practice squad on September 23, 2025, and was elevated to the active roster for Weeks 4 and 5, where he recorded 4 solo tackles and 1 forced fumble before exiting the October 5 game against the Las Vegas Raiders with a . The Colts placed him on injured reserve on October 7, 2025, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.

Early life

High school career

Mike Hilton was born on March 9, 1994, in . Hilton attended Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, where he emerged as a versatile defensive player and two-way athlete, primarily contributing as a while also seeing action at linebacker, , , and as a kick returner. As a junior playing , he set a school record with nine interceptions, showcasing his ball skills in pass coverage. Entering his senior year, Hilton focused on defensive responsibilities, emphasizing coverage against receivers and consistent tackling to disrupt opposing offenses. During his senior season, Hilton earned honorable mention honors on the Class AAA All-State team selected by the Georgia Sports Writers Association, recognizing his impact on Sandy Creek's defense. He helped lead the Patriots to a strong 12-1 record and an appearance in the state playoffs, contributing to a unit that relied on his versatility in the secondary and run support. Recruiting services took note of his athleticism, with ranking him as the No. 70 overall prospect in Georgia and the No. 53 nationally in the class of 2012, reflecting his multi-faceted high school profile.

College recruitment

Mike Hilton's standout performance at Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, where he contributed to a 12-1 record and a deep run in the state playoffs, drew interest from several programs seeking versatile athletes. Due to his high school achievements as an all-purpose back capable of playing on both sides of the ball, Hilton was recruited by multiple (SEC) programs, including LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. He received scholarship offers from these SEC schools as well as other regional programs such as , , , , and . Rated as a three-star recruit by major scouting services like , Hilton's evaluation highlighted his potential as a versatile despite his smaller stature. Hilton verbally committed to the on August 8, 2011, becoming part of their 2012 signing class and the second commitment of the day for the program under head coach .

College career

2012 season

As a true freshman in 2012, Mike Hilton joined the following his recruitment from Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, where he earned all-state honors as a and . Hilton made his collegiate debut in the Rebels' second game of the season against UTEP on September 8. He appeared in 12 games overall, serving primarily on special teams and as a reserve , with four starts at the husky (nickel) position and one at . In limited defensive snaps, he recorded 33 tackles (22 solo), including 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, along with two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. Transitioning to the Southeastern Conference's high level of competition proved challenging, but Hilton focused on mastering the Rebels' defensive schemes under first-year head coach , building a foundation for future contributions. He also played key roles in special teams coverage, participating in punt and kickoff units to gain valuable game experience early in his career.

2013 season

In 2013, as a sophomore, Mike Hilton appeared in 11 games for the , starting all 11 across multiple positions including nine at , one at Huskie (a hybrid safety role), and one at free safety. He missed two games due to a injury but showed significant progression from his freshman year, where limited playing time had helped build foundational defensive skills. Hilton recorded 52 total tackles (37 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, one , and four passes defended during the season. His interception came in a 51-0 win over on November 16, marking his first career pick and highlighting improved ball skills in matchups. He demonstrated tackling efficiency with consistent contributions, including a career-high eight tackles (five solo) in a 30-22 loss to Auburn on October 5. Hilton emerged as a versatile defensive back, particularly effective in slot coverage scenarios within Ole Miss's secondary, where his 5-foot-9 frame allowed for quick reactions and physical play against receivers. A standout performance came in the rivalry game against Mississippi State on November 28, where he led the team with seven tackles (five solo) and one pass defended in a 17-10 loss, underscoring his growing role in high-stakes SEC contests.

2014 season

In 2014, Mike Hilton emerged as a breakout performer during his junior season with the , transitioning into a primary starting role at boundary and showcasing his development into a reliable defensive contributor. Building on his year's versatility in slot coverage, Hilton played in all 13 games, starting 12 of them, and became a cornerstone of the Rebels' secondary amid a season that saw Ole Miss finish 9-4 and ranked No. 17 in the final . Hilton led the team in tackles with 71 (48 solo), adding 4 tackles for loss that highlighted his physicality and ability to disrupt plays in situations, along with 7 passes defended. His 3 interceptions tied for 10th in the and ranked second on the team, contributing to Ole Miss' opportunistic defense that forced 27 turnovers for the season, second-most nationally. These efforts underscored Hilton's growth into a complete defender capable of both coverage and run support, as the Rebels ranked ninth nationally in scoring defense (18.4 points per game allowed). A standout moment came in the October 25 matchup against LSU, where Hilton's fourth-quarter of an Anthony Jennings pass at the Ole Miss 35-yard line helped stem a late Tigers drive in a hard-fought 10-7 loss, exemplifying his ball skills under pressure. Earlier, he notched his first of the season on September 13 against Louisiana-Monroe, tipping and returning a pass in a dominant 56-15 win. Hilton's consistent impact, including key tackles against high-powered offenses like Auburn in a 35-31 defeat on , further solidified his reputation as a tenacious competitor in the SEC.

2015 season

In his senior season at Ole Miss in 2015, Mike Hilton transitioned to a more versatile role in the defensive backfield, primarily at the "Huskie" hybrid safety position, while serving as a key veteran leader following the departure of several starters from the previous year. He earned the Courage Award in the spring, recognizing his perseverance and leadership qualities among the team's defensive veterans, and later was named the ' Most Valuable Senior by the Jackson Touchdown Club for his on-field impact. This came after his junior-year breakout in 2014, where he solidified his status as a full-time starter with 71 tackles and three interceptions. Hilton appeared in all 13 games for the 10-3 , starting 11, and anchored the secondary during a transitional year marked by the integration of younger players into the defense under coordinator Dave Wommack. His statistical contributions included a team-high 70 tackles (49 solo), 12.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, a league-third 13 passes defended in the SEC, and one forced fumble, earning him second-team All-SEC honors from the coaches, , and Phil Steele publications. These efforts helped stabilize the unit amid injuries and roster changes, as Ole Miss ranked 25th nationally in total defense (336.5 yards allowed per game). Demonstrating his all-around defensive versatility, Hilton started at multiple secondary positions throughout his career, including boundary and , and was named a semifinalist for the as one of the nation's top defensive backs. To cap his college tenure, he participated in the 2016 , a senior all-star showcase that provided exposure to scouts.

Professional career

Pre-draft process

Following his senior season at the , in which he recorded 70 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and 13 passes defended, Mike Hilton declared for the . He was projected by scouts as a potential undrafted or priority signing due to his undersized frame at 5 feet 9 inches, despite his productivity and versatility across and roles during his college career. Hilton's six career interceptions underscored his ball production, making him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking slot corner versatility, though his height raised concerns about matching up against taller receivers. Hilton participated in Ole Miss's Pro Day on March 28, 2016, where he impressed with athletic testing that highlighted his quickness despite not receiving an invitation to the . He ran the in 4.55 seconds, completed the 20-yard shuttle in 4.19 seconds, and posted a 3-cone drill time of 6.86 seconds, metrics that demonstrated his short-area burst and change-of-direction skills suited for nickel defender duties. Scouts noted his experience in multiple secondary positions, including man coverage and run support, as a key attribute that could translate to the despite size limitations. Ultimately, Hilton went undrafted in the , a class particularly deep at with high selections like and , exacerbating concerns over his height in a competitive positional pool. His UDFA status was largely attributed to these physical measurements, even as his tape revealed strong tackling instincts and football IQ from 226 career tackles.

Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots (2016)

Following the , Mike Hilton signed with the as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2016. He participated in the team's and preseason, appearing in three exhibition games as a while competing for a roster spot amid a crowded secondary. On August 29, 2016, the waived Hilton as they trimmed their roster ahead of the regular season. Shortly after, on September 6, 2016, Hilton joined the ' practice squad, providing an opportunity to develop further in a competitive defensive environment known for its emphasis on versatility and technique. His time with the Patriots was brief, however, as he was released from the practice squad on September 13, 2016. Hilton did not appear in any regular-season games during his rookie year with either team, using the period to adapt to professional schemes and build experience without on-field contributions in the NFL's main slate.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–2020)

Mike Hilton joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017 after spending time on the New England Patriots' practice squad the previous year, signing with Pittsburgh on September 4, 2017. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded 3 tackles. Throughout the 2017 season, Hilton transitioned to a nickel cornerback role, appearing in 15 games with 1 start and registering 25 tackles along with 1 interception. Hilton's role expanded significantly in 2018, when he started 14 games and achieved career highs of 61 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 10 passes defended, solidifying his status as a key contributor in the Steelers' secondary. In 2019, he signed a three-year contract extension with the team and recorded 42 tackles and 1 forced fumble across 16 games (8 starts), though he missed time due to a minor foot injury but remained a vital presence in the . The 2020 season saw Hilton earn recognition as a Pro Bowl alternate after posting 57 tackles and a career-high 3 interceptions in 12 games (6 starts), despite dealing with a shoulder injury that sidelined him for four contests. Over his four seasons with the Steelers from 2017 to 2020, Hilton amassed 185 tackles and 7 interceptions while specializing in slot coverage against elite receivers; his prior experience on the rookie practice squad facilitated his rapid adaptation to the team's defensive scheme.

Cincinnati Bengals (2021–2024)

Mike Hilton signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the as a on March 17, 2021. Bringing slot corner expertise honed during his tenure with the , Hilton quickly established himself as the Bengals' primary nickel back. In the 2021 season, he appeared in all 17 games with nine starts, recording 66 combined tackles and two interceptions while contributing to the team's defensive efforts en route to an appearance. Hilton continued as a key slot defender in 2022, playing in 14 games with four starts and tallying 60 combined tackles along with one interception. His coverage and run support were instrumental in the Bengals' postseason run to , where he helped limit opponents' production from the slot position. The following year, in 2023, Hilton solidified his role as a consistent starter, appearing in all 17 games with 13 starts, 84 combined tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks amid the Bengals' status as AFC contenders. During the 2024 season, Hilton logged 73 combined tackles and one across 17 games with 10 starts, maintaining his reputation for physical play in the role. His four-year contract expired after the 2024 campaign, rendering him an unrestricted beginning March 12, 2025. Over his tenure with , Hilton accumulated 283 combined tackles and six interceptions, earning praise for his gritty, versatile slot coverage in high-stakes matchups, including rankings among the NFL's elite backs by .

Indianapolis Colts (2025)

After becoming an unrestricted free agent following the expiration of his contract with the Cincinnati Bengals after the 2024 season, Mike Hilton signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on July 28, 2025, to bolster their secondary amid training camp injuries. He appeared in two preseason games for Miami but was released on August 25, 2025, as the team trimmed its roster to 53 players. Hilton worked out with the on September 8, 2025, but did not sign with the team. Two weeks later, on September 23, 2025—after the Colts' Week 3 game—he joined the ' practice squad to provide depth at , particularly in the slot role following injuries to players like . Hilton was elevated from the practice squad for the Colts' Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on September 29, 2025, where he made his debut with the team, starting the game, and again for Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 5, 2025. In those two appearances, he started both games, recording four solo tackles and one forced fumble. However, during the first quarter of the Week 5 win over the Raiders, Hilton suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the game. On October 7, 2025, the Colts placed Hilton on the practice squad due to the shoulder injury, requiring him to miss at least the next four games (through Week 9). Hilton was eligible to return beginning in Week 10 (November 9, 2025), but as of November 19, 2025, he remains on with no reported return. For the season, he appeared in two games with two starts.

Career statistics

Regular season

Mike Hilton has amassed 525 combined tackles, 13 interceptions, 56 passes defended, 11.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries across 125 regular-season games (58 starts) from 2017 to 2025. He also recorded 67 tackles for loss during this span, showcasing his disruptive presence in the defensive backfield. In coverage, Hilton has been particularly effective in the slot, notably leading all slot defenders in 2018 by allowing just 0.68 yards per coverage snap. The following table summarizes his regular-season defensive statistics year by year:
YearTeamGGSCombSoloAstSkTFLIntPDFFFR
2017PIT1646448164.0102610
2018PIT1525744131.061802
2019PIT1686552131.5611111
2020PIT126514293.083712
2021CIN1796648180.082510
2022CIN1446048120.041600
2023CIN17138464202.0122801
2024CIN16107350230.0121500
2025IND225410.010010
Career1255852540012511.567135656

Postseason

Mike Hilton appeared in nine postseason games across his tenure with the in 2017 and 2020, and the in 2021 and 2022, starting four of them primarily as a slot . His playoff contributions underscored his regular-season specialization in coverage, where he often handled quick slot routes in high-pressure scenarios. Over these contests, Hilton amassed 32 total tackles (23 solo), one , six passes defended, and one sack, demonstrating reliability in containing opposing passing attacks during extended playoff runs. With the Steelers, Hilton's postseason exposure was limited to two games, recording four tackles without additional disruptions, as the team exited early in both years. Joining the Bengals elevated his role in deeper playoff pushes, including two AFC Championship appearances and . In the 2021 postseason, he tallied 13 tackles and four passes defended across four games, highlighted by an in the Divisional Round victory over the , where he returned the pick 19 yards to set up scoring position. His coverage helped limit big plays from slot receivers amid the Bengals' surprise run to the . In the 2022 postseason, Hilton's impact grew, with 15 tackles, two passes defended, and his lone playoff sack in three games. He recorded five tackles in the AFC Championship loss to the on January 29, 2023, while aiding in the containment of Chiefs' interior passing lanes. In against the [Los Angeles Rams](/page/Los Angeles_Rams), Hilton logged four tackles while matched against elite slot options like and , helping to restrict underneath routes despite the 23-20 defeat.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HiltMi01.htm
  2. https://olemisssports.com/sports/football/roster/mike-hilton/659
  3. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/19256/mike-hilton
  4. https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2017/12/27/16821988/mike-hilton-turns-3-sack-performance-into-afc-defensive-player-of-the-week-award-steelers-texans-afc
  5. https://www.steelers.com/news/a-well-deserved-honor-for-hilton
  6. https://overthecap.com/player/mike-hilton/5000
  7. https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-hilton-bengals-out-to-get-the-respect-we-deserve-following-run-to-super-bow
  8. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/player/mike-hilton-25588
  9. https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-sign-mike-hilton-jack-jones-injuries-secondary-training-camp
  10. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/mike-hilton-released-by-miami/
  11. https://www.colts.com/team/players-roster/mike-hilton/
  12. https://coltswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2025/10/07/mike-hilton-injury-update-colts-place-cornerback-injured-reserve/86571927007/
  13. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/joe-starkey/2018/11/23/Joe-Starkey-The-conversation-that-lit-Mike-Hilton-s-fuse/stories/201811230137
  14. https://www.si.com/college/olemiss/football/ole-miss-mike-hilton-cincinnati-bengals-super-bowl
  15. https://247sports.com/player/mike-hilton-8750/
  16. https://brobible.com/sports/article/cincinnati-bengals-mike-hilton-mark-richt-too-small/
  17. https://247sports.com/college/football/recruiting/headline/hilton-to-commit-this-week-104818034/
  18. https://247sports.com/college/ole-miss/article/ole-miss-recruits-hilton-34544/
  19. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/mike-hilton-1.html
  20. https://www.clarionledger.com/story/olemisssports/2014/07/09/most-important-rebels-mike-hilton/12403799/
  21. https://olemisssports.com/news/2013/11/16/Ole_Miss_vs_Troy_Postgame_Notes.aspx
  22. https://olemisssports.com/news/2013/10/5/Ole_Miss_vs_Auburn_Postgame_Notes
  23. https://olemisssports.com/news/2013/11/28/Ole_Miss_Vs_Mississippi_State_Postgame_Notes.aspx
  24. https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/stats/_/name/miss/season/2014
  25. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400548390
  26. https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400548349
  27. https://olemisssports.com/news/2015/4/11/Mike_Hilton_Receives_2015_Chucky_Mullins_Courage_Award
  28. https://olemisssports.com/news/2015/12/1/Hilton_Named_Rebels_amp_8217_Most_Valuable_Senior
  29. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/mississippi/2015.html
  30. https://therebelwalk.com/2015/10/ole-miss-mike-hilton-named-jim-thorpe-award-semifinalist/
  31. https://nflmocks.com/2016/04/16/mike-hilton-cb-ole-miss-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
  32. https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/05/31/hilton-sizing-his-chances-jaguars/15712098007/
  33. https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=123476&DraftYear=2016
  34. https://www.jaguars.com/news/jaguars-agree-to-terms-with-nine-undrafted-rookie-free-agents-17102607
  35. https://nesn.com/2016/09/patriots-fill-10-man-practice-squad-sign-mike-hilton-vinnie-sunseri/
  36. https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/transactions/_/name/jax/season/2016
  37. https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-sign-two-to-the-practice-squad-269761
  38. https://www.nfl.com/players/mike-hilton/stats/career
  39. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/2980383/mike-hilton
  40. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2021/6/5/22464209/pro-football-focus-ranks-mike-hilton-top-slot-cornerbacks-bengals
  41. https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2022/06/05/bengals-mike-hilton-ranked-no-2-slot-corner-pff/79153489007/
  42. https://www.bengals.com/news/mike-hilton-why-he-dominates-bengals-slot-with-a-gritty-joy
  43. https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/dolphins-make-roster-moves-07282025
  44. https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/onsi/news/miami-dolphins-cut-former-pittsburgh-steelers-mike-hilton
  45. https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/report-cornerback-search-veteran-mike-hilton/682937/
  46. https://bengalswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2025/09/09/bengals-free-agent-workout-eagles-week-2-mike-hilton/86051080007/
  47. https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-veteran-cb-mike-hilton-to-practice-squad-release-wr-tyler-scott-from-practice-squad
  48. https://coltswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2025/09/23/colts-roster-moves-indianapolis-signs-mike-hilton-to-practice-squad/86309170007/
  49. https://www.colts.com/news/colts-elevate-cb-mike-hilton-g-josh-sills-to-active-roster-from-practice-squad-for-week-4
  50. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/2980383/mike-hilton
  51. https://www.nfl.com/players/mike-hilton/stats/
  52. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/colts-cb-mike-hilton-ruled-181335158.html
  53. https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/mike-hilton-player
  54. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/colts-put-cb-mike-hilton-on-practice-squad-injured-reserve
  55. https://www.stampedeblue.com/indianapolis-colts-news/115965/colts-place-veteran-cb-on-practice-squad-ir-and-add-latest-secondary-depth
  56. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/mike-hilton-placed-on-practice-squad-ir/
  57. https://steelersdepot.com/2018/07/pff-mike-hilton-led-slot-defenders-in-yards-allowed-per-coverage-snap/
  58. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HiltMi01/gamelog/post/
  59. https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/touchdown/2022/02/08/super-bowl-lvi-cooper-kupp-mike-hilton/80653087007/
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