Mike Hilton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mike Hilton

Hilton with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019
Miami Dolphins
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1994-03-09) March 9, 1994 (age 31) Fayetteville, Georgia, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:	184 lb (83 kg)
Career information
High school:	Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Georgia)
College:	Ole Miss (2012–2015)
Undrafted:	2016
Career history
Jacksonville Jaguars (2016)* New England Patriots (2016)* Pittsburgh Steelers (2016–2020) Cincinnati Bengals (2021–2024) Miami Dolphins (2025–present)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-SEC (2015)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Total tackles: 520 Sacks: 11.5 Forced fumbles: 4 Fumble recoveries: 6 Pass deflections: 56 Interceptions: 13 Defensive touchdowns: 1
Player stats at PFR

Michael Hilton Jr. (born March 9, 1994) is an American professional football player. He plays as a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels. He started his NFL journey in 2016 with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

College Football Career

Mike Hilton played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2012 to 2015. He was a versatile player, meaning he could play different positions on the field.

Freshman Year (2012)

In 2012, Mike started his college career at the University of Mississippi. He played in 12 games and started four of them. He made 33 tackles, which is when a player stops an opponent with the ball. He also had two sacks, which means he tackled the opposing quarterback behind the line of scrimmage. He even forced two fumbles, causing the other team to drop the ball.

Sophomore Year (2013)

In 2013, Mike started all 11 games he played. He made 52 tackles and had his first career interception. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player. He also had a sack and forced another fumble.

Junior Year (2014)

During the 2014 season, Mike had his best year yet with 71 tackles. He also made three interceptions and broke up seven passes. Breaking up a pass means he stopped the ball from reaching the intended receiver. He played both cornerback and a position called "rover."

Senior Year (2015)

As a senior in 2015, Mike wore the special #38 jersey. This number is given to a player who shows great spirit at Ole Miss, honoring a former player named Chucky Mullins. Mike continued to play well, making 70 tackles, breaking up 11 passes, and getting two more interceptions.

By the end of his college career, Mike Hilton had played in 49 games. He made 226 tackles, had six interceptions, and forced four fumbles.

Professional Football Career

Mike Hilton joined the NFL in 2016. He was not chosen in the main NFL draft, but he was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent. This means a team signed him after the draft was over.

Starting Out (2016)

Mike spent a short time with the Jaguars and then the New England Patriots' practice squad. A practice squad is a group of players who train with the team but don't usually play in games. In December 2016, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad. He didn't play in any regular games that year.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–2020)

Mike Hilton became a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Breakout Season (2017)

In 2017, Mike became the starting "nickelback" for the Steelers. A nickelback is a special cornerback who comes onto the field when the other team uses more receivers. He played in all 16 games. He made 64 tackles, had four sacks, and two interceptions. In one game against the Houston Texans, he had three sacks, which earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award!

Continued Success (2018–2020)

Mike continued to be an important part of the Steelers' defense. He changed his jersey number to 28. In 2018, he had 57 tackles and one interception. In 2019, he made 65 tackles and forced a fumble.

In 2020, Mike signed a new contract with the Steelers. He had a great season, making 51 tackles, three sacks, and three interceptions. In a big game against the Indianapolis Colts, he recovered a fumble and made a game-winning interception late in the fourth quarter. This performance also earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award.

Cincinnati Bengals (2021–2024)

In March 2021, Mike Hilton signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He continued to play as their starting nickel cornerback.

Super Bowl Run (2021)

In 2021, Mike had a memorable season. In a game against his old team, the Steelers, he caught an interception and ran it 24 yards for his first career touchdown! This means he scored points for his team on defense. He also made a very important interception in the playoffs against the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals went all the way to Super Bowl LVI that year, but they lost a close game to the Los Angeles Rams.

Recent Seasons (2022–2024)

Mike continued to be a strong player for the Bengals. In 2022, he missed one game due to a finger injury. He also had a sack in a playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. He played for the Bengals until the end of the 2024 season.

Miami Dolphins (2025–present)

As of the 2025 season, Mike Hilton is now playing for the Miami Dolphins.

Career NFL Statistics

Mike Hilton has had a successful career in the NFL. Here are some of his statistics from regular season and postseason games.

Regular Season

Postseason