Mike Hilton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mike Hilton

Hilton with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019
No. 21 – Cincinnati Bengals
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–present)
Roster status:	Active
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 Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the Bengals, he played college football at Ole Miss and was also part of the Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

College Football Career

Mike Hilton played college football for the Ole Miss Rebels from 2012 to 2015. He was known for being a versatile player who could play different positions in the defense.

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, had two sacks, and forced two fumbles. One of his big plays was sacking quarterback Johnny Manziel twice in a game against Texas A&M.

Sophomore Year (2013)

During his second year, Mike started 11 games. He played a hybrid position called "Huskie," which is like a strong safety. He had 52 tackles and made his first career interception in a game against Troy. He also helped break up four passes.

Junior Year (2014)

As a junior, Mike played in all 13 games and started all of them. He led his team with 71 tackles. He also grabbed three interceptions and broke up seven passes. He showed his skill by playing both cornerback and rover positions.

Senior Year (2015)

In his final college year, Mike wore the special #38 jersey. This number is given to a player who shows the spirit of former Rebels player Chucky Mullins. Mike had 70 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions. He was a key player for the Ole Miss defense. He finished his college career with 226 tackles, six interceptions, and four forced fumbles.

Professional Football Career

Mike Hilton joined the NFL in 2016. He was not chosen in the NFL draft but signed with a team as a free agent.

Starting Out (2016)

Mike first signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in May 2016. However, he was released before the regular season began. He then joined the practice squad for the New England Patriots briefly. Later in December 2016, he joined the practice squad for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent the rest of the season there and did not play in any games.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–2020)

Breakthrough Season (2017)

In 2017, Mike became the starting nickelback for the Steelers. This was his first full season playing in the NFL. He made his first career start against the Minnesota Vikings and had nine tackles. On October 1, 2017, he got his first NFL sack and his first interception against the Baltimore Ravens. He had a great game on December 25, 2017, with six tackles and three sacks, earning him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. He finished the season with 64 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions.

Continued Success (2018)

Mike changed his jersey number to 28 in 2018. He continued to be the main nickelback for the Steelers. He had an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September. He finished the season with 57 tackles, one sack, and one interception in 15 games.

Key Plays (2019)

In 2019, Mike continued to make important plays. He intercepted a pass from Lamar Jackson against the Ravens. He also forced a fumble against the Miami Dolphins and recovered another fumble against the Buffalo Bills.

Strong Performance (2020)

The Steelers kept Mike Hilton by placing a special tender on him in 2020. He had a very strong season. In Week 2, he led the team with eight tackles, had a sack, and recovered a fumble. He also had interceptions against the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. His performance in Week 16 against the Colts, where he recovered a fumble and had an interception, earned him another AFC Defensive Player of the Week award.

Cincinnati Bengals (2021–Present)

Joining the Bengals (2021)

In 2021, Mike Hilton signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. He became their starting nickel cornerback. In Week 12, he played against his old team, the Steelers, and returned an interception 24 yards for his first career touchdown. He also made a very important interception in the playoffs against the Tennessee Titans, helping the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI. They lost the Super Bowl to the Los Angeles Rams.

Continued Impact (2022-2023)

Mike continued his role as the nickelback for the Bengals in 2022 and 2023. He had a sack in a playoff game against the Ravens in 2022. He continues to be a strong defensive player for the Bengals.

Career NFL Statistics

Here are Mike Hilton's statistics from his time in the NFL.

Regular Season

Postseason