Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Taysom Hill

How Taysom Hill built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Taysom Hill is an American professional football utility player for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL. Officially designated as a tight end, Hill previously played quarterback and has become known for his versatility. His unique skill set has led to him being called "the Human Swiss Army Knife" by Saints media, highlighting his ability to contribute in various roles on the field.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2012: Freshman Season at BYU

In 2012, as a freshman, Taysom Hill started playing at BYU. His first college pass was an 18-yard touchdown against Washington State. He played in 6 games, starting two before a season-ending knee injury against Utah State.

2013: Cougars' Full-Time Starter

In 2013, Taysom Hill was named the Cougars' full-time starter. He had a notable performance against Texas with 259 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He also had a strong game against Houston with 417 passing yards and 194 rushing yards.

2014: Fractured Leg

In 2014, Taysom Hill led the team to a 4-0 start before suffering a season-ending fractured leg against Utah State on October 3rd.

2015: Lisfranc Fracture

In 2015, Taysom Hill suffered a Lisfranc fracture during the Cougars' opener against Nebraska on September 5, ending his season.

2016: Hyperextended Elbow

Late in 2016, Taysom Hill suffered a season ending hyperextended elbow injury in the game against Utah State on November 26th, causing him to miss the Cougars' bowl game.

2016: Named Starting Quarterback

On August 23, 2016, Taysom Hill was named the starting quarterback over Tanner Mangum. He also changed his jersey number to 7 to honor his late brother.

September 2, 2017: Released by the Packers

On September 2, 2017, Taysom Hill was released during the Packers final roster cut-down, despite appearing in three preseason games.

2017: BYU Pro Day

In 2017, Taysom Hill showcased impressive athletic ability at BYU's pro day. His 40-yard dash of 4.44 seconds and 38.5-inch vertical jump would have been the best among quarterbacks at the NFL Combine.

2017: Signed by the Green Bay Packers

In 2017, Taysom Hill was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent following the NFL draft after playing college football at BYU.

2018: Utility Role with Saints

In 2018, Taysom Hill started as the third-string quarterback but was used in various positions for the Saints, including primary kick returner.

March 2020: Restricted Free Agent Tender

In March 2020, the Saints placed a first round restricted free agent tender on Taysom Hill worth $4.641 million.

November 20, 2020: First Career Start at Quarterback

On November 20, 2020, Taysom Hill made his first career start at quarterback for the Saints against the Falcons due to Drew Brees’ injury, leading the Saints to a 24-9 victory with 233 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

March 14, 2021: Contract Extension with the Saints

On March 14, 2021, the same day Drew Brees announced his retirement, Taysom Hill signed a 4-year, $40 million extension with the Saints, structured to save the team salary cap space. He subsequently lost the starting quarterback job to Jameis Winston.

November 22, 2021: Contract Extension

On November 22, 2021, Hill signed an additional contract extension with the Saints that gave him $22.5 million in guaranteed money and the contract held provisions with potential to reach a maximum value of $95 million over its duration.

2021: Starting Quarterback Role

During the first half of the 2021 season, Taysom Hill was named the starting quarterback prior to a Week 13 game against the Dallas Cowboys and after a four-game losing streak. He spent most of the year as the third-string quarterback. On November 22, 2021, Hill signed an additional contract extension with the Saints. However, on January 9, 2022, Hill suffered a Lisfranc injury in a game against the Falcons, an injury that later required surgery.

January 9, 2022: Lisfranc Injury

On January 9, 2022, Hill suffered a Lisfranc injury in a game against the Falcons, an injury that later required surgery.

March 2022: Position Change to Tight End

In March 2022, new head coach Dennis Allen changed Taysom Hill's primary position from quarterback to tight end.

2023: Return to Quarterback and Career Highs

In 2023, after being categorized as a tight end, Taysom Hill was moved back to quarterback and achieved new career highs in receiving statistics. He ended the 2023 season with 81 carries for 401 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Hill also achieved new career highs in several receiving statistics, recording 33 receptions for 291 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.