Antonio Hamilton Bio
Antonio Hamilton Sr. is an American professional football cornerback for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 188 pounds, he has carved out a long career as an undrafted free agent who has played for multiple franchises. He attended South Carolina State University before signing his first NFL contract with the Oakland Raiders in 2016.
Over the course of his career, Hamilton has suited up for seven NFL organizations, contributing on defense and special teams. His journeyman path through the league has been marked by perseverance, including several stints on practice squads and injury lists before each return to a full active roster.
Early Life and Background
Antonio Hamilton was born on January 24, 1993, in Johnston, South Carolina. He grew up in his hometown and attended Strom Thurmond High School, where he developed into a multi-position athlete. His early exposure to football in the small-town environment of Johnston helped shape the versatile skill set he would later display at the college level.
Coming out of high school, Hamilton was a relatively unheralded recruit, but his work ethic and athletic upside attracted the attention of several college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his football career in his home state, a decision that allowed him to stay close to family while pursuing his dream of playing at the highest level.
Path to American Football
Hamilton enrolled at South Carolina State University, where he played for the Bulldogs from 2012 to 2015. Across three collegiate seasons, he appeared in a total of 33 games, recording 73 tackles, one sack, four interceptions, and nine passes defensed. He also made a significant impact on special teams, with 33 kickoff returns for 818 yards and two touchdowns, along with 23 punt returns for 498 yards and two touchdowns. As a junior, his work as a return specialist earned him All-Conference honors.
Although his statistical production was impressive, Hamilton went unselected in the 2016 NFL Draft. His performance at South Carolina State, however, was strong enough to earn him an invitation to the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent, opening the door to a career in the NFL.
Antonio Hamilton Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Antonio Hamilton signed with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2016, beginning his professional football journey. He spent the majority of his time with the team developing on the practice squad and contributing when called upon. In his second season, however, a knee injury threatened to derail his progress.
On October 14, 2017, Hamilton was placed on injured reserve due to the knee issue, but he was later activated back to the active roster on December 15, 2017. Just a few months into the following offseason, on September 1, 2018, the Raiders waived him, ending his first chapter in the NFL.
Oakland Raiders Breakthrough (2016–2017)
Although Hamilton did not earn a long-term starting role with the Oakland Raiders, his time in Oakland gave him his first taste of NFL competition. He learned the day-to-day demands of professional football and proved durable enough to contribute when given the opportunity. The lessons absorbed during his Raiders tenure helped him weather the transitions that followed.
New York Giants Tenure (2018–2019)
Hamilton was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants on September 2, 2018, just one day after being released by Oakland. He appeared in 13 games for the Giants during the 2018 season before a quad injury sent him to injured reserve on December 18, 2018. On March 14, 2019, he re-signed with New York, signaling the organization’s confidence in his abilities and giving him another full offseason to compete for a role.
Kansas City Chiefs Stint (2020)
Hamilton signed with the Kansas City Chiefs on March 23, 2020, joining one of the most competitive rosters in the league. His time in Kansas City added another stop to a rapidly growing professional resume, and the chance to work alongside one of the NFL’s top coaching staffs further developed his understanding of the game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chapter (2021)
On May 17, 2021, Hamilton signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joining a defending Super Bowl champion organization. However, his stay in Tampa Bay was short, as he was released on August 30, 2021, as part of the league’s final roster cuts before the regular season began.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2021–2023)
Hamilton signed to the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals on September 3, 2021, just days after his release from Tampa Bay. He earned a promotion to the active roster on September 29, 2021, and the Cardinals re-signed him on April 26, 2022. A stint on the reserve/non-football injury list from September 1 to October 8, 2022, did not stop the organization from bringing him back once again, with a re-signing on March 21, 2023. His multi-year run in Arizona marked one of the most stable stretches of his career.
Atlanta Falcons Move (2024)
On April 4, 2024, Hamilton signed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played in 11 games during the 2024 season. His role with Atlanta was primarily on special teams, where his experience and tackling ability made him a reliable contributor.
Washington Commanders Era (2025–Present)
Hamilton signed with the Washington Commanders on August 11, 2025, and after a brief waiver on August 26, he was re-signed to the team’s practice squad the following day. On October 1, 2025, the Commanders signed him to the active roster, where he provided depth in the defensive backfield and on special teams. He re-signed with the Commanders on May 11, 2026, continuing his career in Washington.
Driving Style and Strengths
Throughout his NFL career, Hamilton has built a reputation as a reliable special teams player and a physical, experienced cornerback. Listed at 6 feet 0 inches and 188 pounds, he combines sound tackling technique with the awareness needed to contribute in coverage. His versatility has allowed him to remain a valuable asset across multiple defensive schemes and special teams units.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most defining moments of Hamilton’s career came in 2021, when he transitioned from Tampa Bay to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad and earned a promotion to the active roster within the same month. That quick rebound exemplified the resilience that has defined his professional journey, which has included two interceptions, 27 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and 197 tackles through the 2025 season.
Antonio Hamilton Career Wins
Antonio Hamilton has built a career-long résumé across multiple franchises, contributing on defense and special teams rather than collecting headlining win totals. His longevity in the league, with stints on seven rosters since 2016, stands as a testament to his consistent preparation and adaptability.
NFL Career Highlights
Hamilton has not been credited with headlining a championship drive, but he has been part of competitive rosters and contributed on special teams units throughout his career. Career NFL statistics as of the 2025 season include 197 tackles, two fumble recoveries, 27 pass deflections, and two interceptions, reflecting his role as a steady contributor in the defensive backfield and on special teams.
Antonio Hamilton Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Antonio Hamilton’s parents and immediate family is limited. He was raised in Johnston, South Carolina, and has remained connected to his hometown throughout his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
Antonio Hamilton joined the Washington Commanders in August 2025, briefly cycling through a release and a re-signing to the practice squad before earning a promotion to the active roster on October 1, 2025. His role with the team has centered on providing experienced depth in the secondary and reliable play on special teams. The 2025 campaign represented yet another chapter in his journeyman career, with Hamilton continuing to prove that an undrafted free agent can carve out long-term value in the NFL.
Looking ahead, Hamilton re-signed with the Commanders on May 11, 2026, locking in his place on the roster for the following season. His continued presence in Washington underscores the trust the organization has placed in his versatility and professionalism. With another year of familiarity alongside the coaching staff, Hamilton is well-positioned to once again contribute on special teams and in the cornerback rotation.