Breece Hall Bio
Breece Maelik Hall (born May 31, 2001) is an American professional football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones, where he was a two-time All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Hall was selected by the Jets in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Early Life and Background
Breece Hall was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Wichita Northwest High School, where he excelled in football. Hall was named first-team All-Metro and first-team All-State after an impressive junior season, during which he rushed for 2,082 yards and scored 36 total touchdowns. In his senior year, he continued to shine, rushing for 2,127 yards and 29 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-State honors and the title of Wichita Metro Player of the Year. Hall’s early exposure to football and his remarkable high school performance set the stage for his future success. After high school, he continued his education and football career at Iowa State University, where he played for the Iowa State Cyclones.
Path to American Football
Following the departure of David Montgomery to the NFL, Breece Hall became Iowa State’s starting running back during his true freshman season. He quickly made an impact, being named the co-Newcomer of the Week after rushing for 132 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over West Virginia. Hall continued to impress throughout his freshman year, finishing with 897 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, along with 23 receptions for 252 yards and one touchdown. His performance earned him a spot on the second-team All-Big 12. In his sophomore season, Hall rushed for over 100 yards in eight consecutive games, finishing as the FBS leader in rushing yards with 1,572 on 279 carries and 21 rushing touchdowns. His outstanding performance led to him being named first-team All-Big 12 and the conference Offensive Player of the Year, making him the first unanimous All-American in Iowa State’s history. As a junior in 2021, he recorded 1,472 rushing yards, 302 receiving yards, and 23 total touchdowns before announcing his decision to enter the 2022 NFL draft.
Breece Hall Career
Early Career (2022)
Breece Hall was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, becoming the first running back chosen that year. He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2022 season against the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 2, Hall scored his first professional touchdown on a ten-yard reception from quarterback Joe Flacco in a game against the Cleveland Browns. During Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, Hall showcased his versatility by finishing with 97 rushing yards, 100 receiving yards, and a touchdown, contributing to the Jets’ 40-17 victory. His performance in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, where he rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, earned him recognition as the FedEx Ground Player and Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
Hall’s rookie season was cut short when he tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, leading to his placement on injured reserve on October 25, 2022. Despite the setback, he made a strong return in the 2023 season. On July 19, 2023, he was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list but was activated on August 15, 2023. In Week 1 of the 2023 season, Hall made a significant impact with 127 rushing yards, including an 83-yard run, helping the Jets secure a 22-16 overtime victory against the Buffalo Bills. He continued to perform well throughout the season, finishing with 994 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with 76 receptions for 591 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.
Notable Works and Milestones
Breece Hall’s signature work includes his remarkable college career at Iowa State, where he earned multiple accolades, including being a two-time All-American and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. His transition to the NFL has been marked by impressive performances, highlighting his potential as a star running back in the league.
Breece Hall Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Breece Hall has received several notable nominations, particularly during his time at Iowa State, where he was recognized for his outstanding performance on the field.
Breece Hall Awards Won
Breece Hall has won several prestigious awards, including the NCAA rushing yards leader in 2020 and being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year twice in 2020 and 2021. His accolades reflect his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.
Breece Hall Family
Breece Hall has a strong family connection to professional football. His father, Bernard Hall, played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and in the Arena Football League. His step-father, Jeff Smith, had a career in the NFL, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, Hall’s cousin, Kenton Keith, had a brief stint with the Jets and played in the Canadian Football League.
Personal Life
Breece Hall’s personal life reflects his deep ties to football, with multiple family members having played at various levels of the sport. His family background has undoubtedly influenced his passion and dedication to the game.
