Julian Hill Bio
Julian Marquez Hill (born July 9, 2000) is an American professional football tight end. He is currently a member of the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Hill first entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 2023, becoming the first player from Campbell University to appear on an NFL roster.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 251 pounds, Hill is known for his size and his development from a high school quarterback into a reliable pass-catching tight end. His career has spanned the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots.
Early Life and Background
Julian Marquez Hill was born on July 9, 2000, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Between the ages of 5 and 10, Hill experienced a period of homelessness while under the care of his biological mother. At age 10, he was adopted by Paul and Shannon Schaeffer, who became the first family members to introduce him to organized sports.
Hill attended Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, where he was a multi-sport athlete competing in football, baseball, and basketball. He played quarterback in football and was moved into a starting role three games into his freshman year, completing 52 percent of his passes for 927 yards and six touchdowns. His sophomore season ended early after he suffered a torn ACL, and he later tore the ACL again in his junior season finale.
Path to American Football
After his second ACL injury cost him his senior football season, Hill recovered in time for basketball, where a coach from the Campbell Fighting Camels noticed him. The Campbell program is a Division I FCS football program located in Buies Creek, North Carolina. Hill joined the program as a preferred walk-on and converted from quarterback to tight end.
The position change helped him develop a different skill set and gave him a clearer path to professional football. His transition from a high school quarterback to a college tight end required him to add bulk, refine his blocking, and expand his route tree as a pass catcher.
Julian Hill Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Hill spent five seasons with the Campbell Fighting Camels from 2018 through 2022. As a true freshman in 2018, he played all 11 games and began to adjust to his new role at tight end. In 2019, he played 11 games and recorded six receptions for 85 yards.
During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Hill posted six catches for 102 yards and was selected second-team All-Big South Conference. His consistent development at Campbell set the stage for an NFL opportunity, even though he was not selected in the 2023 draft.
Campbell Breakthrough (2021–2022)
In 2021, Hill led the Big South Conference with 34 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns, earning first-team all-conference honors. The following season, he picked up a third all-conference selection and produced 38 catches for 659 yards and five touchdowns.
Over his college career, Hill totaled 85 catches for 1,218 yards and seven touchdowns in 48 games, starting 26 of those contests. His steady production at the FCS level made him a candidate for an NFL roster spot.
Miami Dolphins Era (2023–2025)
After going unselected in the 2023 NFL draft, Hill was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. He made the Dolphins’ final roster as a rookie, becoming the first Campbell Fighting Camels player to appear on an NFL roster. In his first season, Hill appeared in 15 games and caught six passes for 48 yards.
During the 2024 season, Hill continued to contribute for Miami. In Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks on September 22, 2024, a play after a reception led to a widely discussed wardrobe malfunction during a tackle by safety Rayshawn Jenkins, an incident that circulated widely on social media. Through his time with the Dolphins, Hill recorded 33 receptions for 288 receiving yards.
New England Patriots Era (2026–Present)
On March 12, 2026, the New England Patriots signed Hill to a three-year contract, adding tight end depth to their roster. The move reunited him with an AFC East rival and gave him a fresh opportunity within a different offensive system.
Hill was placed on injured reserve on June 1 after suffering a season-ending knee injury during practice. His current roster status with the Patriots is listed as injured reserve.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hill is recognized for his combination of height, length, and reliable hands as a tight end. His background as a high school quarterback gives him an understanding of coverage and route concepts, which helps him work with quarterbacks on timing-based plays.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hill’s biggest early milestone was becoming the first Campbell Fighting Camels player to make an NFL roster when he joined the Miami Dolphins in 2023. His 2024 wardrobe malfunction moment against the Seahawks and his 2026 signing with the New England Patriots are among the most talked-about moments of his professional career so far.
Julian Hill Career Stats
Across his professional career, Julian Marquez Hill has contributed as a tight end for the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. His role has primarily been as a pass catcher and blocker within each offense.
Miami Dolphins Highlights
With the Dolphins, Hill appeared in 15 games during his rookie season and finished with six receptions for 48 yards. He continued to develop his role in 2024 and 2025, finishing his Dolphins tenure with 33 career receptions for 288 receiving yards.
Other Performances
At the collegiate level with the Campbell Fighting Camels, Hill recorded 85 receptions for 1,218 yards and seven touchdowns across 48 games, including three All-Big South Conference selections. His consistent production at the FCS level laid the foundation for his professional opportunity.
| Series | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campbell Fighting Camels (2018–2022) | 85 | 1,218 | 7 |
| Miami Dolphins (2023–2025) | 33 | 288 | — |
Julian Hill Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Julian Marquez Hill is the son of Paul Schaeffer and Shannon Schaeffer, who adopted him at the age of 10. After his adoption, the Schaeffer family was the first to get him involved in sports, helping shape his path toward a career in football.
Hill’s early childhood included a period of homelessness between the ages of 5 and 10, a challenge he has spoken about as part of his journey. His adoptive parents supported his athletic development through high school and into college.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked the final chapter of Julian Marquez Hill’s time with the Miami Dolphins. He continued to serve as a depth tight end, contributing in both the passing game and run blocking. He finished his Dolphins tenure with 33 career receptions for 288 receiving yards.
His role within the Miami offense was steady rather than headline-grabbing, as he worked behind other established pass catchers. The cumulative experience he gained in three seasons with the Dolphins positioned him for a new opportunity the following offseason.
Looking ahead, Hill moved on from the Dolphins after the 2025 season and signed a three-year contract with the New England Patriots on March 12, 2026. His outlook in New England was cut short when a knee injury during practice landed him on injured reserve on June 1, 2026, sidelining him for the upcoming season.
