Maurice Hurst Bio
Maurice Roy Hurst Jr. is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 9, 1995, in Canton, Massachusetts, he has built his reputation as a disruptive interior lineman capable of pressuring quarterbacks and disrupting running lanes. A consensus All-American at the University of Michigan in 2017, Hurst entered the NFL when the Oakland Raiders selected him in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career he has also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers before returning to Cleveland, where he continues to compete at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Maurice Roy Hurst Jr. grew up in Canton, Massachusetts, where he was raised by his mother, Nicole Page. He is the son of former New England Patriot Maurice Hurst, giving him an early connection to the sport at the highest level. Growing up in a household with a professional football background helped shape his understanding of the game and the discipline required to pursue it as a career.
Hurst attended Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts, where he became a three-year starter on the varsity football team. He played on the varsity squad as a freshman, an unusual distinction that highlighted his physical maturity and football instincts. He was a two-time first-team all-state selection in Massachusetts during the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and he participated in the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, one of the prominent high school all-star games that showcases top senior talent.
Path to American Football
Hurst’s development at Xaverian Brothers positioned him as a sought-after college recruit, and he committed to the University of Michigan to play in the Big Ten Conference. He arrived as part of a strong defensive line class and worked his way up the depth chart behind established veterans during his first two seasons. His combination of quickness, leverage, and technique made him a natural fit for the defensive tackle position.
He earned his first varsity letter in 2014 after appearing in seven games, signaling the beginning of his rise within the program. Recognition followed during the 2015 season when the Maxwell Football Club placed him on the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, an honor typically reserved for the nation’s top defensive players. He also earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition in 2014 and 2015, reflecting his commitment to performance in the classroom as well as on the field. By the time his senior season arrived, he had transformed into one of the most dominant interior defenders in college football.
Maurice Hurst Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
During his time at Michigan, Hurst steadily developed into a reliable contributor on the defensive line. As an upperclassman, he became a fixture in the Wolverines’ defensive rotation, using his quick first step and strong hands to disrupt opposing offensive lines. His 2017 season served as his college breakthrough, as he recorded a career-high 59 tackles while his 13.5 tackles for loss ranked sixth in the Big Ten.
Following the 2017 season, Hurst was named to the All-Big Ten defensive first-team by both the coaches and the media, and he earned consensus All-American honors. He was projected as a possible top-five or mid-first-round pick, but a heart condition discovered at the 2018 NFL Combine prevented him from participating in drills. After being cleared to play and participating in Michigan’s pro day, he saw his draft stock fall and waited for a team to take a chance on him.
Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders Era (2018–2020)
The Oakland Raiders selected Hurst in the fifth round, 140th overall, of the 2018 NFL Draft. In Week 2 of his rookie season, he recorded his first career sack against the Denver Broncos. He continued to produce during his debut campaign, collecting sacks against the Cleveland Browns, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Arizona Cardinals. Pro Football Focus graded him at 72.4 for the season, the 46th-highest mark among qualifying interior defenders.
In 2019, Hurst recorded two sacks against the Chicago Bears in Week 5, recovered fumbles against the Detroit Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals, and notched his first career interception off Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, returning it 55 yards. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in October 2020 and was waived by the Raiders on April 15, 2021, after the team transitioned to Las Vegas.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2021–2022)
On April 23, 2021, Hurst signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He was placed on injured reserve at the start of the regular season before being activated in October. He re-signed with the 49ers on March 10, 2022, was released the same month, and re-signed to a one-year deal the same day. His 2022 season ended early after he was placed on injured reserve on August 1 with a torn bicep.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–Present)
On March 18, 2023, Hurst signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. In his first season with the team, he played in 13 games and recorded 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended, and an interception. He re-signed with the Browns on March 15, 2024, but suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve on September 11, 2024, before being activated on October 12. On December 10, 2025, he was signed to Cleveland’s practice squad.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Hurst’s career was his 55-yard interception return against the Tennessee Titans in 2019, a play that showcased his athleticism and awareness. He has also battled back from a heart condition discovered before the 2018 draft, a torn bicep in 2022, and an ankle injury in 2024, demonstrating the resilience that has defined his professional journey. His consensus All-American selection in 2017 remains a defining career milestone and a testament to his college dominance.
Maurice Hurst Career Wins
While defensive tackles are rarely measured by traditional win totals, Hurst’s career is defined by team victories, statistical production, and individual honors. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded 117 total tackles, 10 sacks, 2 interceptions, 11 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries in the NFL. He has contributed to playoff-caliber defenses in Oakland, San Francisco, and Cleveland, helping each franchise compete in the rugged AFC and NFC divisions.
Maurice Hurst Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Maurice Roy Hurst Jr. is the son of former New England Patriot Maurice Hurst and Nicole Page. His father’s professional football career gave him an early understanding of the demands and discipline required to play in the NFL. That lineage has been a motivating force throughout his journey from Canton, Massachusetts, to the professional ranks.
Personal Life
Hurst was raised in Canton, Massachusetts, and has remained closely tied to his family throughout his career. He attended Xaverian Brothers High School in nearby Westwood before continuing his football career at the University of Michigan. Public details about his personal relationships are limited.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a difficult stretch for Maurice Roy Hurst Jr. as he continued his tenure with the Cleveland Browns. After suffering an ankle injury in Week 1 of the 2024 season and being placed on injured reserve, he returned to action once activated on October 12. His veteran presence along the defensive line was expected to provide leadership and depth for a Browns team looking to compete in the AFC North.
On December 10, 2025, Hurst was signed to Cleveland’s practice squad, a move that reflected both his value as an experienced interior defender and the team’s ongoing roster adjustments late in the year. Practice squad designations allow veteran players to remain with an organization while staying prepared for potential elevation to the active roster.
Looking ahead, Hurst’s combination of technique, football intelligence, and durability through injuries suggests he remains a candidate to contribute to Cleveland’s defensive plans. His track record of bouncing back from setbacks, including his pre-draft heart condition, a torn bicep, and a 2024 ankle injury, points to a player whose career has been defined by perseverance. Whether in an active role or a veteran reserve capacity, his experience continues to benefit the Browns’ defensive front.