Taysom Hill Bio
Taysom Shawn Hill is an American professional football tight end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Brigham Young University Cougars as a quarterback and signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Hill was released during final roster cuts and signed with the Saints shortly afterward. Noted for his versatility, Hill has held the official positions of quarterback and tight end while also performing various other offensive and special teams roles. He is known as “the Human Swiss Army Knife” by the Saints media.
Early Life and Background
Taysom Hill was born on August 23, 1990, in Pocatello, Idaho. He was raised in a family that encouraged athletic pursuits, and he excelled in multiple sports during his youth. At Highland High School, Hill lettered in football, basketball, and track, graduating in 2009. As a senior, he achieved remarkable statistics, throwing for 2,269 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 1,491 yards and 24 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him accolades such as the All-Idaho Player of the Year and Idaho Gatorade High School Player of the Year. In addition to football, Hill also competed in track, showcasing his athleticism in events like the 200 meters and long jump.
After high school, Hill received multiple offers from various college programs but ultimately chose to attend Brigham Young University. He enrolled at BYU in January 2010 after serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sydney, Australia. Hill’s college career was marked by both impressive performances and significant injuries, which shaped his development as a player.
Path to American Football
Hill’s college football journey began as a freshman at BYU in 2012, where he was initially the second-string quarterback. He quickly made an impact, completing his first pass for an 18-yard touchdown against Washington State. However, his first season was cut short due to a knee injury. Hill returned as the starting quarterback in 2013, leading the Cougars to a strong season with notable performances, including a game against Texas where he rushed for 259 yards and three touchdowns.
Throughout his college career, Hill faced several injuries that limited his playing time, including a fractured leg and a lisfranc fracture. Despite these setbacks, he demonstrated resilience and determination, returning to the field each time. In 2016, Hill was named the starting quarterback again, changing his jersey number to honor his late brother. His college career concluded with a mix of highs and lows, but he left a lasting legacy at BYU.
Taysom Hill Career
Early Career (2017)
Taysom Hill went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft but signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent. He showcased his abilities during the preseason, completing 14 of 20 passes and scoring two touchdowns. However, he was released during final roster cuts and quickly signed with the New Orleans Saints. Hill’s versatility was recognized by the Saints, and he began to carve out a unique role on the team.
In his rookie season, Hill primarily contributed on special teams, making an immediate impact with tackles and plays that demonstrated his athleticism. He finished the season with notable statistics, including rushing for two touchdowns and completing his first NFL pass.
Breakthrough (2019-2020)
Hill’s breakthrough came during the 2019 season when he set a record for the most single-season touchdowns without a turnover by a quarterback, achieving seven touchdowns. His ability to perform in various roles, including quarterback, tight end, and special teams, earned him recognition and respect within the league.
In 2020, Hill was thrust into the starting quarterback role due to an injury to Drew Brees. He made his first start against the Atlanta Falcons, completing 18 of 23 passes for 233 yards and rushing for two touchdowns. Hill’s performance solidified his reputation as a dynamic player capable of leading the team in critical moments.
Notable Works and Milestones
Taysom Hill’s signature work includes his record-setting performances and his ability to excel in multiple positions. He became the only player in the Super Bowl era to achieve 1,000 receiving, passing, and rushing yards, a testament to his versatility and skill.
Taysom Hill Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Taysom Hill has received recognition for his unique contributions to the game, particularly for his versatility and ability to perform in various roles on the field.
Taysom Hill Awards Won
While Taysom Hill has not received formal awards, his achievements on the field, including record-setting performances, highlight his impact on the game.
Taysom Hill Family
Taysom Hill is married to Emily Nixon, and together they have two children. He is the youngest of four children in his family.
Personal Life
Taysom Hill is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a missionary in Sydney, Australia, from 2009 to 2011. He married Emily Nixon in 2014 in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hill’s family background and values have played a significant role in shaping his character and approach to life and football.
