Daxton Hill Bio
Daxton Jor-El Hill, born on September 29, 2000, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is an American professional football cornerback for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 195 pounds, Hill has built a reputation as a versatile defensive back capable of playing both safety and cornerback at the highest level. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, where he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2021. The Cincinnati Bengals selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has remained with the organization since entering the league.
Early Life and Background
Daxton Jor-El Hill was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attended Booker T. Washington High School. Growing up in a city with a rich football tradition, Hill developed his skills on the gridiron from a young age and quickly emerged as one of the top high school prospects in the state of Oklahoma. His athletic ability and football IQ set him apart from his peers throughout his high school career.
As a senior in 2019, Hill was named the Gatorade Football Player of the Year for Oklahoma, a prestigious honor that recognized his outstanding performance on the field. That same year, he was selected to play in the 2019 U.S. Army All-American Game, a showcase for the nation’s top high school football talent. Rated as a five-star recruit, Hill originally committed to play college football at the University of Michigan before briefly switching his commitment to the University of Alabama. He ultimately returned to his original commitment and enrolled at Michigan, where he would begin his collegiate career.
Path to American Football
Hill’s path to professional football began with his standout performance at Booker T. Washington High School, where his combination of speed, coverage skills, and football intelligence made him one of the most sought-after defensive back recruits in the 2019 class. His participation in the U.S. Army All-American Game further elevated his profile among college coaches and NFL scouts. The recruiting battle between Michigan and Alabama for Hill’s services highlighted his status as a premier prospect.
After ultimately choosing the University of Michigan, Hill joined a Wolverines program with a strong tradition of developing defensive backs for the NFL. His decision to return to his original commitment to Michigan proved to be a defining moment in his development as a player. The coaching staff at Michigan provided him with the foundation he needed to transition from a high school standout to a potential professional prospect.
Daxton Hill Career
Early Career (2019-2021)
As a true freshman at Michigan in 2019, Hill played in 13 games with three starts, recording 36 tackles and one interception. His immediate impact demonstrated his readiness to compete at the collegiate level and earned him a spot in the Wolverines’ defensive rotation. The experience gained during his freshman season laid the groundwork for his continued development.
During his sophomore campaign in 2020, Hill started six games and tallied 46 tackles along with one interception. Returning to Michigan as a full-time starter in 2021, he received first-team All-Big Ten honors, cementing his status as one of the top defensive backs in the conference. Following the 2021 season, Hill declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, foregoing his remaining college eligibility.
NFL Breakthrough (2022)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Hill in the first round (31st overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the second safety drafted that year behind Kyle Hamilton. On May 18, 2022, the Bengals signed Hill to a four-year, $11.66 million contract that included a signing bonus of $5.66 million and was fully guaranteed at signing. The Bengals viewed him as a long-term piece of their secondary.
As a rookie, Hill was eased into action by Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, initially backing up Jessie Bates at free safety while also contributing as a gunner on special teams alongside Stanley Morgan. In Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hill made his first career start at cornerback in a nickelback role after injuries to Mike Hilton and Jalen Davis. He recorded five solo tackles and three assisted tackles in that game, showcasing his positional versatility.
Starting Role (2023)
In his second NFL season, Hill was named the starting free safety for the Bengals, a significant step up in responsibility. During the Week 1 loss against the Cleveland Browns, Hill recorded his first career interception, picking off a pass from quarterback Deshaun Watson. The milestone marked his arrival as a playmaker in the Cincinnati secondary.
Hill recorded a career-high 12 total tackles in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, nine of which were solo stops. He notched his first career sack during the Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams and added a half-sack in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. His production throughout the 2023 season confirmed his growth as a full-time starter in the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2022-Present)
Entering his third season in 2024, it was announced that Hill would convert to cornerback, a position change designed to maximize his athletic profile and coverage skills. Following preseason competition, he was announced as the winner of the starting cornerback role over DJ Turner. The transition reflected the Bengals’ confidence in his ability to adapt to a new role on the outside.
Unfortunately, Hill suffered a torn ACL in Week 5 of the 2024 season and was placed on season-ending injured reserve on October 8, 2024. On April 30, 2025, the Bengals exercised the fifth-year option on Hill’s contract, ensuring he would receive $12,682,000 for the 2026 season. The team’s decision to pick up the option demonstrated their commitment to Hill as a cornerstone of their defense moving forward.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hill’s greatest strength lies in his versatility, having successfully played both free safety and cornerback at the NFL level. His coverage skills, ball-hawking instincts, and willingness to support the run game make him a well-rounded defensive back. The move to cornerback was designed to take advantage of his athletic profile and man-to-man coverage ability.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Hill’s most notable moments came in Week 1 of the 2023 season when he recorded his first career interception against Deshaun Watson. His first career start at cornerback in Week 15 of his rookie year also stands out as a defining moment in his positional flexibility. The Bengals’ decision to exercise his fifth-year option in 2025 underscored his value to the franchise’s long-term plans.
Daxton Hill Career Wins
While individual statistics vary across his positions, Hill has accumulated notable production in tackles, interceptions, and sacks since entering the NFL. His first career interception against the Cleveland Browns in 2023 marked a key milestone, and his first career sack against the Los Angeles Rams further demonstrated his playmaking ability. As he returns from injury, additional milestones are expected to follow.
NFL Highlights
Hill’s NFL career has been highlighted by his first career interception in Week 1 of the 2023 season and his first career sack in Week 3 of the same year. His career-high 12 tackles against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 of 2023 remains a standout statistical performance. The transition to starting cornerback in 2024, though cut short by injury, represented another significant chapter in his development.
Daxton Hill Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hill comes from a family with strong athletic ties. His brother, Justice Hill, played running back for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Hill family’s football pedigree is evident in both brothers’ success at the highest level of the sport.
Personal Life
Hill’s middle name, Jor-El, was taken from the comic book character of the same name, reflecting his family’s appreciation for popular culture. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hill has maintained ties to his hometown throughout his football career. His family’s support has been a constant throughout his journey from high school standout to NFL starter.
2025 Season Performance
Hill is expected to return from his torn ACL injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely. The Bengals’ decision to exercise his fifth-year option signals their belief in his long-term value to the team, and he is slated to earn $12,682,000 for the 2026 season. His recovery and return to the field will be one of the key storylines to watch for the Cincinnati defense in 2025.
After transitioning to cornerback in 2024 before his injury, Hill is expected to resume his role in the secondary and build on the progress he made during training camp and the early portion of the 2024 season. The Bengals’ defensive scheme under coordinator Lou Anarumo has historically maximized the skills of versatile defensive backs, and Hill’s ability to play multiple positions remains a significant asset.
Looking ahead, Hill’s combination of youth, athleticism, and positional flexibility positions him as a potential long-term cornerstone of the Bengals’ secondary. As he works his way back from injury, his performance in 2025 will be closely monitored by both the team and its fan base, with expectations that he will return to the form that made him a first-round draft pick in 2022.