Nyheim Hines Bio
Nyheim Arthur Miller-Hines, born on November 12, 1996, is an American professional football running back who plays in the National Football League (NFL). A versatile athlete known for his speed and dual-threat ability as both a rusher and a pass catcher, he has built a reputation as a dynamic contributor in the backfield and on special teams. He currently plays for the New Orleans Saints, where he continues to add depth and experience to the team’s offensive unit.
After starring in college football for the NC State Wolfpack, Miller-Hines entered the NFL when he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL draft. Throughout his professional career, he has also played for the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Chargers, developing into a respected utility player valued for his acceleration, hands, and return skills.
Early Life and Background
Nyheim Arthur Miller-Hines was born and raised in Garner, North Carolina, a community located near Raleigh. He attended Garner Magnet High School, where he played for the Trojans football team and developed into one of the most productive offensive players in school history. During his high school career, he accumulated 6,242 rushing yards and 7,299 total yards, scoring 126 touchdowns. He also scored seven touchdowns in a single game on two occasions, establishing 15 school records in the process.
His outstanding performances at Garner Magnet High School drew the attention of college recruiters across the country. He ultimately committed to North Carolina State University, where he planned to play college football for the Wolfpack. Beyond football, Miller-Hines also competed in track and field, showcasing the elite speed that would later define his professional career.
Path to American Football
Miller-Hines began his college career at NC State in 2015 under head coach Dave Doeren. While balancing football with the Wolfpack track team, he continued to refine the speed and athleticism that made him a standout prospect. On the track, he placed third in the 100 meters at the Atlantic Coast Conference outdoor championships with a personal-best time of 10.34 seconds, and recorded a personal-best 21.31 seconds in the 200 meters. His indoor personal-best of 6.71 seconds in the 60 meters also placed him third at the ACC indoor championships.
As a junior in 2017, Miller-Hines rushed for 1,112 yards on 197 carries with 12 touchdowns, earning First Team All-ACC honors and Sun Bowl MVP recognition. After the season, he decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2018 NFL draft. At the NFL Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds, making him the fastest running back in his draft class.
Nyheim Hines Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Miller-Hines was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the 2018 NFL draft. In his NFL debut against the Cincinnati Bengals, he had five carries for 19 rushing yards and seven receptions for 33 receiving yards. He scored his first professional touchdown the following week against the Washington Redskins on an eight-yard rush. By the end of his rookie season, he had recorded 314 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 63 receptions, 425 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns, while also appearing in two playoff games.
In 2019, Miller-Hines earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after returning two punts for touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers, with returns of 84 and 71 yards. He became the first player in Colts history to accomplish that feat. The following season, he posted 89 carries for 380 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, alongside 63 receptions for 482 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, cementing his role as a key dual-threat contributor.
Indianapolis Colts Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Throughout his early years in Indianapolis, Miller-Hines established himself as a reliable receiving back and dangerous returner. In 2020, he had standout performances against the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans, combining for three receiving touchdowns across those contests. His consistency earned him a three-year, $18.6 million contract extension on September 10, 2021.
During the 2021 season, Miller-Hines recorded 56 carries for 276 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, along with 40 receptions for 310 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. He remained a central figure in the Colts’ offensive schemes and a dependable option on third downs and in the passing game.
Buffalo Bills Era (2022–2023)
On November 1, 2022, Miller-Hines was traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for running back Zack Moss and a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. In Week 18 against the New England Patriots, he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in a 35–23 victory, becoming the eleventh NFL player to accomplish that feat in a single game. He finished the 2022 season with 30 receptions for 241 receiving yards, a receiving touchdown, and a rushing touchdown.
Miller-Hines missed the entire 2023 season after sustaining a leg injury in a personal watercraft accident during the offseason. He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list on July 25, 2023, and was later released by the Bills on March 6, 2024.
Cleveland Browns Era (2024)
On March 13, 2024, Miller-Hines signed with the Cleveland Browns. He was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list to start the season and did not appear for Cleveland during the year. On February 18, 2025, he was released by the Browns.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2025)
Miller-Hines signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on July 22, 2025. After being released on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad the next day, he was released again on September 7 before re-signing with Los Angeles’ practice squad on October 7. He made two appearances for the Chargers, recording two negative yards on two rushes, and was released on October 28.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On December 18, 2025, Miller-Hines was signed to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, marking the latest chapter of his professional career. He rejoined an NFL roster as he continued to seek opportunities to contribute on offense and special teams.
Driving Style and Strengths
Miller-Hines is recognized for his elite straight-line speed, which has translated into success on kick and punt returns throughout his career. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield makes him a versatile chess piece for offensive coordinators. He has consistently demonstrated reliable hands and the acceleration needed to break long returns in open space.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature achievements, Miller-Hines became the eleventh NFL player to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in a single game, doing so against the New England Patriots in 2022. He also became the first player in Indianapolis Colts history to return two punts for touchdowns in a single game in 2019, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Nyheim Hines Career Wins
Miller-Hines has built a career defined more by versatility and explosive plays than by traditional win totals at the running back position. His scoring contributions as a rusher, receiver, and returner have provided consistent value to every team he has joined. While he has not been a featured feature back, his impact in specialty roles has produced memorable single-game performances.
NFL Highlights
Miller-Hines’ first NFL touchdown came on an eight-yard rush against the Washington Redskins in his second career game. His most recent scoring contributions came during the 2022 season with the Buffalo Bills, when he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns against the New England Patriots. Across his career, he has recorded multiple rushing, receiving, and return touchdowns in both conference play and high-profile regular-season matchups.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the NFL, Miller-Hines earned Sun Bowl MVP honors and First Team All-ACC recognition during his junior season at NC State in 2017. He was also a standout track athlete, finishing third in both the 100 meters at the ACC outdoor championships and the 60 meters at the ACC indoor championships.
Nyheim Hines Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Miller-Hines’ twin sister, Nyah, competed for the NC State track and field team, sharing her brother’s athletic background at the collegiate level. The siblings both contributed to the Wolfpack’s tradition of producing versatile athletes during their time in Raleigh.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Miller-Hines has worked at Bojangles during the offseason as part of his preparation for life after the NFL. His entrepreneurial mindset reflects an interest in building a long-term business career once his playing days conclude.
2025 Season Performance
Miller-Hines’ 2025 campaign was marked by movement across multiple rosters as he sought consistent playing opportunities. After being released by the Cleveland Browns in February, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in July, only to be released and re-signed to their practice squad multiple times throughout the season. His limited on-field production with the Chargers included two appearances and two negative rushing yards.
On December 18, 2025, Miller-Hines signed with the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, providing a fresh opportunity to compete for a role within their offensive or special teams units. The transition to New Orleans offered a chance to reset his trajectory heading into the next phase of his career.
Looking forward, Miller-Hines will aim to secure a stable roster position and re-establish himself as a contributor on offense and special teams. His proven track record as a returner and pass-catching back gives him a clear path to earning a larger role within the Saints organization.