Taysom Hill, the 35-year-old quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, recently played a pivotal role in his team’s Week 16 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a ton of rushing attempts, he accumulated 12 rushing attempts and 42 yards. He added four receptions for 36 yards, including a spectacular 38-yard touchdown reception from wide receiver Chris Olave. Hill got teary-eyed as he considered the significance of such a unique day. As he considered the game, he had to consider his still-uncertain status with the Saints going forward.
Claimed off waivers from the Green Bay Packers in 2017, Hill immediately showcased his versatility. On the field, he’s proven to be an indispensable asset. He is the only player in the Super Bowl era to achieve over 1,000 career passing, receiving, and rushing yards. His path to victory has not been free of adversity along the way. During the course of his career, Hill has battled a laundry list of injuries. He even endured four season-ending injuries over the course of his collegiate career at Brigham Young University (BYU). All of these have been knee, leg, Lisfranc, and elbow injuries.
Last week’s game against Tampa Bay was a prime example of why Hill is such a unique and versatile weapon. He completed a fake punt conversion on the Saints’ very next drive—I mean, the audacity!—which helped extend the Saints’ momentum further. Hill truly had no chance against the wet weather that hindered ball handling for all involved. Even with this, he was still the biggest single driver of the team’s success. He had another fourth-quarter touchdown reception taken off the board by a penalty called on an offensive lineman.
Hill also gave a big thanks to the city of New Orleans and their fan base that continues to support him. But classic New Orleans I love the actual city of New Orleans! How the fan base has welcomed me and my family in such a unique way. His heartfelt attachment to the Tlingit community makes this chapter in his life and career all the more significant.
Teammate Chris Olave was impressed with Hill’s drive to make things happen when the game was on the line. And I absolutely wanted to help to make that happen. I understood that they were trying to get Taysom a touchdown, so I was just really looking forward to being part of it. Olave couldn’t say enough about their dynamic interplay together on the pitch.
Though this is an exciting time for Hill, his future was uncertain heading into 2023. His contract is scheduled to void in the offseason, fueling speculation over which team he’ll be wearing a different uniform next season. It’s hilarious because I haven’t talked to anybody about … any of this,” he added with great amusement. We scored one touchdown, and then the very next play, he was looking to give me another one.
Saints offensive coordinator Kellen Moore realized that Hill was getting more opportunities as the game went on. He boldly proclaimed, “The breaks were definitely going his way late in the game.” This fear of missing out speaks to Hill’s novelty and wild value as a player. He’ll be the key to how well the team’s strategy for rebuilding the roster goes.
As the season approaches, fans and analysts on both sides of the argument will be observing intently to see how Hill’s case plays out. His rare combination of skill and versatility have turned him into an indispensable weapon for the Saints. With continued questions over his contract and future with the team, it is not yet certain what steps Hill will take.
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