Justice Hill

Justice Hill Bio

Justice Hill is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 14, 1997, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hill played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys before being selected by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has established himself as a versatile offensive weapon, contributing both as a rusher and receiver while also handling kickoff return duties throughout his professional career.

Early Life and Background

Justice Hill grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he attended Booker T. Washington High School. As a high school player, Hill proved to be an exceptional talent, earning Oklahoma All-State honors and being named the 6A-II Offensive Player of the Year during his senior season. He was rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school and originally signed with Oklahoma State University. Beyond his football accomplishments, Hill received scholarship offers from several major programs including Houston, Louisville, and Oklahoma State. His combination of speed and elusiveness made him a dominant force at the high school level, where he rushed for 3,364 career yards while averaging an impressive 8.1 yards per carry and scoring 54 touchdowns, with 32 of those scores coming during his senior year.

Path to Professional Football

Hill enrolled at Oklahoma State University in 2016, joining the Cowboys football program as a true freshman. He began the season on the depth chart as a backup but quickly worked his way into a prominent role as the season progressed. His breakthrough came during Big 12 conference play when he erupted for 122 rushing yards and his first career touchdown against Baylor. By the end of his freshman campaign, Hill had recorded seven games with at least 99 rushing yards, showcasing his consistency and big-play ability. His exceptional freshman season earned him Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors along with Freshman All-American recognition. He entered the 2017 season as the leading returning rusher in the Big 12 Conference, and his performance over the next two years cemented his status as one of the top running back prospects in the country.

Justice Hill Career

College Career (2016–2018)

During his three seasons at Oklahoma State, Hill developed into one of the most dynamic running backs in the country. After his breakout freshman year in 2016, he earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors and continued to improve each subsequent season. His sophomore year in 2017 saw him elevate his game to an even higher level, resulting in First-team All-Big 12 recognition. He maintained that standard through his junior season in 2018, earning another First-team All-Big 12 selection and solidifying his draft stock. On December 3, 2018, Hill made the decision to forgo his senior year of eligibility and declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, concluding his college career as one of Oklahoma State’s most productive running backs in recent history.

Pre-Draft Evaluation and Draft (2019)

Leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft, Hill delivered an impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. He tested exceptionally well, posting the fastest 40-yard dash time among all running backs at the event. Additionally, he recorded the best vertical jump and broad jump among running backs, demonstrating the explosive athleticism that translated to his collegiate production. The Baltimore Ravens selected Hill in the fourth round with the 113th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Notably, the Ravens had acquired this draft selection through a trade that sent quarterback Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos, making Hill part of Baltimore’s long-term offensive plans.

Baltimore Ravens Era (2019–Present)

Hill made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2019 season during the Ravens’ commanding 59–10 victory over the Miami Dolphins. In that game, he recorded seven carries for 27 yards while contributing on special teams. His rookie season was a learning experience as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of professional football, finishing the year with 225 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The 2020 season saw Hill continue his development as part of a deep Ravens backfield, contributing as both a rusher and receiver while demonstrating his versatility. On September 6, 2021, Hill suffered a significant setback when he tore his Achilles tendon during practice, which prematurely ended his season. He was placed on injured reserve on September 8, 2021, forcing him to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Hill returned to the field in 2022 and worked his way back into the rotation. On March 17, 2023, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Ravens, reflecting the team’s confidence in his abilities. The following year, on September 20, 2024, Hill agreed to another two-year contract extension worth $6 million, securing his place with the organization through the 2026 season. As he entered the 2025 season, Hill served as Baltimore’s third-string running back behind veteran Derrick Henry and second-year player Keaton Mitchell, while continuing to contribute on special teams as a kickoff returner.

Playing Style and Strengths

Hill is known for his exceptional speed and explosiveness, qualities that stood out during his collegiate career and at the NFL Combine. His running style features quick cuts and the ability to find creases in the defense, complemented by reliable hands that make him a threat in the passing game. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 205 pounds, he possesses a compact frame that allows him to be elusive in space while also being durable enough to handle carries between the tackles. His versatility as both a rusher and receiver gives the Ravens coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy him, whether as a change-of-pace back or in situations requiring a receiving threat out of the backfield.

Notable Events and Milestones

Among Hill’s career highlights are his record-setting combine performance in 2019, his first professional touchdown, and his successful return from the Achilles injury in 2022. His selection by the Ravens came with added significance given that the draft pick originated from the Joe Flacco trade, making him part of Baltimore’s transition to a new era under quarterback Lamar Jackson. His continued role with the Ravens through multiple contract extensions demonstrates the organization’s appreciation for his contributions as a depth player and special teams performer.

Justice Hill Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, Hill has contributed as both a rusher and receiver while handling return duties. His statistical profile reflects his versatility, with meaningful production in multiple offensive categories across his seasons in the league.

Professional Career Highlights

Through the 2025 season, Hill has accumulated 1,255 rushing yards on 267 attempts, averaging 4.7 yards per carry with 8 rushing touchdowns. His receiving statistics are equally impressive, with 116 receptions for 906 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns. These numbers demonstrate his value as a dual-threat back who can contribute significantly through the air even when his rushing production is limited by his role in the rotation. His best statistical stretches have come when he has received increased opportunities due to injuries ahead of him on the depth chart.

College Career Statistics

During his three seasons at Oklahoma State, Hill established himself as one of the most productive running backs in the Big 12 Conference. His freshman season in 2016 served as his breakout campaign, as he went from backup to featured back en route to Freshman All-American honors. He followed that with two consecutive First-team All-Big 12 selections in 2017 and 2018, completing a remarkable three-year run that positioned him as a legitimate NFL prospect.

Justice Hill Family

Family Background and Football Lineage

Justice Hill comes from a football family with strong ties to the sport at the highest level. His brother, Daxton Hill, followed a similar path to professional football and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Hill brothers’ success represents a rare achievement in professional sports, with both siblings reaching the NFL and establishing themselves as legitimate contributors at the sport’s premier level. Daxton plays as a defensive back for the Bengals, meaning the brothers face each other as opponents when Baltimore plays Cincinnati.

Personal Life

Despite his public profile as a professional athlete, Hill maintains a relatively private personal life. He remains focused on his football career while also engaging with fans through social media platforms. His journey from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the NFL serves as an inspiration to young football players in his hometown and throughout the state. Both Hill brothers have credited their upbringing in Tulsa for instilling the work ethic and discipline that has fueled their success at the collegiate and professional levels.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 NFL season presented both opportunities and challenges for Hill with the Baltimore Ravens. Entering the year as the third-string running back behind the formidable Derrick Henry and the ascending Keaton Mitchell, Hill’s path to significant playing time was constrained by the team’s depth at the position. Nevertheless, he remained ready when called upon and contributed meaningfully in limited opportunities throughout the season.

In 10 appearances for the Ravens during the 2025 season, Hill recorded 18 carries for 93 yards and two rushing touchdowns while also logging 21 receptions for 169 yards and one receiving touchdown. These numbers reflect his continued versatility and ability to make an impact when given opportunities, particularly in the passing game where his reliable hands and route-running created value for the offense. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories kept him relevant in the Ravens’ game plans despite his place on the depth chart.

The season took a significant turn for Hill when he suffered a neck injury during practice on November 27, 2025. The injury proved serious enough to require placement on injured reserve, ending his season prematurely. This injury represented another challenging setback in a career that has included the torn Achilles in 2021, underscoring the physical demands and unpredictability of professional football. As Hill works toward recovery, he remains under contract with the Ravens through 2026, giving him the opportunity to continue his NFL career with the organization that drafted him seven years earlier.