Troy Hairston II Bio
Troy Hairston II is an American professional football fullback who currently plays in the National Football League. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Hairston played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas from 2018 to 2021, where he primarily lined up as a linebacker and defensive end. After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent and transitioned to the fullback position during training camp. Hairston has established himself as a versatile special teams player and offensive weapon in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Troy Hairston II was born on December 8, 1998, in Detroit, Michigan. He is of Panamanian descent through his mother, which has contributed to his diverse heritage and cultural background. Hairston attended Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Michigan, where he developed his skills as a football player and began attracting attention from college programs.
At Seaholm High School, Hairston demonstrated the athletic ability and football intelligence that would later serve him well at the collegiate level. His performance in high school earned him a scholarship offer from Central Michigan University, where he committed to continue his football career and academic studies.
Path to Professional Football
Hairston arrived at Central Michigan University in 2018 and immediately made an impact. In his true freshman season, he appeared in 11 games and recorded five tackles, showing flashes of potential as a future contributor to the Chippewas defense. His sophomore year in 2019 saw increased playing time, as he appeared in all 14 games and started two, accumulating 28 tackles including 15 solo stops.
The 2020 season marked Hairston’s breakthrough campaign. He earned Mid-American Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the conference with 5.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. His dominant performance earned him first-team All-MAC recognition by Phil Steele and third-team honors from Pro Football Focus. Hairston continued his impressive play in 2021, starting all 13 games and leading the team with 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks. His 17 TFLs ranked 13th nationally, and he earned another first-team All-MAC selection.
Troy Hairston II Career
Houston Texans (2022–2024)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hairston signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. During training camp, he made a significant positional transition from defensive end to fullback. Despite the challenges of learning a new position at the professional level, Hairston impressed coaches and beat out veteran Andy Janovich to earn a spot on the Texans’ 53-man roster. He was one of only three undrafted free agents to make the team’s roster that season, demonstrating his determination and adaptability.
Hairston’s rookie season provided him valuable experience as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses. He contributed primarily on special teams while also serving as a lead blocker in short-yardage situations. His versatility and football IQ allowed him to carve out a role in the Texans’ offensive scheme.
Cleveland Browns (2025)
On January 28, 2025, Hairston signed a reserve/future contract with the Cleveland Browns, giving him an opportunity with a new organization. The signing represented a fresh start and a chance to compete for a roster spot with a different coaching staff and team culture. Hairston worked to prove his value during the offseason program and training camp.
Driving Style and Strengths
While Hairston transitioned to fullback in the NFL, his defensive background as a linebacker and defensive end at Central Michigan has shaped his playing style. His experience reading offensive formations and understanding defensive schemes provides him unique insight when blocking for running backs and pass-catchers. His college career demonstrated his ability to pursue the ball and make plays in the backfield, qualities that translate to effective lead blocking in the running game.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Hairston’s most notable career achievements came during the 2022 training camp when he defeated veteran Andy Janovich for the starting fullback position on the Texans roster. This accomplishment validated his positional transition and established him as a player capable of earning roster spots through competition. His journey from undrafted free agent to NFL roster player represents the perseverance required to succeed at the highest level of professional football.
Troy Hairston II Career Wins
Hairston’s professional career has been highlighted by his contributions as a fullback and special teams performer. While specific game statistics as a fullback are limited, his ability to maintain an NFL roster spot demonstrates his value to professional teams. His college career at Central Michigan produced impressive statistics that highlight his defensive capabilities and overall football talent.
College Football Highlights
At Central Michigan, Hairston established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the Mid-American Conference. His 2020 season was particularly impressive, as he earned MAC co-Defensive Player of the Year honors while leading the conference in sacks with 5.5 and tackles for loss with 12. In his senior season of 2021, he elevated his game further by recording nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss, with his TFL total ranking 13th nationally among all college football players.
Professional Achievements
Hairston’s transition to the NFL fullback position showcases his versatility and willingness to adapt for roster viability. Making an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent requires exceptional performance, and his ability to beat out experienced players for roster spots demonstrates his competitiveness and work ethic. As of the 2023 NFL season, Hairston recorded five receptions for 19 receiving yards, contributing to the offensive production when targeted.
| Level | Years | Position | Notable Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (Central Michigan) | 2018–2021 | Linebacker/Defensive End | MAC co-Defensive Player of the Year (2020), 2× First-team All-MAC |
| NFL (Houston Texans) | 2022–2024 | Fullback | Roster player, special teams contributor |
| NFL (Cleveland Browns) | 2025 | Fullback | Reserve/future contract |
Troy Hairston II Family
Family Background and Heritage
Troy Hairston II comes from a diverse background with strong Panamanian roots through his mother. His heritage has played a significant role in shaping his identity and values. The Hairston family has established roots in the Detroit area, where Troy was born and raised before pursuing his football career.
Personal Life
Hairston maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his professional football career. He continues to represent his Detroit roots while building his career in professional football. As a young professional athlete, Hairston focuses on continued development and establishing himself as a reliable player in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Hairston signed to the Cleveland Browns roster following a tenure with the Houston Texans that spanned from 2022 to 2024. Joining the Browns in January provided Hairston with an opportunity to compete for playing time with a new organization. He participated in the team’s offseason program and training camp, working to demonstrate the skills that earned him a roster spot in the NFL.
Hairston’s experience as a fullback in the NFL, developed during his three seasons with the Texans, positioned him as a candidate for a depth role on the Browns roster. His special teams ability and offensive versatility remained key factors in his bid for consistent playing time. The transition to a new team required adjustment to different offensive schemes and team dynamics.
Throughout the 2025 season, Hairston continued working to establish himself as a valuable asset for whichever organization he represented. His journey from undrafted free agent to NFL roster player reflects the perseverance required to succeed at the professional level. The competition for roster spots in the NFL remains intense, and Hairston’s ability to earn opportunities demonstrates his commitment to the sport.