Michael Hoecht Bio
Michael Hoecht is a Canadian professional football defensive end for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Oakville, Ontario, he grew up in the Oakwood, Ohio area after his family moved there when he was three years old, though they briefly returned to Canada for part of his high school years. Hoecht played college football for the Brown Bears from 2016 to 2019 before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
Early Life and Background
Hoecht was born in Oakville, Ontario, and lived in Canada until his family relocated to Oakwood, Ohio (a community within Dayton, Ohio) when he was three years old. His family moved back to Canada for his first two years of high school, where he lived in Stittsville and attended South Carleton High School. He then moved to Toronto and went to North Toronto Collegiate Institute before returning to Oakwood, Ohio, where he attended Oakwood High School for his final two years.
Path to American Football
Hoecht played for the Brown Bears for four seasons from 2016 to 2019. He was named Second-team All-Ivy League as a senior after finishing the season with 42 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. Hoecht finished his collegiate career with 174 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss, and 16.5 sacks with two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 37 games played. His strong college performance earned him attention from NFL teams despite going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Michael Hoecht Career
Los Angeles Rams (2020-2024)
Hoecht was signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft on April 26, 2020. He was also selected by the Ottawa Redblacks in the second round of the 2020 CFL Draft. Hoecht was waived by the Rams on September 4, 2020, during final roster cuts and was subsequently signed to the team’s practice squad one day later, where he spent his entire rookie season.
In January 2021, Hoecht signed a reserve/futures contract with the Rams. He made the Rams’ 53-man roster out of training camp to start the 2021 season. Hoecht played in all 17 regular season games that year with three starts and recorded seven tackles. He also played in all four of the Rams’ postseason games that year, including the team’s 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
Position Transition and Breakout (2022-2023)
For the entire 2022 season, Hoecht was on the Rams’ active roster. Midway through the season, the Rams moved Hoecht’s position from defensive tackle to outside linebacker. As a starter in the final seven games, Hoecht produced 34 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 8 quarterback hits. In March 2023, the Rams tendered Hoecht as an exclusive rights free agent for the 2023 season, which he signed a week later.
Hoecht started every game of the 2023 season opposite rookie Byron Young, logging 6 sacks, 81 tackles, a forced fumble, 7 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits. He helped the Rams clinch a playoff berth and produced half a sack and 2 quarterback hits in their 23-24 loss to the Detroit Lions in the Wildcard Round.
Buffalo Bills Era (2025-Present)
On March 14, 2025, Hoecht signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. However, after signing with the Bills, Hoecht was suspended for the first six games of the 2025 season for violating the NFL’s PED policy. Hoecht returned from suspension during the Week 7 bye week and played his first regular season game as a Bill in Week 8, a road game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
He played again in Week 9 at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. Early in the fourth quarter of the contest, Hoecht suffered a torn Achilles tendon, but notably stayed on the sidelines to cheer on his teammates despite the injury. He was subsequently placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hoecht is known for his versatility along the defensive line, having played both defensive tackle and outside linebacker during his career. His ability to rush the quarterback is evident in his 15.5 career sacks, and he has shown the ability to stop the run effectively, as demonstrated by his 81-tackle season in 2023.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hoecht was part of the Los Angeles Rams team that won Super Bowl LVI in the 2021 season, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. He also earned Second-team All-Ivy League honors during his senior season at Brown University in 2019.
Michael Hoecht Career Wins
Across five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams from 2020 to 2024, Hoecht appeared in 185 games with 185 tackles, 15.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 pass deflections. During his four-year college career at Brown from 2016 to 2019, he appeared in 37 games and was named Second-team All-Ivy League in 2019.
Los Angeles Rams Highlights
After going undrafted in 2020, Hoecht signed with the Rams and won a Super Bowl championship in his rookie season. He became a full-time starter in 2023, recording 81 tackles and 6 sacks while helping the Rams reach the playoffs.
Other Achievements
Hoecht was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks in the second round of the 2020 CFL Draft before choosing to pursue his NFL career with the Rams.
2025 Season Performance
Hoecht joined the Buffalo Bills in March 2025 on a three-year, $21 million contract. His debut season with his new team was immediately impacted by a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s PED policy. He returned to action during the Week 7 bye week and made his Bills debut in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers.
Hoecht played one more game in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs before suffering a torn Achilles tendon early in the fourth quarter. Despite the serious injury, he remained on the sidelines to support his teammates. The injury ended his 2025 season, and he was placed on season-ending injured reserve.