Derick Hall Bio
Derick Hall is an American professional football linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 19, 2001, in Gulfport, Mississippi, Hall has defied extraordinary odds throughout his life. He was born four months premature, weighing just two pounds and one ounce at birth, and was initially unresponsive with brain bleeding. After spending five months in the neonatal intensive care unit and overcoming early health challenges including asthma, Hall went on to become a standout defensive player. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers before being selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 37th overall pick. His journey from a micro-preemie to an NFL linebacker exemplifies resilience and determination.
Early Life and Background
Hall was born four months premature in Gulfport, Mississippi, on March 19, 2001. At birth, he weighed just two pounds and one ounce and was without a heartbeat. Doctors resuscitated him, but the situation appeared dire. He experienced brain bleeding and spent his first week on life support. Medical professionals advised his mother, Stacy Gooden-Crandle, that he would likely remain in a permanent vegetative state and recommended discontinuing life support. She refused, and Hall spent five months in the neonatal intensive care unit on a ventilator before finally being discharged to his family.
In his early childhood, Hall continued to face health obstacles. He was frequently hospitalized and suffered from asthma. Despite these challenges, he began playing flag football at age 4 and transitioned to tackle football when he was 9. He attended Gulfport High School in his hometown, where he played both offense and defense. His talent became evident during his high school career, and he developed into a highly regarded recruit.
Path to American Football
Coming out of Gulfport High School, Hall was recognized as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com. He was ranked as the 147th overall recruit nationally and was the eighth-ranked weakside defensive end in his class. His performance attracted attention from multiple major college programs. Hall ultimately chose to continue his football career at Auburn University, selecting the Tigers over Mississippi State and Ole Miss. He cited his strong relationship with Auburn assistant coach Rodney Garner as a primary factor in his decision.
Hall arrived at Auburn in 2019 and began his college career as a rotational player. During his freshman and sophomore seasons, he gradually developed his skills while seeing limited playing time. He recorded a combined 34 tackles and four sacks in his first two years, demonstrating potential as a pass rusher. The experience he gained in these early seasons would prove valuable as he worked toward a larger role in the defensive scheme.
Derick Hall Career
Auburn Tigers (2019–2022)
Hall broke through as a starter during his junior season in 2021. He demonstrated significant improvement, recording 52 total tackles and nine sacks while establishing himself as a disruptive force along the defensive line. His performance earned him second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors that year. As a senior in 2022, Hall continued his upward trajectory with 60 total tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception. His consistency and leadership were recognized with first-team All-SEC honors, solidifying his status as one of the conference’s top defensive players.
Throughout his four seasons at Auburn, Hall appeared in 46 games and made 32 starts. He finished his collegiate career with 147 total tackles and 19.5 sacks, leaving as one of the program’s most productive edge rushers in recent memory. His development from a raw freshman to an NFL-ready prospect demonstrated his work ethic and football intelligence. NFL scouts took notice of his ability to pressure the quarterback while also contributing against the run.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2023–Present)
The Seattle Seahawks selected Hall with the 37th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The selection came via a draft pick the Seahawks had acquired in the trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in 2022. Hall became the first Auburn player selected in that draft class and immediately joined a Seahawks defense looking to build its pass rush.
As a rookie during the 2023 season, Hall appeared in all 17 games. He finished his inaugural professional season with 38 total tackles (18 solo) and one pass defended. The experience of playing every game provided valuable exposure to NFL speed and offensive schemes. He adjusted to the transition from the college level to the professional game while contributing on special teams and in rotational defensive packages.
The 2024 season marked a significant leap in Hall’s development. In Week 7, he recorded a 36-yard fumble return for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays. Throughout the season, he accumulated eight sacks, 37 total tackles (20 solo), and two forced fumbles while adding one fumble return for a touchdown. His emergence as a consistent pass-rushing threat made him a valuable piece of Seattle’s defensive future.
In the 2025 season, Hall continued his progression with two sacks, 30 total tackles (11 solo), and two passes defended through the games played. He remained a regular starter in the Seahawks’ defensive alignment, contributing to a unit that finished among the league’s top defenses. His consistency and durability demonstrated the foundation Seattle had built around their young linebacker.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hall’s game is defined by his explosive first step and relentless motor. At 6 feet 3 inches and 260 pounds, he possesses the size and length that NFL defensive coordinators value in edge rushers. His background at Auburn, where he learned to play multiple techniques and alignments along the defensive line, provided him with versatility that translates well to various schemes. He demonstrates good hand technique and the ability to convert speed to power when rushing the quarterback. Against the run, he shows the instincts to diagnose plays quickly and close gaps effectively. His experience working with different coaching staffs at Auburn refined his approach and helped him develop into a more complete defender.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hall achieved the pinnacle of professional football when he helped lead the Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl LX. In the championship game against the New England Patriots, he recorded two sacks and forced a fumble, delivering a dominant performance on the biggest stage. The Super Bowl victory marked the culmination of his remarkable journey from a premature infant fighting for survival to an NFL champion. The contract extension he signed on June 2, 2026, worth $42 million over three years, recognized his development into one of the league’s premier linebackers and secured his place in Seattle’s long-term plans.
Derick Hall Career Statistics
Through his first three NFL seasons, Hall has established himself as a productive and durable defender. His ability to contribute both as a pass rusher and against the run has made him a three-down player for the Seahawks.
Professional Career Highlights
Hall’s rookie season served as an introduction to NFL competition, but he quickly demonstrated he belonged at the highest level. The 2024 season represented his breakout year, with eight sacks and the memorable fumble return for a touchdown against Atlanta. His Super Bowl LX performance, which included two sacks of the Patriots’ quarterback, cemented his reputation as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations. Across his three professional seasons, he has accumulated 105 total tackles, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown.
College Career Recap
At Auburn, Hall departed as one of the most productive edge rushers in school history. His 19.5 career sacks ranked among the top totals for any Tiger defender in the modern era. The jump from his freshman and sophomore years, when he totaled just four sacks as a rotational player, to his junior season when he recorded nine sacks, demonstrated his rapid development. His senior year production of seven sacks and two forced fumbles showed he could be productive even when opposing offenses keyed on him. The first-team and second-team All-SEC honors he earned validated his status as one of the conference’s elite defenders during his college years.
| Series | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season (2023–2025) | 105 | 10 | 2 |
Derick Hall Family
Family Background
Hall’s mother, Stacy Gooden-Crandle, played a pivotal role in his survival and subsequent success. When medical professionals recommended discontinuing life support after his premature birth, she chose to fight for her son’s life. Her decision and unwavering support throughout his extended hospitalization and early childhood health challenges established the foundation for everything Hall would accomplish. The adversity he faced from birth created a resilience that would define his approach to football and life.
Personal Life
Hall maintains a strong presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. He often shares content related to his training regimen, family moments, and reflections on his journey. Despite his NFL success, he remains connected to his Gulfport roots and has expressed gratitude for the community that supported him during his difficult early years. His story of overcoming the odds has inspired young athletes in Mississippi and beyond who face their own obstacles.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented another step forward in Hall’s development as a professional athlete. Playing as a full-time starter in the Seahawks’ defense, he continued to refine his technique while maintaining the physical attributes that made him an effective edge rusher. His two sacks and 30 total tackles demonstrated his ability to stay involved in games even when his statistical output did not always reflect his impact. The Seahawks’ defensive unit benefited from his leadership and consistency throughout the season.
The partnership between Hall and Seattle’s coaching staff continued to yield positive results. Defensive coordinator coaches worked with him on expanding his pass-rushing repertoire and improving his run-defense angles. The continuity of his role within the system allowed him to focus on细微 refinements rather than learning new responsibilities. His durability, having missed no games due to injury in his first three seasons, provided the Seahawks with reliable production from a key position.
Looking ahead, Hall’s trajectory suggests continued growth as he enters the prime years of his career. His young age combined with his experience as a three-year starter positions him well for an expanded role in Seattle’s defense. The contract extension he signed in June 2026 reflects the organization’s confidence in his ability to anchor their pass rush for years to come. As the Seahawks build around their core players, Hall figures to remain a central figure in their defensive identity.