Maurice Hurst Jr. Bio
Maurice Roy Hurst Jr. is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. Born on May 9, 1995, in Canton, Massachusetts, Hurst developed a passion for football at a young age, following in the footsteps of his father, Maurice Hurst, a former New England Patriot. After an impressive college career at the University of Michigan where he earned consensus All-American honors, Hurst was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Throughout his professional career, Hurst has established himself as a reliable presence on the defensive line, contributing to multiple NFL franchises with his tenacity, technique, and football intelligence.
Early Life and Background
Maurice Roy Hurst Jr. grew up in Canton, Massachusetts, where he was raised by his mother Nicole Page. His football lineage runs deep in his family, as his father, Maurice Hurst Sr., played for the New England Patriots, providing young Maurice with valuable insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of professional football. This family connection to the sport undoubtedly influenced his development and career trajectory from an early age.
Hurst attended Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, Massachusetts, where he quickly made a name for himself on the football field. He became a three-year starter for the varsity football team, notably playing on varsity as a freshman, demonstrating his exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years. During his senior seasons in 2011 and 2012, Hurst earned first-team all-state honors in Massachusetts, establishing himself as one of the top high school prospects in the region. His outstanding performance earned him an invitation to the prestigious 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, a national high school all-star game featuring the nation’s elite football players.
Path to American Football
Following his remarkable high school career, Hurst accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Michigan, joining the Wolverines from 2013 to 2017. He began his college career contributing on special teams and rotational duties, earning his first varsity letter in 2014 after appearing in seven games. During his sophomore and junior seasons, Hurst continued to develop his craft, showing flashes of the disruptive playmaking ability that would define his later career.
The 2017 season marked Hurst’s breakthrough year at Michigan. He set a career high with 59 total tackles while his 13.5 tackles for loss ranked sixth in the Big Ten Conference. His exceptional performance throughout the season earned him recognition as a consensus All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten selection by both coaches and media voters. Earlier in his college career, Hurst garnered Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2014 and 2015, demonstrating his ability to balance athletic excellence with academic responsibilities. He also appeared on the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List in 2015 and earned Pro Football Focus Big Ten Team of the Week honors following a standout performance against Penn State in 2016.
Maurice Hurst Jr. Career
Oakland Raiders (2018-2020)
Maurice Hurst Jr. entered the 2018 NFL Draft with high expectations, projected as a potential first-round selection based on his exceptional college film and production. However, his draft stock was significantly impacted when he was diagnosed with a heart condition at the NFL Combine, preventing him from participating in combine workouts. Despite this setback, Hurst was cleared to play football and participated in Michigan’s pro day, eventually being selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round with the 140th overall pick.
Hurst made an immediate impact during his rookie season, recording his first career sack in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. He continued to make plays throughout the season, adding sacks against Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns in a 45-42 overtime victory, Philip Rivers of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Josh Rosen of the Arizona Cardinals. Pro Football Focus awarded him an overall grade of 72.4 for his 2018 performance, ranking him 46th among qualifying interior defenders. His rookie season established him as a reliable rotational piece on the Raiders’ defensive line.
The 2019 season saw Hurst expand his statistical contributions and versatility. He recorded his first multi-sack game with two sacks against Chase Daniel and the Chicago Bears in Week 5. Hurst also showcased his ball skills, recovering fumbles against both the Detroit Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals. Most notably, in Week 14 against the Tennessee Titans, Hurst recorded his first career interception off Ryan Tannehill, returning the pass 55 yards, demonstrating his rare combination of pass-rushing ability and coverage skills for a defensive tackle.
San Francisco 49ers (2021-2022)
Following his departure from the Raiders in April 2021, Hurst signed with the San Francisco 49ers on April 23, 2021, on a one-year contract. His tenure with the 49ers began with an injury setback as he was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2021, before being activated on October 2. Despite the limited action in his first season, the 49ers retained Hurst for 2022, re-signing him in March of that year.
Hurst’s 2022 season with San Francisco was unfortunately cut short due to injury. He was released and re-signed multiple times during the offseason, ultimately landing on injured reserve on August 1, 2022, with a torn bicep that ended his season. The injury provided a significant challenge, but Hurst worked through rehabilitation to continue his NFL career.
Cleveland Browns (2023-Present)
Maurice Hurst Jr. signed with the Cleveland Browns on March 18, 2023, joining a defensive line that needed experienced talent at the defensive tackle position. In his first season with the Browns, Hurst appeared in 13 games, recording 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and an interception, showing he remained a capable defender despite the injury challenges of previous seasons.
On March 15, 2024, Hurst re-signed with the Browns, signaling the team’s confidence in his abilities. However, the 2024 season presented immediate challenges when he suffered an ankle injury in Week 1. The injury required him to be placed on injured reserve on September 11, 2024, but Hurst was activated on October 12, returning to the field for the stretch run of the season. On December 10, 2025, Hurst was signed to Cleveland’s practice squad, continuing his journey with the organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Maurice Hurst Jr. plays the defensive tackle position with a combination of quickness, power, and football intelligence that allows him to disrupt opposing offenses. His background as a pass rusher translates well to his interior role, where he uses his hand technique and leverage to penetrate gaps and create pressure on quarterbacks. His rare interception in 2019 against Ryan Tannehill, combined with his multiple forced fumbles and fumble recoveries throughout his career, demonstrates his awareness and ability to make plays on the ball. Hurst’s versatility allows him to contribute in both run defense and pass rush situations, making him a valuable asset in various defensive packages.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Hurst has achieved several notable milestones that underscore his impact on the field. His rookie season sack against Baker Mayfield in the Raiders’ dramatic 45-42 overtime win remains one of the highlights of his early career. His first career interception against Ryan Tannehill, which he returned 55 yards, showcased his unexpected coverage skills for a defensive tackle. His selection as a consensus All-American at Michigan in 2017 represented the culmination of his collegiate career and validated his status as an NFL prospect despite the heart condition concerns that affected his draft position.
Maurice Hurst Jr. Career Wins
Maurice Hurst Jr. has accumulated meaningful statistical contributions throughout his NFL career spanning seven seasons. His career totals include 117 total tackles, 10 sacks, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions. These numbers reflect his ability to make plays in various facets of the game, from rushing the quarterback to defending passes and creating turnovers.
NFL Highlights
Throughout his career with the Raiders, 49ers, and Browns, Hurst has recorded 10 career sacks, with his first career sack coming against Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum in his rookie season. His most prolific single-season sack totals came during his time with the Raiders, where he registered multiple sacks in both 2018 and 2019. His 2019 season featured a two-sack performance against the Chicago Bears and his memorable interception return against the Titans.
Other Achievements
Beyond his sack numbers, Hurst’s ability to force turnovers stands out as a distinguishing characteristic of his game. He has recorded three fumble recoveries and two interceptions in his career, demonstrating a nose for the ball that goes beyond typical defensive tackle production. His pass deflection totals of 11 also indicate his ability to disrupt passing lanes from the interior of the defensive line.
| Series | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career (2018-2025) | 117 | 10 | 2 |
Maurice Hurst Jr. Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Maurice Hurst Jr. comes from a distinguished football family with deep roots in American football. His father, Maurice Hurst Sr., played for the New England Patriots, providing Maurice Jr. with firsthand knowledge of the demands and expectations of professional football. This family legacy in the NFL undoubtedly contributed to his development as a player and his understanding of what it takes to reach the sport’s highest level. Growing up with this football heritage gave Hurst a unique perspective and advantage as he navigated his own path through youth football, high school, college, and ultimately the NFL.
Personal Life
Off the field, Maurice Hurst Jr. maintains a presence on social media under the handle @mohurstjr on Instagram, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his life as a professional athlete. While he keeps much of his personal life private, his public appearances and social media activity reflect his engagement with the football community and his appreciation for the opportunities his career has provided.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has seen Maurice Hurst Jr. continue his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns organization. Signed to the practice squad in December 2025, Hurst provides experienced depth along the Browns’ defensive line. His journey through the 2025 season reflects the resilience and perseverance that have characterized his professional career, overcoming injuries and roster changes to remain in the league. As he continues his tenure with the Browns, Hurst remains a veteran presence in the defensive tackle rotation, offering his experience, technique, and football intelligence to the team’s defensive efforts. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, from stopping the run to rushing the quarterback, makes him a valuable piece for any defensive scheme looking for experienced interior lineman depth.