He has an impressive look and plenty of potential to be a force in the NFL. Giants safety Will Hill reminded us of that in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Lions at Ford Field.
Just when it looked as if Detroit was about to grab the game by the throat, Hill intercepted a Matthew Stafford pass and returned it 38 yards for a game-tying touchdown with 4:57 left in regulation. The Lions never threatened again as Josh Brown kicked a 45-yard field goal in overtime to give the Giants a 23-20 victory.
The interception was the kind of big-moment play that can launch a productive career.
“He’s just in the right places at the right times,” said defensive end Justin Tuck. “He always does his job and has really matured this year.”
The maturing part may prove to be more important than his physical tools. Right now, the Giants can’t be sure whether they can trust Hill. The 23-year-old from Jersey City hasn’t proven he can be the kind of pro who shows up for work on time and most of all not embarrass the organization. He needs to improve off the field the way he is improving on the field.
Two days before being the hero in Detroit, Hill was arrested on a warrant for non-payment of child support. It could be dismissed as “a private matter,” as the Giants insist, except Hill has started each of the last two seasons serving four-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.
Teams are accustomed to players with baggage, but the trifecta of child-support issues, PED use and multiple failed marijuana tests raises the question whether Hill is more trouble than he’s worth.
At 6-foot-1, 207 pounds, he can crush receivers. He’s loaded with talent, but apparently not enough discipline. It’s hard to succeed in the NFL if you don’t have both.
Tom Coughlin put on his fatherly face when asked about Hill following the Giants win Sunday. It was as if the weekend arrest was a misunderstanding.
The coach credited the second-year player for “trying like heck to meet all of his responsibilities,” and claimed to not know any more about his player’s guilt or innocence.
“You probably know more than I do,” Coughlin told reporters.
Of course this was after Hill had saved the Giants from their 10th loss of the season. Still, I doubt Coughlin lets this pass without having a man-to-man with Hill. The offseason is approaching and the Giants don’t want to get another call informing them Hill has been suspended yet again.
Coughlin will certainly try to get Hill to appreciate the opportunity he has to be a professional athlete. He’ll try to make him embrace the privilege of playing in the NFL.
“Your family is involved. Your family name is involved,” the coach said Monday speaking in general terms. The league tests, “Who you are and what you represent and what your character is and how you stand as a man, in the most difficult of times and in the best of times.”
Hopefully, Hill appreciates the opportunity he has in front of him after going undrafted in 2011 out of Florida, playing in the Arena League and spending a month last spring in rehab.
Hill must know his teammates and coaches all want him to succeed. Tuck, Antrel Rolle, and Mathias Kiwanuka love the guy. There are already enough areas that need an influx of talent: running back, offensive line, and cornerback. The Giants don’t need to have to look for another safety because Hill can’t stay clean.
Returning an interception for a touchdown doesn’t guarantee anything. It doesn’t ensure a rich contract above the $367,000 he’s making this season. Hill has to earn the Giants trust first.