Mike Hilton named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 16 performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an elite defense, you won’t find many people who will argue with this statement. When you have an elite unit, you have elite defenders who comprise said defense. While most casual NFL fans might just think of T.J. Watt when they think of the Steelers’ defense, they might need to get to know Mike Hilton.

Hilton is coming off a game vs. the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field in Week 16 which earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Undrafted out of Ole Miss in 2016, Hilton was originally signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. After failing to make the team after training camp, he spent a week with the New England Patriots’ practice squad before being signed to the Steelers’ practice squad in December of the same year. It was in Steelers training camp of 2017 when Hilton emerged as a key contributor for the Steelers defense.

In the game Sunday, Hilton registered 4 tackles, 2 solo, 2 pass defenses, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery, which was almost returned for a touchdown. A big game for Hilton, and a deciding factor for the Steelers in their 28-24 win over Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts.

With a career-high three interceptions on the season, Hilton also has seven passes defensed, a forced fumble, two fumble recovery, 3.0 sacks, and 50 tackles in 11 games. Hilton also has five quarterback hits an eight tackles for loss in 2020.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the Cleveland Browns in the regular season finale in Week 17.