Three full seasons after he last hauled in a catch in the NFL, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver TY Hilton has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
Hilton, a four-time Pro-Bowler and a staple of the Colts teams of the 2010s, last played in a trio of games for the Dallas Cowboys in the 2022 season.
On Wednesday, the 36-year-old officially confirmed that he will no longer be pursuing a return to the NFL.
‘After an incredible journey, it’s time for me to retire from the game of football and begin a new chapter,’ Hilton said in a statement posted to his social media accounts.
‘Thank you to Mr. [Jim] Irsay, his family and the entire Colts organization for believing in a kid from Miami and giving me the opportunity to live out my dream wearing the horseshoe.’
He continued: ‘I also want to thank the Cowboys organization for giving me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love.
Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver TY Hilton has officially announced his retirement
Hilton has not played in the NFL since 2022 when he last caught a pass for the Dallas Cowboys
Hilton was a staple of the Colts’ success in the early 2010s with five 1,000+ yard seasons
‘To my teammates – thank you for the brotherhood. The early mornings, long practices and the battles on Sundays are memories I’ll carry with me forever.
‘To the fans in Indy, your support meant everything to me from day one. I’ll never forget running out of that tunnel at Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time.
‘And at the heart of it all, I want to thank my family and friends. Thank you for the sacrifices, the constant support and for believing in me. I would not have been able to live out this dream without you. FOREVER A COLT.’
Hilton, a Miami native, starred at Florida International University before being selected in the third round with the 92nd overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
In Indianapolis, Hilton starred alongside a fellow 2012 draft pick, quarterback Andrew Luck. He took over as the Colts’ top target from icon Reggie Wayne and quickly became a thousand-yard receiver.
Across his eleven year career, Hilton put up five 1,000+ yard seasons – including in 2016 when he led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,448. His last thousand-yard season came in 2018.
After going unsigned in 2022 free agency, Hilton eventually inked a deal with the Cowboys and played in three games.
Hilton’s career concludes after he logged a total of 9,812 yards and 53 touchdowns.
