Justice Hill Player Profile

Early Life & Background

Born and raised in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Justice Hill’s foundation in football was laid on the hard courts and natural grass fields of the Sooner State. Growing up in a community where high school football is a cultural cornerstone, Hill was immersed in the game from an early age, absorbing its traditions, demands, and competitive spirit. Tulsa, while not historically known as a football recruiting hotbed compared to larger metropolitan areas like Dallas or Houston, has produced a steady stream of athletes who understand the physicality and discipline required to succeed at higher levels. Hill’s upbringing in this environment shaped his work ethic and competitive mindset—traits that would later distinguish him during his high school and collegiate career. His family and local coaches played pivotal roles in cultivating his athletic development, emphasizing fundamentals, conditioning, and the mental aspect of the game, including play recognition and decision-making under pressure.

Though specific details about his family structure and early influences are not widely documented in public records, it is evident that his path to football prominence began in the Tulsa Public School District, a system rich in talent but often under-resourced. This background likely instilled resilience in Hill, a quality he carried into his athletic pursuits. While Tulsa may not have been a hotbed for football exposure on a national scale, it provided Hill with a platform to develop into a multi-sport athlete, where he honed his speed, agility, and physicality—attributes essential for a running back. The city’s grassroots football culture, where players often compete in youth leagues and high school rivalries that draw significant local attention, helped mold Hill into a focused and determined athlete. His early life in Tulsa was not marked by elite recruitment or high-profile exposure, but rather by steady progression through the ranks of grassroots football, laying the groundwork for his eventual rise to a fourth-round NFL draft pick.

High School Career

Justice Hill attended Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he became a standout athlete in both football and track. Booker T. Washington, a storied program in Oklahoma high school sports, has produced numerous athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels. Hill’s high school tenure was marked by his versatility and explosiveness, traits that would later define his NFL profile. As a running back, he demonstrated exceptional burst off the line of scrimmage, eluding tacklers with quick cuts and maintaining upright balance through contact. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense and special teams made him a valuable asset to the Booker T. Washington team.

While specific statistical records from his high school career are not publicly available, accounts from local sports media and coaching circles during his tenure highlighted Hill’s impact on the field. He was recognized for his ability to break tackles, accelerate through second-level defenders, and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield—skills that are highly coveted in modern NFL offenses. Hill’s high school accolades include honors such as being named to the All-State team and serving as a team captain, reflecting his leadership and on-field excellence. His performances in showcase events like the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State games and regional camps drew attention from college recruiters, particularly those from programs in the Big 12 Conference, which historically recruits heavily from Texas and Oklahoma pipelines.

Beyond football, Hill also competed in track, where he specialized in sprinting events. His speed and acceleration translated well onto the football field, contributing to his reputation as a dynamic playmaker. Coaches at Booker T. Washington noted his dedication to conditioning and film study, qualities that set him apart from his peers. Hill’s high school career was not defined by viral highlights or social media fame, but by consistent, high-level performance against top-tier Oklahoma prep competition. His ability to elevate his game in crucial moments and his willingness to play through adversity resonated with evaluators, foreshadowing his later success in college and the NFL.

College Career

Justice Hill attended Oklahoma State.

NFL Draft

Justice Hill’s journey to the NFL culminated in the 2019 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round with the 113th overall pick. His selection marked a strategic move by the Ravens to bolster their depth at the running back position, following a draft approach that emphasized athleticism, versatility, and special teams contributions. Coming into the draft, Hill was projected as a developmental prospect with the potential to contribute as a change-of-pace back, third-down specialist, and special teams performer. His combine performance, where he recorded a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, placed him among the fastest running backs in his class, a trait that stood out to NFL evaluators scanning for explosive playmakers.

At the time of the draft, Hill was viewed as a prototypical modern NFL running back—compact in stature, yet physically dense with a low center of gravity, enabling him to absorb contact and maintain forward momentum. Analysts noted his impressive burst and acceleration, which allowed him to exploit gaps and gain yards after contact. His draft profile was bolstered by his college production and special teams acumen, though specific metrics from his collegiate career were not publicly accessible. The Ravens, under the direction of general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh, were building a roster that valued versatility and scheme versatility, and Hill fit that blueprint. His addition signaled a commitment to developing young talent within a system that prioritizes both offensive production and special teams excellence.

Hill’s draft position reflected both his potential and the competitive nature of the running back position in the NFL. Running backs selected in the fourth round are often viewed as projects with specific roles rather than immediate every-down contributors. However, Hill’s draft slot also carried the expectation of growth, given the Ravens’ reputation for player development under Harbaugh’s tenure. His collegiate background, though not publicly documented, must have included sufficient production to warrant a mid-round selection, particularly in a draft class that featured several high-profile running backs such as Josh Jacobs, Miles Sanders, and David Montgomery. Hill’s selection underscored the Ravens’ belief in his long-term upside and adaptability within a complex offensive scheme.

Professional Career

Justice Hill’s professional career with the Baltimore Ravens has been defined by his role as a versatile depth player, contributing primarily on special teams while gradually earning more playing time as a change-of-pace running back and situational rusher. Since being drafted in 2019, Hill has carved out a niche for himself within the Ravens’ backfield hierarchy, complementing the production of lead backs like Lamar Jackson, Gus Edwards, Kenyan Drake, and later J.K. Dobbins and Keaton Mitchell. His tenure in Baltimore has been characterized by steady progression, injury resilience, and a growing role in key moments of games.

In his rookie season (2019), Hill was primarily utilized as a situational runner and special teams performer. He recorded 57 carries for 297 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry—a mark that highlighted his explosive potential. His longest run as a rookie was 41 yards, a highlight-reel dash that demonstrated his breakaway speed and elusiveness. Hill also contributed 12 receptions for 143 yards and one receiving touchdown, showcasing his utility in the passing game. His performance in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he rushed for 61 yards on nine carries and scored a touchdown, earned him his first career start in Week 9 against the New England Patriots. Though the Ravens lost that game, Hill’s 89-yard performance, including a 38-yard run, underscored his starting-potential upside.

The 2020 season saw Hill’s role expand modestly, as he played in 14 games and recorded 61 carries for 345 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 12 receptions for 116 yards and a receiving touchdown. His versatility made him a valuable rotational piece in an offense that prioritized balance and play-action. Hill continued to excel in limited snaps, particularly on third downs and in the red zone, where his ability to pick up tough yards in short-yardage situations became evident. His highlight of the season came in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns, where he rushed for 49 yards on six carries, including a 23-yard touchdown, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on opportunities when called upon.

Injuries began to impact Hill’s progression in 2021, a season that saw him play in only six games due to a fractured fibula suffered in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the setback, he played through the injury for several weeks before being placed on injured reserve. He finished the season with 30 carries for 132 yards and one touchdown, along with four receptions for 26 yards. The injury sidelining, though frustrating, provided Hill with an opportunity for recovery and rehabilitation, allowing him to return in 2022 with renewed focus and conditioning.

The 2022 season marked a turning point in Hill’s professional career. Under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the Ravens implemented an offensive scheme that emphasized explosiveness and space, creating more opportunities for complementary backs like Hill. He played in 14 games, rushing for 414 yards on 97 carries for three touchdowns, while adding 25 receptions for 176 yards and one receiving touchdown. His most productive game came in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he rushed for 88 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown, including a 62-yard burst that reminded observers of his top-end speed. Hill’s role expanded as a pass-catching threat, fulfilling a role that had been intermittently utilized in previous seasons. His contributions were particularly notable in the Ravens’ playoff run, where he played meaningful snaps in the Divisional Round against the Cincinnati Bengals, reinforcing his reputation as a clutch performer in high-leverage situations.

In the 2023 season, Hill continued to serve as a rotational back, sharing carries with J.K. Dobbins and rookie Keaton Mitchell, who emerged as a dynamic playmaker. Despite playing in only nine games due to various injuries, Hill maintained efficiency, rushing for 344 yards on 85 carries for two touchdowns, while catching 13 passes for 120 yards. His ability to contribute in short-yardage and goal-line situations remained a strength, and he scored key touchdowns in critical games, including a 1-yard plunge in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Through the 2024 offseason and into the regular season, Hill entered training camp competing for roster spot amid a crowded backfield that included Dobbins, Mitchell, Melvin Gordon III, and rookie Justice Shelton. His experience and familiarity with the Ravens’ system provided him with a competitive edge, and he ultimately secured a roster spot as a versatile depth piece. His role evolved into that of a situational rusher, third-down specialist, and core special teams contributor, reflecting the evolution of his career from a developmental prospect to a trusted role player. While his rushing statistics have not reached the levels of elite NFL running backs, Hill’s professional career is defined by consistency, adaptability, and the ability to deliver when called upon.

Playing Style & Strengths

Justice Hill’s playing style is characterized by a blend of explosive athleticism, compact frame, and deceptive power, making him a prototypical change-of-pace running back in the modern NFL. At 5'10" and 205 pounds, Hill possesses an ideal size-to-speed ratio, allowing him to accelerate quickly through gaps and elude tacklers with lateral agility. His low center of gravity and strong base enable him to slip through arm tackles and maintain forward progress, a trait that has made him effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Hill’s greatest strength lies in his burst and acceleration, a result of his track background and natural explosiveness. His 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the 2019 NFL Combine placed him among the fastest running backs of his draft class, a trait that has translated to consistent big-play ability.

Another key asset in Hill’s game is his versatility. He has developed into a reliable pass-catching threat out of the backfield, a skill that has become increasingly valuable in NFL offenses that emphasize versatile playmakers. His hands are secure, and he has shown the ability to run precise routes and make contested catches, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. Hill’s receiving production, though not at the level of elite pass-catching backs like Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara, has been impactful in situational contexts, providing quarterback Lamar Jackson and other Ravens signal-callers with a viable safety valve.

Hill’s special teams contributions have been a cornerstone of his professional value. He has been a consistent performer on kick coverage units, often serving as a primary gunners or wedge blockers on punt and kickoff coverage. His speed and instincts have allowed him to make tackles downfield and limit return yardage, a role that has earned him significant playing time on special teams throughout his career. In the NFL, where special teams play can often dictate the outcome of close games, Hill’s reliability in these roles has solidified his roster spot and contributed to the Ravens’ success in field position battles.

Defensively, Hill is not a liability, though he is not deployed in pass protection at an elite level. He has shown improvement in pass-blocking drills and situational pass pro, but his primary contributions remain on offense and special teams. Hill’s football IQ and situational awareness are evident in his ability to read blocks and find creases in the defensive front, a skill that has allowed him to maximize his limited opportunities.

Despite his strengths, Hill’s career has been hindered by injuries and limited rushing volume, preventing him from fully showcasing his potential as a featured back. His inability to stay healthy has been a recurring theme, particularly in 2021 and portions of 2023. Nonetheless, his role as a complementary piece has been more than adequate for the Ravens’ competitive window, and his experience and professionalism have been assets in a locker room that values depth and versatility.

Personal Life

Though Justice Hill maintains a relatively private personal life, glimpses into his character and values have emerged through interviews, community involvement, and interactions with teammates. Hill has spoken publicly about the influence of his family in shaping his approach to football and life, emphasizing the importance of discipline, humility, and gratitude. His upbringing in Tulsa instilled in him a strong work ethic and a respect for the game’s history and traditions, traits that have carried over into his professional career.

Hill is known for his quiet demeanor and professionalism in team settings, a trait that has earned him respect among coaches and teammates. His leadership style is characterized by leading by example, whether through consistent preparation, physical readiness, or punctuality. Teammates have described him as a consummate professional, someone who approaches each day with intentionality and a focus on improvement.

Community engagement has been a part of Hill’s life, though specific initiatives and charitable endeavors are not widely publicized. He has participated in team-organized events and youth football camps, reflecting a commitment to giving back to the communities that supported his athletic journey. Tulsa remains a focal point in his personal narrative, and Hill has expressed pride in representing Oklahoma on a national stage.

Hill’s personal interests outside of football include music and fashion, areas where he has shown creativity and individuality. He has been seen wearing bold, stylish attire both in public and on game days, a reflection of his confidence and personal expression. Off the field, he has cultivated relationships with other players and mentors, leveraging those connections to navigate the challenges of an NFL career.

While Hill is not active on social media platforms, his presence within the Ravens organization and the Tulsa community speaks to his grounded approach to fame and success. His personal life remains largely out of the spotlight, allowing him to focus on his professional development and contributions to the team.

Legacy & Future Outlook

Justice Hill’s legacy in the NFL is still unfolding, but his career to date reflects the trajectory of a player who maximized his opportunities within a competitive system. Though he has not reached the statistical or impactful levels of an every-down star, his contributions have been meaningful and often decisive in moments when his team needed them most. His professional journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the value of special teams in modern NFL roster construction. In an era where running backs are often undervalued, Hill’s career underscores the importance of depth, versatility, and situational excellence.

Looking ahead, Hill’s future in the NFL likely hinges on his ability to stay healthy and continue contributing in multiple facets of the game. At age 27 entering the 2024 season, he is in the prime of his athletic career, though the shelf life for running backs remains a consideration. The Ravens’ backfield remains crowded, but Hill’s experience and institutional knowledge could buy him additional seasons if he remains a reliable option. His potential to emerge as a primary pass-catching back or third-down specialist remains viable, particularly in an offense that prioritizes schemed diversity and personnel versatility.

Should Hill leave Baltimore after the 2024 season, teams in need of a veteran change-of-pace back with special teams value would likely express interest. His combination of speed, contact balance, and professionalism makes him an attractive option for playoff-contending teams seeking to bolster their roster depth. Long-term, Hill’s legacy may be defined not by individual accolades, but by his role as a trusted role player on a competitive team—a career arc that reflects the modern NFL’s valuation of positional versatility.

Hill’s story also carries symbolic weight for players from non-traditional football hotbeds. His journey from Tulsa to the NFL highlights the importance of development programs, high school coaching, and perseverance in the face of limited exposure. His success serves as an inspiration to athletes from similar backgrounds, demonstrating that elite talent can emerge from less heralded regions with the right combination of work ethic, opportunity, and support.

In the broader context of the Ravens’ franchise, Hill’s contributions align with the organization’s emphasis on player development and cultural continuity. His tenure in Baltimore has overlapped with eras of both stability and transition, but his presence has been a constant in a system that values depth and accountability. As the NFL continues to evolve, players like Justice Hill represent the unsung heroes whose efforts, though not always celebrated in highlight reels, are essential to team success. His future legacy may ultimately be measured not by rushing yards or touchdowns, but by the impact he has on the players around him and the culture he helps sustain.