T.Y. Hilton will become the first football player inducted into Florida International University's Athletics Hall of Fame, the school announced Thursday.
Before he starred at wide receiver for the Colts from 2012-2021, Hilton was a standout receiver and returner at FIU. He's the program's all-time leader in receptions (229), receiving yards (3,531) and receiving touchdowns (24), and he showed greatness from the moment he stepped on the field: Hilton recorded a 74-yard punt return touchdown in his freshman debut against Kansas in 2008.
Hilton returned four kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns in his career and also had seven rushing touchdowns, bringing his final touchdown total to 37 while at FIU.
A native of Miami Springs, Fla., Hilton was named Sun Belt Player of the Year in 2010 and earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors in all four of his collegiate seasons. His electric play helped FIU, which has had an FBS-level football program since 2004, reach its first two bowl games under head coach Mario Cristobal in 2010 and 2011. Hilton was named MVP of FIU's Little Caesars Bowl win over Toledo in 2010; he had an 89-yard kickoff return score and a 10-yard touchdown reception in that game.
"This moment means everything," Hilton said, via FIUSports.com. "Football is the game I loved. My teammates through my years here (at FIU) are bonds that will be forever kept, and being the first football player inducted to the FIU Athletics Hall of Fame at a prestigious college gives the journey a forever meaning."
With the Colts, Hilton had five seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards, highlighted by his league-leading 1,448 yards in 2016. He earned four consecutive Pro Bowl nods from 2014-2017 and finished his 11-year career with 638 receptions, 9,812 yards and 53 touchdowns.
Hilton will be inducted into the FIU Athletics Hall of Fame in ceremonies on Sept. 12-13 at the Miami-based university.
