Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Mike Hilton was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, three days after having an interception and fumble recovery during a win against the Indianapolis Colts.
It was the second such honor in the career of the undrafted rookie. Despite missing 4½ games this season because of a shoulder injury, Hilton has three interceptions, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, seven passes defended, five QB hits and 50 tackles (41 solo, eight for loss).
Swiss Army Knife!!! https://t.co/8jsgIklKsE
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) December 30, 2020
He had four tackles (two solo) and two passes defended in addition to the fumble recovery and interception during Sunday’s 28-24 win that clinched the Steelers the AFC North title. The first-quarter fumble recovery set up the Steelers’ first touchdown, and the interception of Philip Rivers in the fourth quarter helped preserve the Steelers’ first lead.
Scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, Hilton joined the Steelers as a signee to their practice squad late in the 2016 season. He won the nickel corner job during the next year’s training camp and has held it virtually ever since.
Hilton also was named conference defensive player of the week in December 2017. The only other Steelers cornerbacks to earn the honor multiple times are Rod Woodson (four times) and Ike Taylor (twice).
T.J. Watt (Week 2) and Stephon Tuitt (Week 8) are other Steelers to win the weekly defensive award this season. Chase Claypool (Week 5) and Ben Roethlisberger (Week 10) have won it for offense.
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