Steelers’ Mike Hilton named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Chris Adamski
Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 10:53 a.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 10:53 a.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Mike Hilton eyes a Philip Rivers pass for a fourth-quarter interception during Sunday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field. Hilton also had a fumble recovery in the game and was named AFC defensive player of the week Wednesday.

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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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.