Tysom Hill: I’m an NFL star who has made $52 million in career earnings – but I could have made money as Wall Street investor – New Orleans Saints utility player Taysom Hill has played in the NFL for eight seasons, and he’s made a name for himself… Read
Taysom Hill, the versatile New Orleans Saints utility player, is widely recognized for his rare ability to impact an NFL game from virtually any position. But in a recent interview, Hill shared a candid reflection on an alternate path he nearly pursued—a career not in football, but in finance.
After earning more than \$52 million in his NFL career to date, Hill revealed that he had seriously considered becoming a Wall Street investor before fully committing to professional football. His comments offer a unique glimpse into the dual passions of an athlete who could have thrived on either the field or the trading floor.
Before becoming the “Swiss army knife” of the NFL, Taysom Hill was a promising student at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he earned his degree from the Marriott School of Business. While playing quarterback at BYU, Hill battled a string of serious injuries—four season-ending injuries in total—that left his football future uncertain.
During one of his injury rehabs in 2015, Hill took a break from the game and interned at Pelion Venture Partners a venture capital firm in Salt Lake City. That experience changed his perspective.
It was a new challenge, something I knew nothing about,” Hill said. “But I loved it. I could see myself doing that full-time.”
While many athletes use off-seasons to train or rest, Hill was busy building financial models and learning how to evaluate tech startups. He worked directly with investors and analysts, gaining real-world experience that prepared him for life after football—even if that life came sooner than expected.
After going undrafted in 2017 and briefly signing with the Green Bay Packers, Hill landed with the New Orleans Saints, where head coach Sean Payton saw his potential beyond quarterbacking. Hill’s versatility made him a fan favorite and a vital part of the Saints’ offense and special teams. He has played quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, running back, and even returned kicks.
His success earned him several contract extensions, including a four-year deal worth up to \$40 million in 2021. Over eight seasons, Hill has totaled more than \$52 million in career earnings—a remarkable achievement for an undrafted player once considered a long shot.
Yet, Hill insists that had football not worked out, he was ready to build a career in finance.
I had a plan. If I didn’t make it in the NFL, I was going to work in venture capital or as an investor,” he said. “There was a future there.
Hill’s reflections on his time in venture capital show a thoughtful approach to his career. While many athletes focus only on their sport, Hill remained open to other opportunities, understanding the fragility of a professional athlete’s life.
His admiration for the world of business didn’t fade, even as his football career took off. In fact, he’s maintained connections in the investment world and expressed interest in potentially launching his own fund or joining a firm after retirement.
I think long-term about my family, about building something beyond football,” Hill added. “Being smart with money, building a business, those things excite me.
Despite his business interests, Hill made it clear he isn’t done with football just yet. After recovering from an injury late in the 2024 season, he’s preparing to return for his ninth NFL season in 2025, still an essential piece of the Saints’ offensive puzzle.
Whether it’s scoring a rushing touchdown, throwing a deep pass, or blocking a punt, Hill remains one of the NFL’s most unique talents.
When Hill does eventually hang up his cleats, he’s not worried about the next chapter. With real experience in finance, a business degree, and \$52 million in the bank, he’s already laid the groundwork for life beyond the NFL.
Taysom Hill’s story is more than just about football—it’s about preparation, adaptability, and the rare blend of brains and brawn. Whether on the gridiron or in the
boardroom, Hill has proven he can win in both worlds.