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4-Time Pro Bowl Player Announces NFL Retirement
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- 4-Time Pro Bowl Player Announces NFL Retirement
More than three years after he last played in the NFL , T.Y. Hilton formally announced his retirement from the National Football League on Wednesday. The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver posted to social media, bringing the curtain down on a memorable run in professional football.
Hilton became one of the most recognizable receivers of his era during his 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (2012-2021). He established himself as a favorite target and a fan favorite.
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He signed with the Dallas Cowboys for the final month of the 2022 season, catching seven passes in three regular-season games and three more catches in two playoff games. He had been out of the league since.
His announcement did not indicate why he was formally retiring now or why he had delayed the announcement so long. Notably, he was hired by his alma mater, Miami Springs Senior High School, as its varsity football coach in December.
After years of big plays and standout performances, Hilton's journey on the NFL field has officially come to an end.
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In his announcement, Hilton gave special thanks to the Colts organization, where he spent the majority of his career and became one of the franchise's most beloved players.
"Thank you to Mr. Irsay, his family and the entire Colts organization for believing in a kid from Miami and giving me the opportunity to live out my dream wearing the horseshoe," Hilton wrote.
He also acknowledged the Dallas Cowboys for giving him the chance to continue playing late in his career. Hilton rounded out his post by showing love to the fans in Indianapolis, adding that he'll never forget the feeling of running out onto the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time.
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A Closer Look at T.Y. Hilton's Career
Hilton put together an impressive career in the National Football League after being selected in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft . Hilton developed into one of Indianapolis' most reliable offensive weapons. He finished his tenure with the Colts with 631 receptions for 9,691 yards and 53 touchdowns in the regular season.
His peak years came during the mid-2010s. He surpassed 1,000 yards receiving in five of six seasons between 2013 and 2018, including a standout 2016 campaign in which he led the league with 1,448 receiving yards.
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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) reacts with wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (16). Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Hilton was named to the Pro Bowl four times during his career and delivered several notable playoff performances, totaling 50 receptions for 819 yards and three touchdowns in 11 postseason games.
One of his most memorable outings came during the 2013 wild card round against the Kansas City Chiefs , when he erupted for 224 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 13 catches in a dramatic Colts victory.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
