New Orleans Saints QB Taysom Hill Says He’s ‘A Quarterback At Heart’
Feb 1, 2020, 8:46 PM
Drew Brees #9 and Taysom Hill #7 of the New Orleans Saints celebrate a touchdown pass during the third quarter during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
MIAMI, Fla. – New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill said that he’s “a quarterback at heart” and that he believes in his “abilities as a quarterback.”
Hill spoke about his future as an NFL quarterback when he joined Colin Cowherd’s Fox Sports Radio program “The Herd” in Miami on Friday, January 31.
The former BYU quarterback has been utilized in multiple positions throughout his three-year NFL career. Cowherd asked Hill what position he finds the most enjoyment playing.
“I would say I’m a quarterback at heart and my vision for myself is to play quarterback,” Hill responded to Cowherd. “I believe in my abilities as a quarterback and that’s the end goal for me. So when I’m back playing quarterback, that’s what’s most fun for me.”
New Orleans head coach Sean Payton echoed confidence in Hill’s abilities as a quarterback on another radio show a day prior.
“Absolutely. Absolutely. Sooner than later. He’s gonna be a starting quarterback in our league,” said Payton.
Taysom Hill DOES IT ALL. 🔥🔥🔥
📺: #NOvsLAC on CBS
Watch on mobile: https://t.co/0KMsU8Ejv6 pic.twitter.com/zsnlZbq8Ed— NFL (@NFL) August 18, 2019
Hill helped the Saints to a 13-3 regular season regular, an NFC South Division title, and a spot in the NFL postseason.
Despite the title of a backup quarterback, Payton found ways to utilize Hill’s talents on offense and special teams. Hill only threw six passes during the season but ran the ball 27 times for 156 yards and a touchdown. He recorded 19 receptions for 234 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Taysom Hill lowers the BOOM 🤭#DALvsNO (via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/bRJ0GA2jjG
— ESPN (@espn) September 30, 2019
This offseason, Hill, along with fellow Saints QBs Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Brees, enters free agency.
Hill discussed his relationship with Brees on “The Herd” and how the veteran QB has helped him have success in the NFL.
“It’s worked because Drew is who he is,” said Hill on why the Saints’ quarterback room has worked so well. “Look, I have been extremely nosey to Drew but he’s welcomed it. I adopted his routine. I go in early with him. I stay late with him. I pick his brain. He has opened up everything to me and I’ve done my best to adopt it all.”
Drew Brees to Taysom Hill! #Saints pic.twitter.com/PhCONTtieG
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 22, 2019
Brees is currently deciding whether to retire or continue playing in the NFL. If Brees were to return to NOLA for another run, his knowledge would only continue to further Hill’s preparation to overtake Brees as the Saints heir apparent.
“When I saw him prepare for a game the first time… I watched him prepare for that game and I was floored. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” said Hill of Brees. “He prepared like no one else I had been around. So to me, as a rookie, I was like ‘well if Drew’s doing this, who’s a hall of fame quarterback, one of the best to ever do it, like man, I gotta pay attention and I better do what he’s doing.”
Brees lined up out wide.
Taysom Hill at QB.
Handoff to @A_kamara6.And… SIX! #GoSaints #TBvsNO pic.twitter.com/ww4VyJYuaz
— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2018
After Brees makes his decision, the Saints will have to make one with Hill. New Orleans will have the option to retain the Hill with a one-year tender or a new contract. It’s also possible that another team could lure Hill away in free agency.
NFL free agency begins on March 18 at 2 p.m. (MDT).
