Ike Hilliard is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He was born on April 5, 1976, in Patterson, Louisiana, and attended the University of Florida, where he played college football for the Florida Gators.
Hilliard was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft, and he played for the Giants for eight seasons. During his time with the Giants, Hilliard established himself as a reliable receiver and a fan favorite. He was known for his precise route-running, sure hands, and ability to make tough catches in traffic. He was also a solid blocker and a valuable contributor on special teams.
In 2005, Hilliard signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent. He played for the Buccaneers for four seasons, and he continued to be a productive receiver. He was a favorite target of quarterback Jeff Garcia, and he helped the Buccaneers reach the playoffs in 2005 and 2007.
Hilliard's final season in the NFL was in 2008, when he played for the Miami Dolphins. He appeared in 12 games for the Dolphins, catching 29 passes for 326 yards and one touchdown. After the season, he announced his retirement from professional football.
Over the course of his career, Hilliard played in 161 NFL games, catching 546 passes for 6,397 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also returned 10 punts for 68 yards and 10 kickoffs for 186 yards. He was a two-time All-SEC selection in college and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 1994.
Since retiring from football, Hilliard has worked as a coach and mentor to young players. He has served as the wide receivers coach for the Washington Redskins, the Buffalo Bills, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has also worked as a private coach and has mentored several young receivers who have gone on to play in the NFL.
Overall, Ike Hilliard had a successful career in the NFL, and he is remembered as a reliable and hardworking receiver who always gave his best effort on the field. He was a fan favorite in New York and Tampa Bay, and he remains a respected figure in the world of football coaching and mentoring.
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