June 29, 2011
Esks.com
Rose Mary Phillip
Definition of “overachiever”
1. to perform, especially academically, above potential
2. to perform better or achieve more than expected
Is T.J. Hill an overachiever? Absolutely. Last year’s Eskimo nominee for most outstanding defensive player is a sports coordinator, youth councillor, saxophone player and master’s student. He is also a genuinely nice guy who lies about his name.
There is nothing particularly wrong with it. He just doesn’t like it.
“[The] coaches don’t even know my name,” laughs the five-foot-nine, 195-pound free safety. “There are guys on the team who think T.J. is my real name. I don’t like lying, but that’s a fib I’ll actually stick with.
“To this day, I’ll say ‘Mom, what were you thinking?’ She says if I don’t like it I can change it.” But at almost 31-years-old the abbreviation has become part of his identity – like the number twelve on the back of his jersey.
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| Hill takes down QB Steven Jyles in 2010 |
By now, most people know Hill took over as free safety after the release of Elliott Richardson. Last year, Hill was the Esks’ leading linebacker with 91 defensive tackles. He added three QB sacks, eight special team tackles, three tackles for losses, two knockdowns, three interceptions (including an 18-yard touchdown), a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Eskimo GM Eric Tillman has been quoted calling Hill a “quick study.” A trait he’s carried throughout his athletic career.
He was captain of the football, baseball and basketball teams at Rosa L. Parks High School. He played saxophone in both the classical and jazz bands and he was the top academic student for the 1997–1998 school year. Classic overachiever.
He went on to major in psychology and is working on his master’s in special education and early childhood from New Jersey City University. Despite the seasonal interruption of football, he should complete classes in about a year.
It’s a step toward becoming an athletic director – one more way he can give back to his community. In the meantime, he works with youth through a consulting agency.
“I am a sports coordinator and a mentor/councillor,” says Hill. “It’s not all about sports. It’s about trying to help them make the transition from a boy to a man.”
Life for them hasn’t been rainbows and unicorns. They are traumatized kids from troubled homes. They endure mental, physical and sexual abuse. Many face situations most cannot imagine. Hill can relate. He has had some trials and tribulations of his own.
“A lot of people pass judgment when these kids make a mistake,” says Hill. “Not saying that I’m condoning any bad-doing but everything happens for reason. With these kids, once you get to know them you have a better understanding about what they are going through and why they react the way the react.
“I try to do as much as I can for the youths back home. Well, not just back home. From anywhere. I like to lend a helping hand.”
Home is Paterson, New Jersey where he runs a sports camp with his cousin.
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| Hill celebrates with teammate Chris Thompson |
It started with teaching kids the fundamentals of football, baseball and basketball. “We’ve expanded. We got softball for girls, volleyball, golf and we got tennis. Each year, it expands even more,” says Hill.
A few celebrity friends lend a helping hand, including NFL players Gerald Hayes and Michael Adams, former NBA players Roy Sparrow and Tim Thomas.
The Eskimos are a team that prides themselves on giving back to the community. Hill speaks to local students when he can and lives his life in a manner they can look up to. “I’m a big believer in karma. I live by doing unto others as you want others to do unto you.”
T.J. Hill will celebrate his 31st birthday this Saturday July 2nd as the Eskimos travel to Saskatchewan for their season-opener. Send him a birthday message @cfl_esks or on the official Facebook Fan Page.