Kamu Grugier-Hill

Caelan Kamuela Grugier-Hill (born May 16, 1994) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football for the Eastern Illinois Panthers, and was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft.

Early life Grugier-Hill attended Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu where he played football. Grugier-Hill began playing football in his junior year of high school as a safety and punter. In both 2014 and 2015, he earned First-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors.

Professional career

New England Patriots The New England Patriots selected Grugier-Hill in the sixth round (208th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft. On May 5, 2016, the Patriots signed Grugier-Hill to a four-year, $2.44 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $100,356. On September 3, 2016, he was waived by the Patriots as part of final roster cuts.

Philadelphia Eagles On September 4, 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles claimed Grugier-Hill off waivers. He recorded his first career tackle and his only tackle of the 2016 season when he brought down Duke Johnson of the Cleveland Browns for a loss of six yards in Week 1 at Lincoln Financial Field. Because the tackle came on a fake punt, it was technically the only defensive snap which Grugier-Hill played in his rookie year.

On November 19, 2017, Grugier-Hill filled in on kickoffs for kicker Jake Elliott after Elliott suffered a concussion against the Dallas Cowboys. Grugier-Hill did not attempt a field goal or an extra point as the Eagles went for a two-point conversion after every touchdown. The Eagles went on to win the game 37–9. Grugier-Hill won his first Super Bowl ring when the Eagles defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LII 41–33.

Grugier-Hill recorded his first career interception by picking off a pass from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning on October 11, 2018.

Grugier-Hill was placed on injured reserve on December 18, 2019, after being diagnosed with a lower lumbar disc herniation.

Miami Dolphins On March 21, 2020, Grugier-Hill signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins which reunited him with head coach Brian Flores, who had previously been the linebackers coach for the Patriots.

Houston Texans On March 23, 2021, Grugier-Hill signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans.

On December 5, 2021, in a game against the Indianapolis Colts, Grugier-Hill set the Texans' franchise record for tackles in a single game, with 19 tackles.

On March 24, 2022, Grugier-Hill re-signed with the Texans.

On October 26, 2022, Grugier-Hill asked for and was granted his release from the Texans.

Arizona Cardinals On November 2, 2022, Grugier-Hill signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

Carolina Panthers On April 4, 2023, Grugier-Hill signed with the Carolina Panthers. He played in 17 games with five starts, recording 56 tackles, one sack, and one interception.

Minnesota Vikings On March 20, 2024, Grugier-Hill signed with the Minnesota Vikings.