Troy Hairston

Troy Hairston II (born December 8, 1998) is an American professional football fullback. He played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas as a linebacker and defensive end and was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in .

Early life and education Hairston was born on December 8, 1998, in Detroit, Michigan. He is of Panamanian descent through his mother. He attended Seaholm High School and committed to Central Michigan University. In 2018, his first year on the football team, Hairston appeared in 11 games and recorded five tackles, four solo. In 2019, he played in all 14 games and started two, recording 28 tackles, 15 of which were solo. He also recorded five and two quarterback sacks as well as two quarterback hurries. Against Western Michigan, he was named a game captain.

In 2020, Hairston earned co-Mid-American Conference (MAC) Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the conference with 5.5. sacks and 12 TFLs. He was named to the All-MAC first-team by Phil Steele and was named to the third-team by Pro Football Focus. At Eastern Michigan on November 27, he made a career-high 11 tackles (1.5 for-loss) and recovered a fumble. On December 12, against Toledo, he made seven tackles and two sacks with three TFLs.

Houston Texans After going unselected in the 2022 NFL draft, Hairston was signed by the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. After joining the Texans, Hariston switched his position to fullback during training camp and beat out veteran Andy Janovich to make the Texans' 53-man roster. Hariston was one of three undrafted free agents to make the team's 53-man roster in 2022.

On August 1, 2023, Hairston was placed on injured reserve with a herniated disc.

Hairston was released by the Texans on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad.

Cleveland Browns On January 28, 2025, Hairston signed a reserve/future contract with the Cleveland Browns. He was waived on August 3, 2025.