Derick Hall

Derick Hall is an NFL outside linebacker known for his resilience and impact on professional football. Born four months premature at 23 weeks gestation and weighing two pounds, nine ounces, Hall faced significant medical challenges, including a lack of heartbeat, underdeveloped lungs, and a brain bleed. He spent nearly five months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. Despite these early obstacles, Hall went on to become a prominent pass-rusher.

A four-star recruit from Gulfport High School, Hall attended Auburn University, where he developed into a leading defensive player in the Southeastern Conference. Hall became a starter as a junior, recording 52 total tackles and nine sacks. As a senior, he posted 60 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception, earning second-team All-SEC honors and later first-team All-SEC recognition. Hall concluded his Auburn career with 147 tackles and 19.5 sacks, establishing himself as a top NFL Draft prospect.

Hall was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he recorded 30 tackles, five quarterback hits, and eight special teams tackles. Hall increased his production in his second season, finishing with 37 tackles and eight sacks, ranking second on the team. His physical style of play and consistent performance established him as a key member of Seattle's defense.

Hall delivered a standout performance in Super Bowl LX against the Patriots, recording two sacks and a forced fumble, including a strip sack that contributed to Seattle's 29-13 victory. This performance solidified his reputation as a rising talent in the league and resulted in a three-year, $42 million contract extension with the Seahawks.

Off the field, Hall founded the Derick Hall One Percent Foundation, which supports premature infants and addresses food insecurity and youth fitness in underserved communities. Hall and his mother, Stacy Gooden-Crandle, partnered with Huggies for the brand's "Natural Born Fighters" campaign, highlighting his journey from the NICU to the NFL. Hall's story is recognized for its demonstration of perseverance and community impact within the football industry.