LaDarius Hamilton
La'Darius Hamilton is an American professional football defensive end. He played college football at North Texas, and originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He has also been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and Toronto Argonauts.
Early life
Hamilton attended Corrigan-Camden High School, where he played up to six positions on the football team.As a sophomore, he received District 12-2A-DII defensive newcomer of the year honors. He was named first-team All-district as a junior and senior.
As a senior, he tallied 83 tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, while contributing to the team reaching the quarterfinal round of the Texas Class 3A Division II playoffs.
College career
Hamilton accepted a football scholarship from North Texas University. Hamilton was a three-star recruit coming into North Texas, and in his first year was featured on the Conference USA All-Freshman team. He appeared in all 13 games, collecting nine tackles and one sack.As a sophomore, he appeared in 14 games with 8 starts, posting 40 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and five quarterback hurries.
As a junior, he appeared in 13 games with 11 starts, registering 33 tackles, 7.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries. In a game against Louisiana Tech, he wore Mean Joe Greene's retired number 75 on his jersey, during the week when the school unveiled a statue to honor Greene. He had three tackles, two sacks, and one quarterback hurry against the University of Arkansas.
As a senior, he appeared in 12 games, totaling 39 tackles, 8.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He had six tackles, two sacks and three quarterback hurries against Southern Methodist University. He finished tied for sixth place in North Texas career sacks and tackles for loss.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Hamilton was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2020 NFL draft on April 26. As a rookie, he spent the entire year on the Cowboys' practice squad. He was waived after the 2021 NFL draft on May 5, 2021.Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On May 6, 2021, Hamilton was claimed off of waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On August 31, he was released before the start of the season and signed to the practice squad on September 2, 2021.Green Bay Packers
2021 season
Hamilton was signed off the Buccaneers' practice squad by the Green Bay Packers on September 17, 2021, to fill the roster spot that was opened with Za'Darius Smith being put on short-term injured reserve. He was waived on November 13, and re-signed to the practice squad three days later.He was elevated to the active roster on November 20 ahead of a Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings. He was elevated to the active roster again on November 27 ahead of a Week 12 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He was elevated to the active roster the third time on January 8, 2022, ahead of a Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions.
2022 season
On January 25, 2022, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Packers. He was waived on August 30, and signed to the practice squad the next day.On October 22, 2022, Hamilton was elevated to the active roster for the week 7 game against the Washington Commanders and once again three weeks later against the Dallas Cowboys. On November 17, 2022, Hamilton was elevated to the active roster for the week 11 game against the Tennessee Titans.