Taysom Hill leads Saints to victory in first career NFL start, expresses gratitude for prayers with #GiveThanks afterward

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Nearly four years to the day after suffering his fourth season-ending injury as the quarterback for Brigham Young University, Taysom Hill took the field Sunday as the starting quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. It was a start many thought would never happen, but Hill not only started the game, he finished with 18 completions for 233 yards passing on 23 attempts and 51 yards rushing. The quarterback who is known for his ability to scramble also scored two rushing touchdowns in the Saints’ 24-9 win over the Atlanta Falcons. But when the game was over and the media interviews were completed, Hill was quick to acknowledge the many prayers that had been offered for his well-being and success leading up to the game. 

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“Feeling extremely grateful tonight for the texts, calls, and well wishes I received leading up to this game,” Hill said on Instagram and Twitter. “It was humbling to hear how many people had me in their prayers, and I felt them today. I’m thankful for my teammates, my family, and the most incredible fans. #WhoDat #GiveThanks”  

Feeling grateful tonight for the texts, calls, and well wishes I received leading up to this game. It was humbling to hear how many people had me in their prayers, and I felt them today. I’m thankful for my teammates, my family, and the most incredible fans. #WhoDat #GiveThanks pic.twitter.com/Qjqhv4cMEZ — Taysom Hill (@T_Hill4) November 23, 2020

Prior to the game, Hill gave thanks for the road that brought him to this moment.   

“We can’t control what life brings, we can only control how we respond to it,” Hill said. “My journey to the NFL has had the highs, the lows, and everything in between—and I’m grateful for all of it.”  

We can’t control what life brings, we can only control how we respond to it. My journey to the NFL has had the highs, the lows and everything in between— and I’m grateful for all of it! #GiveThanks Full video: https://t.co/FMlFI0eYYp pic.twitter.com/2QCRJ6NcoZ — Taysom Hill (@T_Hill4) November 22, 2020

Unfortunately, Hill’s opportunity came as the result of 11 rib fractures to the Saints’ longtime starting QB, Drew Brees. But Brees took to Twitter to encourage people to watch a 2018 short documentary about Hill’s road to the NFL and to voice his support. “He’s one of the greatest men & teammates you could ever ask for!” Brees said of Hill.  

Amazing story about Taysom Hill’s journey to the NFL. Everyone should watch! He’s one of the greatest men & teammates you could ever ask for! https://t.co/rODGcwPNKF — Drew Brees (@drewbrees) November 22, 2020

Hill’s story sets an example for other young Latter-day Saint athletes according to Chris Collinsworth, a former BYU basketball player who served with Hill on their missions to Sydney, Australia. Collinsworth posted a message of encouragement on Twitter for all young athletes considering serving a full-time mission. 

For all the young @Ch_JesusChrist athletes who think you need to decide between serving a mission or playing your sport at the highest level. Look no further than @T_Hill4. He isn’t the first and he won’t be the last to serve a mission and then to play professionally. https://t.co/wTbUYuSvqu — Chris Collinsworth (@cmcollin41) November 22, 2020

“For all the young [Latter-day Saint] athletes who think you need to decide between serving a mission or playing your sport at the highest level. Look no further than @T_Hill4. He isn’t the first and he won’t be the last to serve a mission and then to play professionally,” Collinsworth wrote, retweeting a picture of him and Hill from their missions with the caption, “He’s always looked good in a helmet! #Saints”  

Hill was not the only Latter-day Saint player who had a big game this weekend as Sione Takitaki, a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns, scored his first career touchdown off an interception. Daniel Sorensen, whose Kansas City Chiefs are defending Super Bowl Champions, also had an interception with just 28 seconds left on the clock to secure his team’s victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, Latter-day Saint left tackle Garett Bolles continues to have a standout year for the Denver Broncos

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