Introduction
Michael Hamlin (born November 21, 1985) is a former American football safety in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Redskins. He played college football at Clemson University. He served as special teams quality control coach for the Buffalo Bills in 2015.
Early years
Hamlin played high school football at Lamar High School, where he twice received All-State honors and was also a three-time All-Region selection. He played college football at Clemson University. As a junior he registered 80 tackles, 4 interceptions and 6 passes defensed. In his last year of eligibility, he registered 96 tackles, 6 interceptions, 10 passes defensed and one sack. He displayed excellent ball skills in his college career, registering a school-record 14 interceptions and finishing second in career takeaways with 18.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Hamlin was selected in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He suffered a broken wrist in the third preseason game while playing on special teams and remained inactive for the first 9 games until November 22, 2009.
He was waived on October 12, 2010, after the team decided to give more playing time to rookies Akwasi Owusu-Ansah and Danny McCray.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Hamlin was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad on October 15, 2010. He was promoted to the active roster on December 7 and played in 4 games. He was released on August 25, 2011.
Indianapolis Colts
On August 29, 2011, he was signed by the Indianapolis Colts. He was released on September 3.
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins signed him to their practice squad on December 20, 2011. He was waived on September 1, 2012.
Coaching career
In 2013, Hamlin was hired as a graduate assistant at his alma mater Clemson University, where he worked with the defensive backs, before taking a job coaching in the NFL as a special teams quality control coach with the Buffalo Bills in 2015. The Bills did not retain Hamlin for the 2016 season.
Personal life
His brothers Markee and Marquais, played safety for South Carolina State University.