Texas Longhorns LB Anthony Hill Jr. Goes Viral With Media At NFL Combine

Hill's comments about learning about former Bears CB Charles Tillman through Madden catch attention.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. went viral at the NFL Combine after sharing that he didn't know about former Bears defensive back Charles Tillman until playing him in the Madden video game. Hill, who is 21 years old, is one of the top linebacker prospects in this year's draft and is drawing comparisons to 10-time Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner.

Why it matters

Hill's comments highlight how young the current generation of NFL prospects is, with many not having direct knowledge of some of the league's all-time greats who retired before they were born. As one of the top linebacker prospects, Hill's performance at the Combine could significantly impact his draft position and future NFL career.

The details

In speaking with the media, Hill said he didn't know about Tillman, who had a 13-year NFL career from 2003 to 2015, until playing him in the Madden video game. Tillman was a rookie two years before Hill was born. Hill is currently ranked as the fourth-best linebacker prospect in this year's draft and is expected to be selected in the first or second round. Over the past two seasons, Texas has had 23 players drafted, the most of any college program.

  • The NFL Combine started on February 26, 2026.

The players

Anthony Hill Jr.

A 21-year-old linebacker for the Texas Longhorns who is one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, drawing comparisons to 10-time Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner.

Charles Tillman

A former NFL cornerback who played 13 seasons in the league from 2003 to 2015, primarily with the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't know about former Bears defensive back Charles Tillman until going on Madden.”

— Anthony Hill Jr., Texas Longhorns Linebacker (X)

What’s next

Hill will look to impress scouts and improve his draft stock during the remainder of the NFL Combine.

The takeaway

Hill's comments about learning about an NFL great through a video game highlight the generational gap between current prospects and some of the league's all-time players. As one of the top linebacker prospects, Hill's performance at the Combine will be crucial in determining where he is selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.