As Tom Brady once said, “I love playing football, but I also love being at home and giving my boys my attention, my affection, and my discipline”—you can bet that’s exactly how defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. might feel about his new role as dad to Michael ‘Trey’ Hall. 

In the heart of a new season, where dreams collide with reality, Hall Jr.’s story is packed with emotion and power. While most Ohio State Buckeyes opted to return to college, Hall, who welcomed his son in September, took a different path. Torn between finishing college or diving into the NFL, the Browns’ rookie followed his heart and chose to put family first.

The decision was a no-brainer: Cleveland’s No. 54 overall pick wasn’t just a career move, but about securing a future for his son and showing him the real meaning of hard work. “I kind of made my decision before the season started,” Hall revealed after his selection. “When I had my son late in the year, it solidified it. It’s about doing what’s right for my family.”

During a media interview, Hall Jr. opened up about how much having his son, Trey, weighed in on his NFL journey. “It definitely weighs in, but I gotta do what’s best for my family and feed my family first,” the 21-year-old shared. The former OSU star is raising a daughter of his girlfriend with her; details about them are under wraps, though.

Becoming a father’s been a game-changer for the Browns’ rookie. “[Having Trey] has been the greatest addition in my life for sure,” he said. He’s found that fatherhood teaches him patience and gives him a powerful reason to be a role model. Hall Jr. hopes Trey looks back on his dad’s career and thinks, “Dang, my dad did something real positive!”

From Streetsboro High School to starring for the Buckeyes, the Ohio State champ embraced the role model status for younger athletes in his hometown. “I’m not one of those guys who’s going to run away from the pressure. I run to it, head on,” he asserted. His breakout 2022 year at Ohio State? 19 tackles, 7.5 for losses, and 4.5 sacks. Last year, the Cleveland defensive tackle cranked it up with a career-high 24 tackles. He credits his growth to defensive line coach Larry Johnson.

Now, the 21-year-old’s ready for his next challenge with the Browns. He’s excited to learn from defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and to team up with reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett. “I’ve got to come in and put my hard hat on from Day 1 until whenever I leave,” he said.

Hall Jr.’s hustle ain’t just about loving football—it’s a vow to his children to turn raw talent into a future built on grit and grind. The young rookie’s gearing up for greatness, and he’s also got his parents to thank for that drive. 

Meet Michael Hall Jr.’s family that shaped his NFL dream

When it comes to Michael Hall Jr., his family’s a key part of his story. His mom, Lynda Hick, and brother, Brandon Sykes, have been a rock throughout his journey. Hall vividly remembers telling her mum, “I’m going to play in the NFL.” Despite her concerns about having a backup plan, Hall’s determination remained intact. 

From a young age, Hall was different. At just eight months old, he was so strong that he taught himself to open the refrigerator for milk. His early signs of grit and strength were clear. 

After his freshman year at Benedictine, Lynda made a big move to Cleveland’s Streetsboro area. That summer, while clocking hours at McDonald’s, Hall had a serendipitous run-in with Andy Douglas—an All-Ohio defensive lineman from Streetsboro High. Their chance meeting turned into a solid friendship, with both guys backing each other’s football dreams ever since. 

As for Hall Jr’s father, details are scarce. What’s clear, though, is the strong influence his mom, Lynda, and his close-knit circle have had on shaping Hall’s path. Their support has been vital as he tackles new challenges in the NFL.