Joe Hills to suit up for Sharks in 2016

Wednesday October 21, 2015

 JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks announced Monday that wide receiver Joe Hills will return to the team on a one-year contract, as Hills has been assigned to the Jacksonville roster. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“During his career, Joe has proven to be an elite receiver in this league and one of the hardest players to defend in the red zone,” Sharks head coach Les Moss said. “Joe rejoining us for 2016 is a huge step in our quest to win another ArenaBowl title.”

The 28-year-old Hills (6’4”, 225) earned Second Team All-Arena honors during the 2015 season, his first with Jacksonville. Starting all 18 games, Hills established a new franchise record with 150 receptions, breaking the mark of 146 set by Jeron Harvey in 2013. Hills led the Sharks and finished fourth in the League with 42 touchdown receptions during the regular season, and ranked second on the team with 1,597 receiving yards.

Hills began his Sharks tenure with five touchdown catches in the 2015 season opener against the New Orleans VooDoo. Later in the season, he tied a single-game franchise record with six touchdown catches in a game against the Tampa Bay Storm. In all, Hills recorded 11 multi-touchdown games during the regular season.

Finding the end zone on a remarkably consistent basis, Hills was the only player in the AFL to catch at least one touchdown pass in each of his team’s 18 regular-season games. Including the postseason, Hills has now scored at least once in each of his last 56 games played (52 regular season, four postseason), a streak that extends back to his time with the Tampa Bay Storm.

Hills saved some of his best play for the Sharks’ run to an appearance in ArenaBowl XXVIII. Over the course of the postseason, Hills hauled in 13 of Tommy Grady’s 20 touchdown passes, scoring at least four times in each of the Sharks’ playoff contests. In all, Hills totaled 24 receptions for 276 yards and those 13 scores during playoff action.

Prior to his time with the Sharks, Hills spent two-plus seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm, earning First Team All-Arena honors in 2013. Hills first broke into the AFL with the Spokane Shock in 2012, joining the Storm later in that season. In his four-year AFL career, Hills has caught 436 passes for 5,492 yards and 136 touchdowns.

Before beginning his professional career, Hills played at Tennessee State University. Hills is a native of Bradenton, Florida and attended Palmetto High School.

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are a member of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and four-time South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Shark Nation Memberships for the 2016 season are now available, starting as low as $99. To reserve your membership or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700 and speak to a Membership Activation Specialist. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.