How a standout Iowa State star rose to become an NFL powerhouse
In short: Breece Hall didn't just enter the NFL; he arrived with a pedigree of excellence. From dominating the Big 12 as a unanimous All-American to overcoming a season-ending injury, his journey from college standout to one of the league's highest-paid running backs is a masterclass in resilience and explosive talent.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Hall’s ascent began at Wichita Northwest High School. His high school career was defined by massive production, including a junior season where he rushed for 2,082 yards and 36 total touchdowns. He followed this with a senior campaign of 2,127 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, earning first-team All-State honors twice.
At Iowa State, Hall transitioned immediately into a starring role. During his true freshman season, he earned back-to-back Newcomer of the Week honors after dominant performances against West Virginia. By his sophomore year, he was the FBS leader in rushing with 1,572 yards and 21 touchdowns, becoming the first unanimous All-American in the history of the Iowa State Cyclones.
His professional career with the New York Jets began with high expectations, selected in the second round as the first running back of the 2022 NFL draft. While a torn ACL and meniscus in Week 7 of his rookie season halted his momentum, Hall returned to prove his durability. By the 2025 season, he surpassed 1,000 rushing yards, eventually securing a three-year, $45.75 million contract extension in May 2026.
Hall's success is deeply rooted in football lineage. His father, Bernard Hall, played for the Oklahoma Sooners, while his step-father, Jeff Smith, played four years in the NFL. Additionally, his third cousin is Roger Craig, a three-time Super Bowl winner and Hall of Fame running back.
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