Nobody seems to know if the NFL career of Pocatello native Taysom Hill is over, but however it concludes, it has been truly unique.
The former Highland High School star quarterback is the only NFL player in the league’s Super Bowl era — which began in 1967 — to throw for, rush for and catch passes for over 1,000 yards each. He is probably the definition of the term “Swiss Army knife,” because of the incredible versatility he brought to his nine-year career with the New Orleans Saints.
Hill announced this summer that he wouldn’t be returning to the Saints this season, but he has not announced his retirement at this point.
In any event, he’s had a fascinating NFL career, throwing for 2,426 yards, rushing for 2,551 yards, and catching passes for 1,034 yards. He’s been involved in 45 touchdowns — 34 rushing, 11 receiving and 12 passing.
Shield Containers, a local company, has donated a framed, autographed, authenticated Taysom Hill jersey to the Southeast Idaho Youth Football League. Similar framed Hill jerseys have sold at auction recently for as much as $350.
The league is raffling off the jersey to raise money for its scholarship fund, which goes to help pay families who can’t afford the full $200-per-player fee each season.
League president Les Hernandez said the league typically helps 30 to 40 youth players each season through the scholarship fund. The league tries to raise between $3,000 and $4,000 each year to replenish the scholarship fund.
You can purchase raffle tickets by making a Venmo payment to Southeast Idaho Youth Football through this link: https://account.venmo.com/u/SIYFL. Tickets are also available at the league fields during games on Saturday. Tickets are $5 for one ticket, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $50 for 20.
The winner will be randomly drawn after the playoff games on Oct. 24.
All money raised through the raffle will go toward the scholarship fund and new equipment for the league. The league has about 1,200 players on teams spread throughout southeastern Idaho.