LaDarius Hamilton

La'Darius Hamilton (born January 18, 1998) is an American professional gridiron football defensive end who is a free agent. He was most recently a member of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at North Texas, and originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He has also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.

Early years
Hamilton attended Corrigan-Camden High School, where he played up to six positions on the football team (offensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, tight end, long snapper and at times, placekicker).

As a sophomore, he received District 12-2A-DII defensive newcomer of the year honors. He was named first-team All-district as a junior and senior.

As a senior, he tallied 83 tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, while contributing to the team reaching the quarterfinal round of the Texas Class 3A Division II playoffs.

College career
Hamilton accepted a football scholarship from North Texas University. Hamilton was a three-star recruit coming into North Texas, and in his first year was featured on the Conference USA All-Freshman team. He appeared in all 13 games, collecting nine tackles (three for loss) and one sack.

As a sophomore, he appeared in 14 games with 8 starts, posting 40 tackles (four for loss), one interception, one fumble recovery and five quarterback hurries.

As a junior, he appeared in 13 games with 11 starts, registering 33 tackles (11 for loss), 7.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries. In a game against Louisiana Tech, he wore Mean Joe Greene's retired number 75 on his jersey, during the week when the school unveiled a statue to honor Greene. He had three tackles, two sacks, and one quarterback hurry against the University of Arkansas.

As a senior, he appeared in 12 games, totaling 39 tackles (10.5 for loss), 8.5 sacks (led the team) and one forced fumble. He had six tackles (2.5 for loss), two sacks and three quarterback hurries against Southern Methodist University. He finished tied for sixth place in North Texas career sacks (17.0) and tackles for loss (28.5).

Dallas Cowboys
Hamilton was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys after the 2020 NFL Draft on April 26. As a rookie, he spent the entire year on the Cowboys' practice squad. He was waived after the 2021 NFL Draft on May 5, 2021.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On May 6, 2021, Hamilton was claimed off of waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On August 31, he was released before the start of the season and signed to the practice squad on September 2, 2021.

2021 season
Hamilton was signed off the Buccaneers' practice squad by the Green Bay Packers on September 17, 2021, to fill the roster spot that was opened with Za'Darius Smith being put on short-term injured reserve. He was waived on November 13, and re-signed to the practice squad three days later.

He was elevated to the active roster on November 20 ahead of a Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings. He was elevated to the active roster again on November 27 ahead of a Week 12 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He was elevated to the active roster the third time on January 8, 2022, ahead of a Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions.

2022 season
On January 25, 2022, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Packers. He was waived on August 30, and signed to the practice squad the next day.

On October 22, 2022, Hamilton was elevated to the active roster for the week 7 game against the Washington Commanders and once again three weeks later against the Dallas Cowboys. On November 17, 2022, Hamilton was elevated to the active roster for the week 11 game against the Tennessee Titans.

2023 season
Hamilton signed a reserve/future contract on January 10, 2023. He was released on August 1, 2023.

San Francisco 49ers
On August 19, 2023, Hamilton signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He was waived on August 27, 2023.

Toronto Argonauts
On February 14, 2024, it was announced that Hamilton had signed with the Toronto Argonauts. However, he was part of the final training camp cuts on June 1, 2024.