If only the New York Jets could figure out their quarterback situation, they’d be a force to reckon with! At every other position, the team has been good to great. While the offensive line remains suspect, skilled position players and the defense have been a standout in every regard. Whether it be the defense as a whole or WRs, the team is a good quarterback away from breaking its playoff drought. But, a key component to their somewhat competent offense has been their run game. Due to the breakout of Breece Hall as a standout RB, the team has at least some chance of still making it to the playoffs.
Breece Maelik Hall is still very young, still, as he’s only in his second year, making it to the NFL as the 36th-overall draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, with family ties to football at virtually every level, Hall was meant to succeed in the game. His trajectory as a Running Back began in the streets of Kansas for the Wichita Northwest High School where he was first-team All-State due to his talents rushing the football. After eclipsing 2,000 yards rushing in his junior and senior years, Hall was a prized player, making his way over to Iowa State.
Taking on the starting role in his true freshman year, Hall’s tenure got off to a terrific start with a 132-yard performance. For the year, he was solid throughout, nearing 900 yards as a rusher while also adding just over 250 yards as a receiver. He took a significant leap in his second year and carried that momentum through his junior year as well.
On both occasions, he hovered around the 1,500-yard mark as a rusher. In both years, his award case got fuller and fuller, as he compiled Unanimous and Consensus All-Americans in successive years. Moreover, he also won the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year both times out while earning First-team All-Big 12 honors as well. Due to his stellar run, he decided to forego his senior year and instead head straight to the NFL Draft.
Due to the low standing of the running back position due to lack of longevity and risk of injuries, Hall was never going to be taken very high in the draft. However, Hall was unanimously considered the best Running Back in the draft that year. As a result, he was the first of his position taken off the board by the New York Jets with the 36th overall pick.
After enjoying a solid first leg of the season, those injuries unfortunately proved to be true. In Week 8, the 22-year-old tore both his ACL and meniscus, leading to surgery that caused him to miss the rest of the year. His second year, however, has fared much better. Despite a relative lack of season-to-season jump, Hall has quickly found his footing after coming back from injury and is a big reason that the Jets can string together half-decent possessions.
With a family history rich with former football talent, we take a closer look at the people who make Breece Hall into the dynamic running back that he is.
Who are Breece Hall’s Parents?
Hall was born to parents Larhonda McDaniel and Raquel Guerra in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 31, 2001. However, the two did not share a great relationship and eventually parted ways. Growing up, Hall lived with his stepfather Jeff Smith, who also happens to be a former professional American footballer.
Who is Breece Hall’s Mother?
Hall’s mother is Larhonda McDaniel. While she had Hall with Raquel Guerra, the pair eventually split up. Instead, Hall grew up with McDaniel’s second partner Jeff Smith, who also happens to be a celebrated football player himself.
However, Smith isn’t the only one from Hall’s family to make it to the NFL. One of his cousins, Kenton Keith also had a stint with the Jets in 2004, and it was a full-circle moment for the family when Hall made his way over to the team. Keith, later, also spent a year with the Indianapolis Colts. But, perhaps, the most famous of Hall’s family members is his third cousin - also a running back and a three-time Super Bowl Champion by the name of Roger Craig. He is one of the best players in San Francisco 49ers history and was a key reason for their legendary dynasty of the 1980s.
The family and Larhonda in particular, have been extremely supportive of Breece Hall's career. During his time at Iowa State, the youngster could frequently be seen celebrating important moments and touchdowns with his family who were always present in the stands. He even spent a touching moment with his mother during his final game at the program. “I was overwhelmed. It was a big moment for him and for the team and the fans. When I saw his tears as he was running toward me, I just lost it. He’s so humble, but to see him took my breath away.”
Who is Breece Hall’s Father?
Hall was born to Raquel Guerra. However, not much is known about his relationship or time with his birth father as his relationship with and prominence of stepfather Jeff Smith grabbed all the headlines.
Smith was a four-year NFL Pro who spent the majority of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was a late draftee by the Chiefs in the 1985 NFL Draft, going in the 10th round with the 257th overall pick.
What nationality are Breece Hall’s parents?
Hall was born in Omaha, Nebraska. However, the exact nationality of his mother, Larhonda McDaniel, and Raquel Guerra aren’t publicly known at this time.
His stepfather, Jeff Smith, is an American who was born in Wichita, Kansas.
Does Breece Hall’s family support him?
Hall’s family has been extremely supportive of his professional football career. While his step-father and ensuing family gave him a leg up in terms of training, his mother - Larhonda McDaniel has been a constant support throughout his football career. Whether it was during his time at Iowa State or after making it to the NFL as well, McDaniel has been a rock by the side of Hall. While his relationship with his father Raquel Guerra isn’t public, his stepfather Jeff Smith has been instrumental in giving Hall a flourishing start to his career.
FAQs
Q. Who is Breece Hall related to?
Breece Hall has a litany of connections in the NFL. His step-father, Jeff Smith, had a four-year career in the NFL during the 1980s. Even his cousin Kenton Keith Had stints with the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts during the 2000s. But perhaps the most famous family member of Hall is Roger Craig, one of the most distinguished running backs during the vaunted 1980s San Francisco 49ers era
Q. How old is Breece Hall?
Breece Hall is just in his second year at 22 years old as of November 2023.
Q. Which position does Breece Hall play?
Breece Hall plays as the running back for the New York Jets.
Q. Which teams have Breece Hall played for?
Breece Hall is in just his second year as an NFL player. After being drafted by the New York Jets in 2022, he has spent the entirety of his time in the Big Apple.
Q. Are Breece Hall and Bryce Hall related?
No, apart from sharing a common last name, Breece Hall and Bryce Hall aren't related
