Ishmael Hyman


Ishmael Hyman is an American football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He played college football at James Madison.

Early life and high school

Hyman grew up Manalapan, New Jersey and attended St. John Vianney High School, where he played football and ran track. As a senior, he had 24 receptions for 428 yards and four touchdowns before suffering a season-ending injury and finished fourth in the state in the 200-meter dash. Rated a three-star recruit, Hyman committed to play college football at Kansas over offers from Boston College, Rutgers, Syrcause, Temple, James Madison and Villanova.

College career

Hyman began his collegiate career at the University of Kansas, redshirting his true freshman year before deciding to transfer to James Madison University at the end of the season. In four seasons with the Dukes, Hyman caught 72 passes for 1,061 yards and 11 touchdowns and was a member of the 2016 team that won the FCS National Championship.

Professional career

Orlando Apollos

After going unselected in the 2018 NFL Draft and going unsigned as an undrafted free agent, Hyman was signed by the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football. Hyman caught four passes for 60 yards with Orlando before the AAF ceased operations.

Cleveland Browns

Hyman was signed by the Cleveland Browns on April 25, 2019. Hyman was waived by the Browns during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hyman was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad on September 24, 2019. He was released but was re-signed on October 16, 2019. The Buccaneers promoted Hyman to the active roster on December 10, 2019. He made his NFL debut on December 15, 2019 against the Detroit Lions, catching one pass for three yards in a 38-17 win. He was waived on December 24, 2019 and re-signed to the practice squad. Hyman finished the season with two receptions on four targets for 34 yards in two games played.

Carolina Panthers

On January 2, 2020, Hyman signed a reserve/future contract with the Carolina Panthers.