The D.C. Defenders signed linebacker Anthony Hines III on Tuesday, according to the UFL Transactions page.
Anthony Hines III is six foot three and weighs 226 pounds. The 27-year-old from Plano, Texas, was drafted by the Houston Gamblers in the 2026 UFL Regional College Allocation Draft. In 2026, Hines III made 51 tackles (34 solos, 17 assists) and three tackles for loss in nine games. The Gamblers released him on May 26, 2026.
Hines III signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. He also spent time with the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Rams. The Defenders drafted Hines III in the fifth round (37th pick) in Phase 3 of the 2023 XFL Draft. In 2023, Hines III made 33 tackles (19 solos, 14 assists), three tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack in nine games.
In 2024, he made 65 tackles (40 solos, 25 assists) and five tackles for loss in 10 games. The Defenders released him on August 11, 2024, and signed with the New York Jets on August 12, 2024. Hines III made two tackles (2 solos) in two preseason games. He spent most of the season on the practice squad before the Jets released him on October 8, 2024.
Hines re-signed with the Defenders on January 23, 2025. In 2025, he made 53 tackles (36 solos, 17 assists), five tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in eight games.
In the playoffs, he made 13 tackles (10 solos, 3 assists) and one fumble recovery, helping the Defenders win the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers. He was named to the All-UFL Team.
Collegiately, Hines III played three seasons at Texas A&M (2017-19) with 106 tackles (58 solos, 48 assists), 16.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 27 games for the Aggies. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2017 after making 33 tackles (19 solos, 14 assists), six tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 13 games.
