1. Overview
Bobby Hart, born on August 21, 1994, is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Beginning his collegiate career with the Florida State Seminoles, he was subsequently selected by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft. Throughout his professional journey, Hart has been a member of several NFL teams, including the Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions. His career has been marked by various roles across the offensive line, significant team contributions, and, at times, public controversies related to both his on-field actions and social media presence. He is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Hart to Greatness Foundation.
2. Early Life and Education
2.1. Childhood and High School
Bobby Hart was born in Queens, New York, and is a native of Lauderhill, Florida. His formative years were spent in Lauderhill, where he attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During his time at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Hart was a multi-sport athlete, participating in American football, basketball, and wrestling. He played alongside notable teammates who also went on to professional careers, including Giovani Bernard, Rashad Greene, Lamarcus Joyner, Cody Riggs, Marcus Roberson, and James White.
3. College Career
After high school, Hart enrolled at Florida State University, where he played college football for the Florida State Seminoles. He established himself as a consistent presence on the offensive line, starting every game in both his junior and senior years. As a senior, Hart's performance earned him a selection to the third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In 2013, he started all 14 games as a right tackle, contributing significantly to the team's victory in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.
4. Professional Career
4.1. Pre-Draft Measurements
His pre-draft measurements at the NFL Combine and Florida State's Pro Day included a height of 6 ft 4.75 in, a weight of 329 lb (329 lb), a 40-yard dash time of 5.11 seconds, a 10-yard split of 1.56 seconds, a 20-yard split of 3.22 seconds, a shuttle run of 5.15 seconds, a cone drill of 8.08 seconds, a vertical jump of 27 in, a broad jump of 7 ft 11 in, and 22 repetitions on the bench press. His arm span was 33 in and hand span was 10.125 in.
4.2. NFL Draft and Early Career
Hart was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL draft, as the 226th overall pick. Initially, the Giants projected him as an offensive guard. To facilitate this transition, he trained with former Pro Bowl center LeCharles Bentley. However, during his rookie year in 2015, Hart primarily played as a right tackle, appearing in nine games and making one start.
4.3. New York Giants
In the 2016 season, Hart became a more prominent starter, logging 13 starts at right tackle for the Giants. For the 2017 season, he entered as the team's second-string right tackle, playing in 10 games and starting 7. His tenure with the Giants ended on December 30, 2017, when he was waived/injured due to an ankle injury. This move came after he reportedly refused to play in the team's season finale. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve and was officially released by the Giants on February 9, 2018.
4.4. Cincinnati Bengals
On February 14, 2018, Hart signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. He quickly established himself as a starter, playing every game at right tackle during the 2018 season. His strong run-blocking performance contributed to Joe Mixon becoming the AFC rushing leader that year. Recognizing his contribution, the Bengals re-signed Hart to a three-year contract extension worth 16.15 M USD on March 11, 2019. He continued his starting role, playing all 16 games in 2019, one of only four players on the team to do so, and recorded a 98.9% snap participation rate, the second highest on the team. In the 2020 season, Hart played in 14 games, starting 13, and was ranked 35th out of 52 offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus. On March 19, 2021, Hart was released by the Bengals.
4.5. Later Career and Subsequent Stints
Following his release from the Cincinnati Bengals, Bobby Hart's career involved multiple short stints and re-signings with various NFL teams, showcasing his resilience and continued presence in the league.
4.5.1. Buffalo Bills (Multiple Stints)
Hart's first stint with the Buffalo Bills began on March 30, 2021, when he signed a one-year contract. However, he was released during the final roster cuts on August 31, 2021. His second stint with the Bills started on September 22, 2021, when he was re-signed to the practice squad, returning to the team three weeks after his initial release. He was briefly placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list but was activated in Week 16. On November 19, 2021, Hart signed with the Bills from the Titans' practice squad due to injuries to linemen Jon Feliciano and Spencer Brown, marking his third return to the team within a few months. He was waived again on December 7 but re-signed to the practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on December 27. On April 11, 2022, Hart signed another one-year contract with the Bills. Throughout the 2022 season, he saw increased playing time, primarily as an extra run blocker in certain plays. The Bills' advancement to the playoffs marked Hart's first career playoff appearance, though the team was defeated in the Divisional Round, preventing a Super Bowl appearance. Despite expectations, his offensive snap count, including playoffs, remained at 128 for the season.
4.5.2. Miami Dolphins
On September 7, 2021, Hart was signed to the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins. His time with the Dolphins was brief, as he was released from the practice squad on September 20, 2021.
4.5.3. Tennessee Titans
Hart signed with the Tennessee Titans on October 20, 2021, after being signed off the Bills' practice squad following injuries to Titans linemen Taylor Lewan and Ty Sambrailo. He played in three games, starting one. On November 15, he was waived by the Titans but was re-signed to their practice squad on November 18.
4.5.4. Detroit Lions
On August 7, 2023, the Detroit Lions announced they had signed Hart. However, his tenure with the team was short-lived, as he was released on August 27, 2023, prior to the start of the regular season. This marked the first time in his NFL career that he began a regular season as a free agent, and he did not sign with an NFL team for the remainder of the 2023 season.
4.5.5. Washington Commanders
As of the start of the 2024 NFL season, Bobby Hart remained unsigned. However, on October 29, 2024, he signed with the Washington Commanders' practice squad. Although he did not play in any regular season or playoff games for the Commanders, who advanced to the NFC Championship, Hart secured a futures contract with the team on February 4, 2025.
5. Controversies and Disciplinary Actions
Bobby Hart's career has included several instances that garnered public attention, both on and off the field, leading to various controversies and disciplinary measures.
5.1. Social Media Incidents
In 2020, Hart made several posts on his personal Instagram and Twitter accounts that generated significant criticism. These posts covered a range of topics, including comments related to COVID-19. He also expressed support for DeSean Jackson after Jackson received backlash for posts perceived as antisemitic. Additionally, Hart shared an image that read "Stop Promoting Homosexuality to Our Children!", which was later deleted. Following the public outcry, Hart addressed his posts, explaining that he did not intend to offend anyone and does not discriminate. He acknowledged his platform and the potential for his words to be misinterpreted, stating that he is aware of this as he matures and grows, and that he discussed the matter with players and coaches.
5.2. On-Field Disciplinary Actions
On September 20, 2022, Hart received a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct after a game against the Tennessee Titans. The disciplinary action stemmed from an incident where he attempted to punch a Titans player, but the punch inadvertently struck a Titans coach's head. As a consequence of this suspension, Hart was absent from the Bills' Week 3 game, which the team subsequently lost to the Miami Dolphins.
6. Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Bobby Hart is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors and community service, particularly in his native Lauderhill, Florida. He has established the Hart to Greatness Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to giving back to the community he grew up in. Through his foundation, Hart organizes and supports football camps and various sports activities for children in the local area, aiming to make a positive social impact and provide opportunities for youth development through sports.
7. Personal Life
Bobby Hart is married and has two sons.