Joe Hamilton's career

Sports

Joe Hamilton's career

Ex-star quarterback Joe Hamilton is returning to Georgia Tech as an assistant coach.

Joe Hamilton started for four seasons (1996-99) under head coach George O'Leary at Georgia Tech, compiling a record of 30-17.

Among the records Hamilton set at Tech: career passing yards (8,882) and TD passes (65). In 1999, he set a single-season school record by throwing for 29 TDs.

Hamilton also rushed for 1,758 yards at Tech, another school record. In 1999, he ran for 734 yards, setting another mark.

Hamilton celebrates with teammate Kerry Watkins after a touchdown vs. Navy in 1999. In four seasons at Tech, Hamilton rushed for 18 scores and threw for another 65.

For all of his personal records, Hamilton perhaps is most beloved by Tech fans for helping end a seven-game losing streak to UGA. He and teammate Mike Sheridan celebrate after Hamilton led the Jackets' offense down the field in the closing minutes for an 21-19 victory in Athens on Nov. 28, 1998.

In Athens that day, Hamilton led the Jackets to two fourth-quarter scoring drives. He ran for a two-point conversion that pulled Tech within 19-15 with 13 minutes left. Then, on the game-winning drive, he rushed three times for 23 yards and completed a 13-yard pass to the UGA 19 to set up the winning field goal. He also threw a 55-yard touchdown pass to Kelly Campbell for Tech's first score.

Hamilton closed out his career at Bobby Dodd Stadium with a spectacular performance on Senior Day, Nov. 28, 1999. In Tech's epic 51-48 overtime win over archrival Georgia, Hamilton totaled 435 yards in offense and threw for four TDs. He completed 22 of 34 passes for 341 yards, and added 94 rushing yards on 15 carries.

Hamilton finished second in balloting for the 1999 Heisman Trophy, finishing behind Wisconsin tailback Ron Dayne (far right). Other finalists that year were QB Drew Brees of Purdue (far left) and QB Chad Pennington of Marshall.

Joe Hamilton was taken in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His style was not suited to the pro game, and he appeared in only one regular-season game.

Hamilton moved to the Arena Football League prior to the 2005 season, and found success as starting quarterback of the Orlando Predators.

Even while he pursued his pro football career, Hamilton never gave up on earning his college diploma. In August, the 31-year-old received his history, technology and society degree from Tech.

Even while he pursued his pro football career, Hamilton never gave up on earning his college diploma. In August, the 31-year-old received his history, technology and society degree from Tech.

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Joe Hamilton started for four seasons (1996-99) under head coach George O'Leary at Georgia Tech, compiling a record of 30-17.

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