RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill finally has a game to anticipate.
After a rough few months filled with off-the-field drama, Hill on Wednesday returned from his one-game suspension and rejoined the Seahawks. He'll play Sunday in Denver, although no one is quite sure how he will be used against the Broncos.
"I feel like I'm 18," Hill said. "I'm ready to roll."
Hill missed the season opener as punishment from the NFL for his arrest on a marijuana-possession charge in Georgia. He began 12 months of probation for that in April.
Hill could have faced an additional suspension after he was arrested in April on a domestic-violence charge in Issaquah, a Seattle suburb. Hill, who turned 28 Tuesday, entered Aug. 19 into a stipulated order of continuance at a hearing on his misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree assault/domestic violence.
Prosecutors said Hill essentially is on probation for 18 months and must complete a one-year, state-certified domestic violence-treatment program -- 26 weeks of weekly therapy and counseling, then monthly sessions for six months -- plus 25 hours of community service.
Hill also is recovering from a sprained knee. Additionally, Hill restructured the six-year deal that he signed with Seahawks before the 2009 season. Instead of making the $6 million in base pay he was originally scheduled to receive this season, Hill is taking a pay cut of nearly $4 million. He'll also be a free agent at the end of this season.
Although he couldn't be with the team, Hill went to Qwest Field to watch the opener.
"I had a long offseason. To get from where I was at the beginning of the offseason to were I am now, it's just a smile on my face," Hill said. "I don't know my role this week yet, but at the same time, whatever they need me to do, I'll do it."
How much he plays against the Broncos is yet to be determined, although Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said it's likely Hill will be asked to contribute on special teams. Hill laughed, saying he has played five games in his career on special teams.
"We're bringing him back to play. We're not bringing him back to sit. We're bringing him back to play and get involved," Carroll said. "So we'll see what that information tells us. But I'm hoping he's going to be in there playing and he'll get in the rotations."
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
