Drafted in the third round out of Florida International in the 2012 NFL Draft, Eugene Marquis "T.Y." Hilton arrived in Indianapolis with blazing sub-4.4 speed and immediately transformed into one of the most lethal deep-threat receivers of his generation. Though initially slotted into return duties and rotational work on special teams, injuries across the receiving corps quickly forced Hilton into the spotlight. He answered by striking up an instant, electric connection with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, establishing himself as the primary weapon for a new era of Colts football.

Known as "The Ghost" for his remarkable ability to disappear behind secondaries and then suddenly appear wide open deep downfield, Hilton enjoyed a decade of excellence in Indianapolis. In his 10 seasons with the team, he achieved five 1,000-yard receiving seasons (2013–2016, 2018). His best year was in 2016 when he led the NFL with 1,448 receiving yards on 91 catches. This peak performance led to four straight Pro Bowl nominations from 2014 to 2017, cementing his reputation as one of the franchise's top wide receivers alongside Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne during the Indianapolis era.

Known as a big-game performer who famously torched the division-rival Houston Texans on a regular basis, Hilton’s production eventually slowed as injuries piled up toward the end of his tenure in Indy. After a final ten-game stretch with the Colts in 2021, Hilton spent a brief late-season stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 before stepping away from the gridiron.

With the team, Hilton tabulated 9,691 yards with 53 touchdowns.