In eight seasons with New Orleans from 1986-93, the former second round pick of the 1986 NFL Draft (31st overall), Hilliard rushed 1,126 times for 4,164 yards (3.7 avg.) and 39 touchdowns, and posted 249 receptions for 2,233 yards and 14 touchdowns. In 1989 he was named to the Pro Bowl and was an AP second-team All-Pro selection, after rushing for 1,262 yards and 13 touchdowns on 344 carries and posting 52 receptions for 514 yards and five touchdowns, ranking first in the NFL with 18 total touchdowns and second with 1,776 total yards from scrimmage.