Shaun Hill just might be the NFL’s best backup quarterback. 

One reason he has earned that consideration from around the NFL is his hard work.

Hill, who is 33 and entering his 12th NFL season, continues to push himself. While he didn’t want to make a big deal about it, he weighs about 10 pounds less than he did last year at this time.

“As you get older your body feels different, whatever you have to do to feel better,’’ said Hill who said it was a change in diet that helped him shed the pounds.

“He’s got a lot of experience and typically when you get guys later in their careers it helps to drop a couple pounds. It’s easier to carry that weight when you’re younger,’’ coach Jim Schwartz said pointing out that it shows a lot about Hill’s commitment.

Hill had a good outing in the win over the Jets in the preseason opener.

He should see plenty of action in Thursday night’s preseason game at the Cleveland Browns. It’s key for him because if Matthew Stafford is healthy he won’t see much action in the regular season. 

“They’re very important for everybody, anytime you have an opportunity to go out there and play against another team, it’s important to play well,’’ Hill said. “It’s good for confidence and it’s good getting work with new teammates. We can go against our defense ,but at a certain point we know everything they’re doing, we know everything they’re doing.’’

Hill brings security to the Lions’ offense.

“He’s an experienced player. If he goes into the game, there’s nobody that’s going to panic. Offense, defense, coaching, him,’’ Schwartz said. “He just has that quiet confidence that you know he can go and get the job done. 

“I think I said this before, he also supports Stafford and they have a great relationship. He’s always talking to Matt. He does a great job sort of seeing different things and communicating those during practices and games. He also helps our defense. He attacks our defense in practice. There’s never an easy day when you’re going against him. We’re very lucky to have Shaun,’’ Schwartz said.

Hill said he doesn’t see any other way you can be a backup quarterback in the NFL and not prepare the way he does.

“This is the NFL, you’re a professional football player, it’s your job,’’ Hill said. “Ii don’t think there’s any other way you could do it.’’

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