Hunter Henry

Hunter Henry was born on December 7, 1994, in Little Rock, Arkansas. His early life included a move to the Atlanta area before returning to Little Rock for high school, where he attended Pulaski Academy. Initially playing various offensive and defensive positions, Henry did not play tight end until college due to his high school’s offensive scheme. He quickly distinguished himself in college football at the University of Arkansas. A notable play in his college career involved a lateral pass in a critical overtime game against Ole Miss in 2015, which led to a game-winning touchdown. In 2015, he earned unanimous All-American honors and received the John Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end.

Henry was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. In his rookie season, he demonstrated strong potential, tying for the second-most touchdowns by a rookie tight end in a decade and earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Over five seasons with the Chargers (later the Los Angeles Chargers), Henry consistently contributed, though his 2018 season was impacted by a torn ACL. He recorded 60 receptions for 613 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the 2020 season.

In 2021, Henry signed with the New England Patriots, where he continued to be a productive player. He quickly became a frequently targeted player in the red zone and finished his first season with the Patriots with 50 receptions for 603 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He signed a three-year contract extension with the Patriots in March 2024, continuing his tenure with the team. Hunter Henry has accumulated 395 receptions for 4,527 receiving yards and 40 touchdowns over his NFL career up to Week 18, 2024.