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Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry
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Hunter Henry (born December 7, 1994) is an American professional football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2015. Henry was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He was a member of the Chargers for five seasons before joining the Patriots in 2021.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Henry was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on December 7, 1994, the oldest of four children born to Mark and Jenny Henry. Mark was a former offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 19871991 who lettered all four years for the Razorbacks and later became a pastor.[2][3] In 2000, his family moved to the Atlanta area for his father's job. Henry moved back to Little Rock for his freshman year of high school, where he attended Pulaski Academy for four years.[4] As a freshman, Henry spent time playing offensive tackle, wide receiver, and defensive end for the football team. He did not play tight end during his high school career, because Pulaski Academy's Spread Offense scheme did not feature that position. Henry started his sophomore, junior, and senior years, winning a state championship with the Bruins in 2011.

Henry was named to the Parade All-America team for the 2012–13 school year and was one of the top recruits in the nation.[5]

College career

[edit]

In 2015, Henry was involved in one of the most memorable plays in Arkansas football history. During a fourth-and-25 play in overtime against Ole Miss in the rivalry game, Henry caught a pass from quarterback Brandon Allen and upon seeing that he was going to be tackled short of the first down marker, Henry blindly flung the ball backwards as a lateral to running back Alex Collins. Collins picked it up on the bounce and ran it for a 31-yard gain to gain a first down. This set up an eventual touchdown and successful two-point conversion to win the game. The uniqueness of the play led to widespread media coverage and replays. He was the John Mackey Award winner for best tight end in the nation and also was a Consensus All-American in the 2015–2016 season.[6] Henry helped Arkansas win back-to-back bowl games in consecutive years for the first time in program history, beating former Southwest Conference rival the Texas Longhorns in the 2014 Texas Bowl, and winning the 2016 Liberty Bowl over the Kansas State Wildcats.[7]

On January 4, 2016, Henry declared he would be entering the 2016 NFL draft.[8]

College statistics

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Season Team Conf GP Receiving
Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
2013 Arkansas SEC 10 28 409 14.6 66 4
2014 Arkansas SEC 12 37 513 13.9 54 2
2015 Arkansas SEC 13 51 739 14.5 79 3
Career 35 116 1,661 14.3 79 9

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

[edit]

In early 2016, Henry was predicted to be a late first- to second-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft.[9][10] Henry skipped most physical drills at the NFL Combine but did compete in bench press with a position worst of 13 reps.[11] Henry managed to improve on his pro day by posting a 4.67 40 yard dash and completing 21 reps in the bench press establishing himself as one of the top tight ends in the 2016 NFL draft.[12]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span Wingspan 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
6 ft 4+78 in
(1.95 m)
250 lb
(113 kg)
32+34 in
(0.83 m)
9+14 in
(0.23 m)
6 ft 6 in
(1.98 m)
4.67 s 1.60 s 2.74 s 4.41 s 7.16 s 31.5 in
(0.80 m)
9 ft 5 in
(2.87 m)
21 reps 28[13]
All values from NFL Combine and Pro Day[14][15]

San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers

[edit]

2016 season

[edit]

Henry was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round (35th overall) of the 2016 NFL draft.[16] He was the first tight end to be selected in the 2016 NFL draft. In addition, he was the first of five Arkansas Razorbacks to be selected that year.[17] On June 2, 2016, Henry and the Chargers agreed to a four-year, $6.38 million contract with $3.98 million guaranteed and a $2.84 million signing bonus.[18]

Henry entered training camp competing to be the backup tight end, against veterans Sean McGrath and Asante Cleveland. Henry was named the Chargers' third tight end on their depth chart to begin the regular season, behind longtime Pro Bowl veteran Antonio Gates and Sean McGrath.[19]

In his NFL debut against the Kansas City Chiefs, Henry made one receptions for 20 yards in the season-opening overtime loss.[20] The following week, he earned his first NFL start during a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.[21] During a Week 4 loss to the New Orleans Saints, he caught four passes for 61 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown on a 20-yard pass from quarterback Philip Rivers.[22] On October 13, 2016, Henry led all Chargers in receptions, making six catches for 83 yards and a touchdown in a 21–13 victory over the Denver Broncos.[23] On December 18, he caught three passes for 37 receiving yards and a touchdown during a 19–16 loss to the Oakland Raiders.[24] Henry has the distinction of catching the final touchdown of the Chargers' history in San Diego scoring a 12-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the 37–27 loss to Kansas City in the season finale.[25]

In his rookie season, Henry scored the second-most touchdowns by a rookie tight end in the last decade (only behind Rob Gronkowski), and scored the fifth-most touchdowns by a rookie tight end in NFL history.[26] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[27]

2017 season

[edit]

During Week 15 against the Chiefs, Henry left the game with a knee injury. The next day, it was revealed that he suffered a lacerated kidney and was placed on injured reserve on December 19, 2017.[28] He finished the season with 45 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns.[29]

2018 season

[edit]

On May 22, 2018, Henry suffered a torn ACL during organized team activities, and was ruled out for the entire season.[30] On September 1, 2018, he was placed on the physically unable to perform list, giving Henry a chance to return later in the season.[31] He was added to the active roster on January 7, 2019, ahead of their Divisional Round game, which they lost to the eventual Super Bowl LIII champion New England Patriots.[32]

2019 season

[edit]

On September 11, 2019, it was announced that Henry suffered a tibia plateau fracture to his left knee and would be out several weeks.[33] Henry made his return from injury in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that game, Henry caught eight passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the 24–17 loss.[34] Overall, Henry finished the 2019 season with 55 receptions for 652 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.[35]

2020 season

[edit]

The Chargers placed the franchise tag on Henry on March 13, 2020.[36] He signed the tag on April 16.[37] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on December 24, 2020,[38] and activated on January 7, 2021.[39] He finished the 2020 season with 60 receptions for 613 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.[40]

New England Patriots

[edit]

On March 19, 2021, Henry signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract with the New England Patriots.[41][42] He scored his first touchdown for the Patriots in Week 4 during a 17–19 home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[43] Over the first 10 games, Henry caught seven touchdown passes, establishing himself as a frequent red zone target for rookie quarterback Mac Jones.[44] He finished the 2021 season with 50 receptions for 603 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.[45]

Henry returned as the Patriots starting tight end in 2022. He finished the season with 41 catches for 509 yards and two touchdowns.[46]

In Week 14 of the 2023 season, Henry had two receiving touchdowns in a 21–18 win over the Steelers.[47] In the 2023 season, Henry finished with 42 receptions for 419 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.[48]

On March 8, 2024, Henry signed a three-year contract extension with the Patriots.[49] He had eight receptions for 109 yards in Week 2 against the Seahawks, a 23–20 overtime loss.[50] Henry finished the 2024 season with 66 receptions for 674 yards and two touchdowns.[51]

Henry had two receiving touchdowns in Week 3 of the 2025 season, a 21–14 loss to the Steelers.[52] In Week 12, he had seven receptions for 115 yards and one touchdown in a 26–20 win over the Bengals.[53] In the 2025 season, Henry had 60 receptions for 768 yards and seven touchdowns.[54] On January 11, 2026, Henry scored his first playoff touchdown, the lone touchdown in a 16–3 win in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Chargers.[55] The win was Henry's first playoff victory as a New England Patriot. In Super Bowl LV, he had three receptions for 31 yards in the 29–13 loss to the Seahawks.[56]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Led the league (for tight ends)
Bold Career best
Year Team Games Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2016 SD 15 10 36 478 13.3 59 8 1 1
2017 LAC 14 13 45 579 12.9 34 4 0 0
2018 LAC 0 0 Did not play due to injury
2019 LAC 12 12 55 652 11.9 30 5 1 1
2020 LAC 14 14 60 613 10.2 33 4 0 0
2021 NE 17 10 50 603 12.1 35 9 0 0
2022 NE 17 14 41 509 12.4 39 2 0 0
2023 NE 14 10 42 419 10.0 24 6 1 0
2024 NE 16 16 66 674 10.2 35 2 0 0
2025 NE 17 17 60 768 12.8 36 7 0 0
Career 136 116 455 5,295 11.6 59 47 3 2

Personal life

[edit]

Henry has three siblings; Hayden, Hudson and Hope. Hayden was a linebacker at Arkansas from 2017–2022. Hudson was a tight end for the Razorbacks from 2019–2022.[57]

Henry married his college sweetheart Parker Schmidly on June 30, 2018.[58] The couple have one son and one daughter.[59]

Henry is a Christian. He has said, “I would say my faith is the most important thing to me. My dad is a pastor in Little Rock. I’ve grown up in a Christian background my whole life. My faith is the most important thing to me; that’s the one message that I want to convey to everybody.”[60]

Henry is a supporter of Compassion International.[61]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hunter Henry (born December 7, 1994) is an American football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Henry grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he attended Pulaski Academy and excelled as a high school tight end, recording 107 receptions for 1,449 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior while earning first-team All-America honors. At the University of Arkansas from 2013 to 2015, he amassed 116 receptions for 1,661 yards and nine touchdowns over three seasons, culminating in a senior year of 51 catches for 739 yards that led all Football Bowl Subdivision tight ends. For his collegiate performance, Henry received the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end in 2015, along with consensus first-team All-American recognition. Selected by the in the second round (35th overall) of the , Henry quickly established himself as a reliable red-zone threat, leading all rookie tight ends with eight receiving touchdowns in his debut season and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. He spent his first five professional seasons with the Chargers (who relocated to in 2017), posting consistent production despite missing time due to injuries, including a torn ACL in 2018. In 2021, Henry signed a three-year contract with the Patriots, where he has since become a key offensive contributor, achieving a career-high nine touchdowns that year and ranking among the franchise's all-time leaders for tight ends in receptions (third with 233), receiving yards (fifth with 2,627), and touchdowns (fourth with 23) as of the 2025 season. Over his nine-year career through the 2025 season, Henry has appeared in 130 games, accumulating 429 receptions for 4,949 yards and 44 touchdowns, placing him fourth among active tight ends in receiving touchdowns and fifth in receiving yards. In 2026, Henry started at tight end in Super Bowl LX for the Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks. In the season, he set personal bests with 66 receptions for 674 yards and two touchdowns, followed by 34 receptions for 422 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games during the 2025 season.

Early life

Childhood and family

Hunter Henry was born on December 7, 1994, in . He is the eldest son of and Jenny Henry. , a former offensive lineman for the Razorbacks from 1988 to 1991, served as team captain during his senior year and later pursued a career in ministry, becoming a teaching pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in . Jenny Henry has been actively involved in supporting the family's athletic pursuits throughout Hunter's upbringing. The couple has three other children: sons Hayden and Hudson, both of whom played football at the , and daughter Hope. Growing up in a deeply rooted in Arkansas football tradition, Henry was heavily influenced by his father's experiences as a Razorback player. Mark Henry often shared stories of his college career, including intense rivalries like those against the University of Texas, fostering an early passion for the sport within the household. The initially resided in but relocated to the area around 2000 when Mark accepted a position at North Metro Community Church in , moving when Henry was about five years old. They returned to in 2009, settling back in as Mark took on his role at Fellowship Bible Church, which allowed the children greater access to local programs. Henry's early years involved exposure to football through his father's coaching involvement in leagues and family discussions about Razorbacks games, which they watched religiously. He initially showed interest in multiple sports, including , participating in local recreational activities before deciding to concentrate on football during his pre-teen years in leagues. This focus was shaped by his physical build and the familial emphasis on the sport, setting the stage for his later athletic development.

High school career

Henry attended Pulaski Academy, a private preparatory school in , from 2009 to 2013. There, he developed as a multi-sport , participating in football and . In football, Henry emerged as a standout , starting for three seasons at and . As a , he recorded 45 receptions for 748 yards and 10 touchdowns offensively, along with 30 tackles, three tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery defensively, helping the team reach the state title game with a 13–2 record. His junior year saw 64 receptions for 1,093 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading Pulaski Academy to a 14–0 season and the Arkansas 4A state championship. His senior year in 2012 was particularly dominant, as he hauled in 107 receptions for 1,449 yards and 15 touchdowns, contributing to Pulaski Academy's advance to the semifinals of the Arkansas Class 5A state playoffs. For his performance, he earned first-team honors and was selected as a All-American. Henry also garnered All-State recognition as a junior and senior. Rated as the No. 1 prospect in the nation by Tom Lemming, he played in the and was voted team captain by his peers. As one of the top prospects in , Henry drew scholarship offers from numerous Division I programs, including , LSU, and Ole Miss. On July 19, 2012, he orally committed to the , a decision influenced by his family's longstanding ties to the state. He formally signed with the Razorbacks on , 2013.

College career

University of Arkansas

Hunter Henry enrolled at the in 2013 as a , majoring in pre-business. As a in 2013, Henry appeared in all 12 games, making seven starts, and recorded 28 receptions for 409 yards and four . He earned second-team All-SEC honors from the , Freshman All-America honors from the , and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. His first career came on a reception against Rutgers on September 21. In his sophomore season of 2014, Henry started 10 of 13 games and emerged as a key contributor, catching 37 passes for 513 yards and two touchdowns. He received honorable mention All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and second-team All-SEC honors from the coaches. Henry led all SEC tight ends by converting 78.6 percent of his receptions into first downs. A standout performance came against Mississippi State on November 8, where he recorded six receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. The Razorbacks finished 7-6 under head coach Bret Bielema and earned a berth in the Texas Bowl, defeating Texas 31-7 on December 29. As a junior in 2015, Henry started all 13 games and set career highs with 51 receptions for 739 yards and three , leading all FBS with 36 first-down conversions and 21 catches of 15 or more yards. His receptions resulted in a first down or on 73 percent of attempts. He earned unanimous first-team All-American honors and won the as the nation's top . Notable performances included eight receptions for 117 yards against Toledo on September 12 and seven catches for 129 yards and two against Mississippi State on November 21. In a dramatic overtime game against No. 18 Ole Miss on November 7, Henry caught a 15-yard pass on fourth-and-25 and lateraled to Alex Collins for a 31-yard gain that set up the game-tying in a 53-52 victory. The Razorbacks again qualified for a bowl under Bielema, playing in the against Kansas State on January 2, 2016. Following the 2015 season, Henry announced on January 4, 2016, that he would forgo his senior year and declare for the , citing family consultations and his professional aspirations. Over three seasons at (2013-15), he amassed 116 receptions for 1,661 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming one of only eight tight ends in SEC history to reach 100 career receptions. Bielema coached the Razorbacks from 2013 to 2017, guiding the program through a rebuilding phase that included back-to-back bowl appearances in 2014 and 2015.

College statistics

During his three seasons at the from 2013 to 2015, Hunter Henry primarily contributed as a receiving , with no recorded rushing attempts, punt or kick returns, or fumbles.

Receiving Statistics

YearGamesReceptionsYardsAverageTouchdownsLong
2013102840914.6452
2014133751313.9238
2015135173914.5351
Career361161,66114.3952
Career Totals: 116 receptions for 1,661 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Professional career

Pre-draft process

Following his junior season at the , Hunter Henry participated in the 2016 Reese's in January, where he impressed scouts with his precise route-running and physical blocking during practices and the all-star game. At the in February 2016, Henry measured in at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 250 pounds, with 32¾-inch arms and 9¼-inch hands; he completed 13 repetitions on the 225-pound but opted out of the on-field drills. During ' Pro Day in March 2016, Henry addressed the limited Combine workout by running the in 4.67 seconds, achieving a 31.5-inch , and recording 21 reps, while also participating in shuttle and three-cone drills (4.41 seconds and 7.16 seconds, respectively) and conducting interviews with teams. Scouting reports highlighted Henry's reliable hands for securing contested catches, his effectiveness as a red-zone mismatch due to his size and leaping ability, and his willingness as an inline blocker, though evaluators noted limitations in top-end speed, occasional grabby technique in blocking, and the need for more polish in route breaks; overall, he was viewed as a dependable mid-round prospect with starter potential in pro-style offenses. Pre-draft mock drafts projected Henry variably, with some outlets slotting him in the second round (around pick 50 overall in consensus rankings) for his polished receiving skills and others pushing him to the third or fourth round due to athletic concerns.

2016 NFL draft

The selected Hunter Henry from the in the second round of the , with the 35th overall pick. Henry was widely regarded as the top prospect in the draft class, ranking ahead of players like Western Kentucky's , who was selected later in the fourth round by the . His selection came after a strong pre-draft process, where his combine measurables—including a 4.66-second and 13 repetitions—highlighted his athleticism for a 6-foot-5, 250-pound frame, boosting his stock among teams. Post-draft analysis praised Henry's blend of size, soft hands, and route-running savvy, positioning him as a potential long-term asset for the Chargers' passing attack. Scouts noted his innate ability to shield defenders and create separation, drawing comparisons to productive tight ends with similar physical tools. The pick also carried regional appeal, given Henry's roots and the Chargers' familiarity with SEC talent through their coaching staff. On June 2, 2016, Henry signed his rookie contract with the Chargers, a four-year deal worth $6.38 million, including a $2.84 million and $3.98 million in guarantees. He was projected to serve in a rotational role as a , learning behind veteran while contributing in multi-tight end sets during his debut season.

2016 season: San Diego Chargers

Henry entered the 2016 NFL training camp as the second-round draft pick positioned as the eventual successor to veteran tight end Antonio Gates, impressing coaches with his combination of reliable blocking in the run game and smooth receiving routes down the seam. During camp practices, Henry demonstrated strong hands on contested catches and physicality at the point of attack, contributing to increased use of 12-personnel formations that featured multiple tight ends. In the preseason, he appeared in all three games for the Chargers, recording five receptions for 57 yards while showcasing his versatility in both inline blocking and pass protection against backup defenses. In the regular season opener against the on , Henry made his NFL debut with one reception for 20 yards from quarterback , helping set up a field goal in a 33-27 overtime loss. He saw limited action in Week 2 versus the , registering no receptions in the 38-14 victory, but earned a larger role in Week 3 at when Gates sat out with a hamstring injury; Henry played all 60 offensive snaps, hauling in five catches for 72 yards to support a 26-9 win. The rookie filled in effectively during Gates' absences early in the season, including a four-reception, 61-yard performance with his first NFL touchdown—a 20-yard strike from Rivers—in a 35-34 loss to the on October 2. Henry's role expanded as the season progressed, with notable contributions like six receptions for 83 yards and a in a 21-13 victory over the on October 13, where he led the team in catches. He sustained a during the Week 8 loss to the Broncos on October 30, which sidelined him for the following week's matchup against the ; additionally, he experienced concussion-like symptoms post-Week 8 but was cleared to return in Week 10. Despite the setback, Henry appeared in 15 games overall, finishing the year with 36 receptions for 478 yards and a team-leading eight s among tight ends, tying for the most among all tight ends league-wide. The Chargers struggled throughout the campaign, posting a 5-11 record and finishing last in the , which eliminated them from postseason contention by Week 17's 37-27 loss to the Chiefs; Henry added four catches for 43 yards and his eighth touchdown in that finale.

2017 season: Los Angeles Chargers

The 2017 season marked a transitional year for the Chargers, who relocated from to after the previous campaign and played their home games at the StubHub Center, a with a capacity of about 27,000 that presented unique challenges for play. Building on his foundation, Hunter Henry emerged as a key component of the passing attack, serving as the primary target alongside veteran . He appeared in 14 games, starting 13, and recorded 45 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable red-zone threat and blocker in the run game. Henry's sophomore performance featured several standout games that highlighted his growing role in the offense led by quarterback . In Week 6 against the , he hauled in a season-high 90 receiving yards on five catches, including a 34-yard long that showcased his downfield ability. He followed with strong outings later in the year, such as seven receptions for 81 yards versus the in Week 13 and four catches for 73 yards against the in Week 7, contributing to the Chargers' balanced attack that emphasized short-to-intermediate passes. These efforts underscored Henry's development into a consistent option, with his 12.9 yards per catch reflecting efficient usage in varied formations. The season took a turn in Week 15 during a loss to the , when Henry suffered a small laceration to his after a hit from defensive lineman . Diagnosed shortly after the game, the injury led to his placement on injured reserve on , causing him to miss the final two regular-season games against the and . Despite the setback, Henry's contributions helped propel the Chargers to a 9-7 record and a wild-card playoff berth as the No. 5 seed in the AFC, though he was unable to participate in the postseason loss to the .

2018 season: Los Angeles Chargers

Hunter Henry missed the entire 2018 regular season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during organized team activities (OTAs) on May 22, 2018. The non-contact injury occurred early in practice, and Henry was able to walk off the field under his own power before the diagnosis was confirmed. Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn described the setback as significant, noting it would sideline the third-year tight end for the full year, though he expressed optimism about Henry's long-term recovery. Henry began rehabilitation immediately following the injury, focusing on strengthening and mobility to prepare for a potential 2019 return. The Chargers placed Henry on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list at the start of in late 2018, preserving the possibility of a late-season despite the typical nine-to-12-month recovery timeline for an ACL tear. He remained on the reserve/PUP list throughout the regular season, recording zero statistics in 16 games as Virgil Green and rookie Stephen Anderson filled the role. Despite the loss of Henry, the Chargers achieved a 12-4 record, securing the AFC's fifth seed and advancing to the for the first time since 2009. Henry was activated off the PUP list on January 7, 2019, ahead of the Chargers' divisional playoff matchup against the , marking his first activation since the injury. He did not play in the wild-card victory over the but suited up for the January 13 divisional round game at , where he logged 14 defensive snaps without recording a target or statistic in the 41-28 loss. This limited appearance represented the entirety of Henry's on-field contribution during the 2018 campaign, as the Chargers' season concluded without further advancement.

2019 season: Los Angeles Chargers

Following his season-ending ACL tear in May 2018, Hunter Henry underwent extensive rehabilitation to regain full strength and mobility in his right knee. By July 2019, he was cleared to participate fully in the ' training camp, appearing healthy and energetic during early practices under head coach . Henry made his 2019 debut in Week 1 against the on September 8, catching four passes for 60 yards in a limited role with 23 offensive snaps. However, he suffered a tibia plateau fracture in his left during that game, which sidelined him for the next four weeks (Weeks 2–5). He returned in Week 6 at on October 13, exploding for eight receptions on nine targets, 100 receiving yards, and two s—his first 100-yard game and marking a strong resurgence in the passing attack. Later highlights included a 30-yard catch in Week 14 at Jacksonville on December 8, contributing to a 45–10 rout. Overall, Henry played in 12 games, recording 55 receptions for 652 yards and five touchdowns, establishing a career high in receiving yards while serving as a key target in Lynn's offense that emphasized versatile usage alongside wide receivers and Mike Williams. Despite his contributions, the Chargers struggled with injuries and inconsistency, finishing 5–11 and missing the for the first time since 2016.

2020 season: Los Angeles Chargers

In March 2020, the Los Angeles Chargers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on tight end Hunter Henry, securing him for the season at a salary of $10.607 million. Henry signed the tender in April, avoiding a potential holdout and ensuring his participation in the upcoming campaign. This decision followed a solid 2019 return from injury, where he recorded 55 receptions for 652 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. Henry appeared in all 14 games for the Chargers in , starting each one and establishing himself as a reliable target for quarterback . He finished the year with 60 receptions on 93 targets for 613 receiving yards and four s, averaging 10.2 yards per catch. His touchdowns included a 23-yard score against the in Week 5, a 30-yard reception versus the in Week 10, a 48-yard grab in a loss to the in Week 11, and a 20-yard in the season finale against the in Week 15. Early in the season, Henry posted back-to-back multi-reception performances, with five catches for 73 yards in the Week 1 opener against the Chiefs and six receptions for a season-high 83 yards in Week 2 versus the . Later, he notched seven receptions for 67 yards in Week 12 against the , contributing to the team's offensive efforts amid a transitional year. The Chargers concluded the 2020 season with a 7-9 record under head coach Anthony Lynn, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year despite a four-game winning streak to close out the campaign. Lynn was fired on January 4, 2021, shortly after the finale, ending his four-year tenure with the team. As his one-year tag expired, Henry expressed a strong preference to remain with the Chargers, citing his enjoyment of the organization and chemistry with Herbert, though he remained open to other opportunities in free agency.

2021 season: New England Patriots

On March 16, 2021, Henry signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract with the as an unrestricted following his departure from the . The deal included $25 million in guarantees, marking a significant addition to the Patriots' revamped room alongside . This move came during an aggressive free agency period for head coach , who sought to bolster the passing attack after a 7-9 season in 2020. Henry quickly adapted to Belichick's complex defensive-minded system, which emphasized precise route-running and blocking from tight ends. As a presence, he mentored , the 15th overall pick in the , fostering a reliable connection that became central to New England's offense. In 17 games (all starts), Henry posted 50 receptions for 603 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns, tying for the lead among tight ends in scoring. His red-zone efficiency—converting 18% of his targets into scores—provided a for Jones amid an inconsistent receiving corps. Notable performances included two-touchdown games against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10 (76 yards) and the Buffalo Bills in Week 16 (39 yards), helping propel the Patriots' late-season surge. Henry's touchdowns often came on contested catches in traffic, showcasing his 6-foot-5 frame and sure hands. The Patriots finished 10-7, securing the AFC's No. 6 seed before a 47-17 wild-card playoff loss to the Bills. During the team's Week 13 bye in December 2021, Henry and his wife, Parker, welcomed their first child, son Ace, adding a personal milestone amid the grind of adapting to a new franchise.

2022 season: New England Patriots

In 2022, Hunter Henry continued as a starting tight end for the New England Patriots under a revamped offensive scheme led by senior football advisor Matt Patricia, who served as the de facto offensive coordinator following Josh McDaniels' departure. The unit shifted toward a run-heavy approach, incorporating more gap-scheme plays to support running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who led the team with 1,040 rushing yards. Henry's role expanded in the blocking game to facilitate this ground attack, though his receiving production declined from his 2021 breakout of nine touchdowns, reflecting the scheme's emphasis on balance over aerial volume. Over 17 games with 14 starts, Henry recorded 41 receptions on 59 targets for 509 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 12.4 yards per catch. His contributions were steady in the red zone, where he served as a reliable option for , though the touchdowns were limited compared to prior seasons. Despite some late-season knee discomfort that limited practice participation, Henry played every game without missing time due to injury. Notable performances included a season-high 70 receiving yards on three catches in Week 13 against the and a 61-yard outing with a in Week 6 versus the , where he scored on a 10-yard pass in the second quarter. His other came in Week 11 at , a 13-yard score that highlighted his red-zone effectiveness in a 33-26 loss. These moments underscored Henry's versatility in a scheme that ranked the Patriots 20th in scoring offense at 20.2 points per game. The Patriots finished the year 8-9, missing the after a 23-21 loss to the in Week 18. Henry's consistent presence helped stabilize the position alongside , contributing to the team's ground game success despite overall offensive struggles.

2023 season: New England Patriots

In the 2023 season, Hunter Henry served as a full-time starter for the , appearing in 14 games with 10 starts and emerging as a primary receiving target amid quarterback instability. He caught passes from both , who started the first 11 games, and , who took over for the final three contests before Henry's injury. Henry's role built on his recovery from an ankle injury the prior year, allowing him to maintain consistent involvement in the passing game despite the team's offensive struggles. Henry finished the season with 42 receptions for 419 yards and a team-leading 6 catches among tight ends, showcasing his red-zone efficiency even as the Patriots' offense ranked near the bottom of the league. His touchdowns included notable scores in key victories, such as two in the Week 14 win over the , where he hauled in a 17-yard in the first quarter and a 1-yard score in the second to help build a 21-3 halftime lead. These performances highlighted his reliability as a safety valve for Zappe in that 21-18 upset. The Patriots concluded the year with a 4-13 record, finishing last in the and missing the playoffs for the third straight season under head coach . Henry's season was cut short by a left sustained during the Week 15 loss to the on December 17, which sidelined him for the final three games.

2024 season: New England Patriots

In March 2024, the restructured Hunter Henry's contract into a three-year extension worth $27 million, with $15.8 million guaranteed, reducing his 2024 hit to $5.32 million from a projected higher figure under his previous deal. Following rehabilitation from a that sidelined him for the final three games of the 2023 season, Henry reported fully healthy by the start of , though he sat out early sessions due to a minor leg issue before returning in time for the regular season opener. Under new head coach , Henry served as a reliable veteran presence in an offense adapting to multiple transitions. Henry appeared in 16 games during the 2024 season, starting all of them and achieving career highs with 66 receptions for 674 receiving yards on 97 targets, along with two touchdowns. He became a consistent for after Maye assumed the starting role in Week 6, recording 40 catches on 66 targets over the remainder of the campaign. His steady production helped him reach 199 career receptions with the Patriots, securing fifth place on the franchise's all-time list for tight ends. The Patriots concluded the year with a 4-13 record, finishing last in the and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Off the field, Henry provided leadership to the tight end room, mentoring rookies like seventh-round pick Jaheim Bell and publicly commending his "tremendous talent" during the season.

2025 season:

In the 2025 season, Hunter Henry continued his role as the primary tight end in the ' offense under head coach , with rookie quarterback frequently targeting him in the passing game. Building on his consistent output from the 2024 campaign, Henry started all 17 games, serving as a reliable red-zone threat and intermediate option in an offense that emphasized play-action and balanced attacks. Henry finished the regular season with 60 receptions for 768 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 12.8 yards per catch. His notable performances included a pair of touchdowns in Week 3 against the , where he hauled in eight catches for 90 yards; a 31-yard reception in Week 4 versus the ; and a game-sealing 17-yard grab in the final minute of the Patriots' narrow 24-23 victory over the in Week 9. Additional highlights included seven receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals and consistent contributions throughout the year. The Patriots finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, clinching the division title and earning the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. Henry's contributions aided several key victories, including close wins over the and others during the campaign. In the postseason, he recorded 3 receptions for 64 yards and a 28-yard touchdown in the Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The team advanced by defeating the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round and the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship to reach Super Bowl LX. In Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium, Henry served as the starting tight end for the New England Patriots.

Career statistics

College statistics

During his three seasons at the University of Arkansas from 2013 to 2015, Hunter Henry primarily contributed as a receiving , with no recorded rushing attempts, punt or returns, or fumbles.

Receiving Statistics

YearGamesReceptionsYardsAverageTouchdownsLong
2013102840914.6452
2014133751313.9238
2015135173914.5351
Career361161,66114.3952
Career Totals: 116 receptions for 1,661 yards and 9 touchdowns.

NFL statistics

Hunter Henry has compiled a solid career as a in the (), debuting with the San Diego/Los Angeles in 2016 before joining the in 2021. His statistics highlight consistent production in receptions and touchdowns, particularly in the red zone, across 130 regular-season games as of Week 11 of the 2025 season. The table below details his regular-season receiving statistics year by year, including games played (G), games started (GS), targets (Tgt), receptions (Rec), receiving yards (Yds), yards per reception (Y/R), longest reception (Lng), first downs (1stD), and touchdowns (TD). Fumbles (Fmb) are also noted where applicable.
YearTeamGGSTgtRecYdsY/RLng1stDTDFmb
2016SDG1510533647813.3593081
2017LAC1413624557912.9343240
2018LAC00000000
2019LAC1212765565211.9303651
2020LAC1414936061310.2333540
2021NWE1710755060312.1353490
2022NWE1714594150912.4392320
2023NWE1410614241910.0242961
2024NWE1616976667410.2354020
2025NWE1111533442212.4312440
Career Regular-Season Totals: 130 games played, 110 started, 629 targets, 429 receptions, 4,949 yards, 11.5 yards per reception, longest reception of 59 yards, 283 first downs, 44 touchdowns, and 3 fumbles lost. His approximate value (AV) stands at 38, reflecting his contributions as a reliable pass-catching tight end. In the postseason, Henry has appeared in two games, with limited receiving opportunities due to team playoff runs and his injury history. The table below summarizes his playoff receiving statistics.
YearTeamGGSTgtRecYdsY/RLng1stDTDFmb
2018LAC11100000
2021NWE11413030.030100
Postseason Totals: 2 and started, 5 , 1 reception, 30 yards, 30.0 yards per reception, longest reception of 30 yards, 1 first down, 0 touchdowns, and 0 fumbles.

Personal life

Family

Hunter Henry married his college sweetheart, Parker Elizabeth Henry (née Schmidly), on June 30, 2018, in . The couple, both natives, met during the summer before Parker's freshman year at the and began dating in 2014 while Henry played for the Razorbacks. The couple welcomed their first child, son Ace Matthew Henry, on December 9, 2021, coinciding with the New England Patriots' bye week in the 2021 NFL season. Their daughter, Rivi Grace Henry, was born in 2023. In October 2025, Henry and his wife announced they are expecting their third child, a boy, due in December 2025. As parents, Henry and Parker prioritize family time, often sharing glimpses of their life together through public appearances and posts that highlight their bond. Parker, a registered nurse who graduated from the University of Arkansas, has provided unwavering support throughout Henry's NFL career, helping him maintain work-life balance amid the demands of professional football. Henry has reciprocated by praising her dedication, particularly during her frontline work as a labor and delivery nurse amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has mutually reinforced their shared commitment to hard work and perseverance. Henry's family ties extend to his father's legacy in football, where served as an offensive lineman for the Razorbacks from 1988 to 1991, instilling a deep-rooted connection to the sport within the family. This heritage has influenced Henry's upbringing and continues to shape his approach to family and athletics.

Faith and philanthropy

Hunter Henry is a devout Christian whose has been a central aspect of his life and career. Raised in a Christian household with his father serving as a in , Henry has often credited this upbringing for shaping his spiritual foundation. In February 2020, during a trip to , Henry and his wife, Parker, were baptized together in the , marking a significant milestone in their shared journey. Henry's religious beliefs are influenced by his father's emphasis on and , which he has described as guiding principles in his personal and professional life. In a 2021 ESPN interview, he expressed how his motivation on the field stems from worshiping through his performance and drawing strength from his family and spiritual convictions, stating, "I like to worship through my play... My family is big for me, my wife is big for me." His father's role also inspired Henry's involvement in work, including a life-changing trip to in 2019, where he engaged in community outreach efforts. Henry has actively incorporated his faith into philanthropic initiatives, particularly through the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign. In 2024, he supported , a faith-based organization that releases children from poverty in Jesus' name, highlighting the influence of his father's example in promoting strong fatherhood and family support systems. Prior years saw him champion faith-aligned causes, such as anti-human trafficking efforts with in 2023, focusing on youth programs to combat modern , and similar awareness-raising in 2019 through custom cleats dedicated to ending exploitation. Beyond these campaigns, Henry has contributed to various charitable efforts, including support for children's hospitals in his home state of , where he made multiple visits during his college years at the to engage with patients and participate in reading programs. With the , he has been involved in team community events such as distributing bicycles and sneakers to foster children in 2025, in partnership with organizations like UnitedHealthcare and Communities for People, and hosting a celebrity ping pong tournament to raise funds against . During his time with the , he participated in broader team philanthropy, including initiatives for clean water access through the program and back-to-school shoe distributions in underserved communities. His dedication earned him the ' 2025 Ron Burton Community Service Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to local causes. Henry's faith has also provided personal resilience, particularly during injury recoveries. Following his 2018 ACL tear, a strong belief in sustained him through rehabilitation, helping him maintain focus amid initial fears of a more severe setback. He has spoken more broadly about how his Christian faith keeps him grounded during challenging circumstances, including subsequent knee issues in 2023 that sidelined him temporarily.

References

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