Trey Hendrickson: A Comprehensive Profile | News Glare

Key Takeaway: Trey Hendrickson is now one of the NFL’s top pass rushers. He went from a late-round draft pick to a four-time Pro Bowler. He also won the Deacon Jones Award and is a key defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Early Life and High School

Trey Hendrickson was born on December 5, 1994, in Orlando, Florida. He grew up in Apopka and attended Apopka High School. He is Collie Hendrickson’s son, a former collegiate football player at Missouri Southern State University. From a young age, he was surrounded by football. This helped him build a strong work ethic and a fierce competitive spirit on the field. In high school, Hendrickson became a standout defensive end. He earned All-State honors and caught the eye of many Division I colleges.

College Career at Florida Atlantic University

Hendrickson joined Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2013. He sat out his freshman year and then played from 2014 to 2016. During his time with the FAU Owls, he set the school record for sacks. He recorded 29.5 sacks and made 42.5 tackles for loss. His strong play earned him first-team All-Conference USA honors in both 2015 and 2016. He capped off his senior year by winning the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year award. Hendrickson’s strong work ethic and polished pass-rushing skills made him a standout prospect. He used techniques like stiff arm counters and speed-to-power transitions. Some worried about how his 6-4, 265-pound frame would hold up in the NFL.

Transition to the NFL: New Orleans Saints (2017–2020)

The New Orleans Saints chose Hendrickson in the third round (103rd overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. He became part of a veteran defensive line with Cameron Jordan and Alex Okafor. In his rookie season, he had limited playing time in a rotational role. Still, he managed two sacks in 12 games. This showed he could disrupt the pocket with speed and bend around the edge.

During his tenure in New Orleans, Hendrickson steadily climbed the depth chart:

2018: Appeared in five games due to a high-ankle sprain. He didn’t get any sacks but had some good moments in run defense.
2019:/strong>: He played 13 games, starting three. He recorded 4.5 sacks and helped the Saints’ defense rank third in the NFL against the run.
2020: He became one of the top edge rushers in the league. He recorded a career-high of 13.5 sacks, placing second in the NFL. He forced one fumble and made 25 tackles. This earned him his first Pro Bowl selection and All-NFC honors from the Pro Football Writers of America.

Hendrickson had a big year in 2020. He refined his technique. He improved his pad level and used counters better. Also, he mixed speed with power to dominate his opponents. The Saints’ defense used stunts and safety blitzes. This created more chances for him to rush and led to great success.

Cincinnati Bengals Era (2021–Present)

2021: Immediate Impact and Franchise Record

In March 2021, Hendrickson became a free agent. He then signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. With this, he took on the starting right defensive end position. In his first season with Cincinnati, he set a new franchise record. He achieved 14.0 sacks, breaking the old record of 13.5 from 1981. Hendrickson made 34 tackles, with 21 being solo. He forced three fumbles, too. His performance was key in helping the Bengals get to Super Bowl LVI. In the playoffs, he made key strip sacks in the Wild Card Round and added a sack in the AFC Championship Game. Sadly, the Bengals lost in the Super Bowl.

2022 and 2023: Sustained Excellence

Hendrickson’s dominance continued in 2022 and 2023. In the last two seasons, he racked up 25.5 sacks: 8.0 in 2022 and a career-high 17.5 in 2023. He earned Pro Bowl honors both years and helped Cincinnati reach the AFC Championship Game two seasons in a row. In 2023, he tied for second in the NFL. He also led all interior and edge defenders in pressure rate. This established him as a top pass rusher.

2024: Deacon Jones Award and All-Pro Honors

In Week 9 of 2024, Hendrickson had four sacks against the Las Vegas Raiders. This performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week. By season’s end, he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, paired 46 tackles with six passes defensed, and forced two fumbles. He earned first-team All-Pro honors and the Deacon Jones Award, given to the league’s sack leader.

2025 Contract Dispute and Holdout

In 2025, negotiations for the offseason contract hit a snag over guaranteed money after the first year. So, Hendrickson opted to skip the first day of training camp and stayed in Florida instead of going to Cincinnati. The impasse shows a trend where star defensive players use great performance for long-term deals. Meanwhile, the Bengals are dealing with salary-cap limits. As of late July, Hendrickson came to camp but skipped practice until his contract was sorted out.

Playing Style and Skill Set

Trey Hendrickson blends elite athleticism with technical proficiency:

Athletic Traits: At 6 ft 4 in and 265 lb, he has long, strong arms. His explosive first step helps him break away from blockers.
Technique: Hendrickson excels in hand fighting. He uses a fast swipe to escape tackles. Next, he shifts to either a dip-and-rip or a club-and-rip, based on the opponent’s leverage.
Stamina and Motor: He keeps up high effort across four quarters. This helps him pressure quarterbacks late in games, often impacting key fourth-quarter drives.
Football IQ: He reads blocking schemes to spot reach blocks and guard stunts. Then, he adjusts his rush lane to exploit any gaps.
Run Defense: He mainly rushes the passer, but he also shows discipline in setting the edge. He tackles ball carriers well, and his tackle efficiency improves each year.

Analysts say the Bengals’ defensive coordinator changed the scheme. This adjustment directs tackles toward Hendrickson’s gap, boosting his chances for sacks. His ability to strip the ball, shown by several forced fumbles, boosts his impact beyond just sack totals.

Off-Field Life and Personal Interests

Hendrickson majored in criminal justice at FAU, demonstrating academic dedication alongside athletic excellence. He is a devoted Christian. He often shares faith-based thoughts on social media. He credits his beliefs for his mental strength, both on and off the field. Family is key. He often goes back to Apopka to run youth football camps and do community service. He focuses on mentorship and giving back to his hometown.

Sponsorships and endorsements have increased as his profile has risen. He works with athletic apparel brands and helps local charities in Cincinnati. Hendrickson has a growing net worth and public praise, but he stays private. He focuses on preparation and team goals instead of personal awards.

Legacy and Impact

Hendrickson started as a third-round pick and became one of the NFL’s best edge rushers. His career shows hard work, steady growth, and the ability to grab opportunities. His record-setting seasons in Cincinnati boosted a defense that had struggled. This helped the franchise reach its first Super Bowl in over thirty years. He guides younger linemen in the locker room and shows great professionalism.

As he looks ahead, Hendrickson has two goals. He wants a long-term contract that shows he’s one of the best defenders in the league. He also aims to win the elusive Super Bowl championship. His holdout points to changes in the NFL labor scene. Defensive stars are now asking for pay that rivals top offensive players.

Trey Hendrickson went from being a standout in Apopka to leading the NFL in sacks. His story shows how talent, technique, and tenacity can all align. By August 2025, he will likely reshape the pass-rusher role and secure his place as one of the top edge defenders of his time.