Kurt Hinish Bio
Kurt Braeden Hinish is an American professional football defensive tackle who currently plays for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Born on April 27, 1999, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hinish attended Central Catholic High School before playing college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2017 to 2021. He signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and has since become a steady presence in the Texans’ defensive line rotation. Hinish broke multiple records during his collegiate career, including Notre Dame’s all-time games-played record, and continues to build his professional legacy in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Kurt Braeden Hinish grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. He attended Central Catholic High School, a well-known football program in the Steel City. During his junior year, Hinish recorded 32 tackles while helping his team post a remarkable 15-1 record. His senior season in 2016 proved even more impressive, as he compiled 27 tackles and three sacks on his way to earning first-team all-state honors.
Hinish’s performance at Central Catholic earned him additional recognition from local media. He was named to both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 and the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Terrific 25 lists. Recruiting services took notice as well, ranking him as the eighth-best player in Pennsylvania and the number 26 overall defensive tackle in his class by ESPN. His impressive high school career attracted attention from multiple college programs across the country.
Path to the NFL
In March 2016, Hinish made his college commitment, choosing to continue his football career at the University of Notre Dame. His decision to join the Fighting Irish marked the beginning of an exceptional collegiate journey. The Pittsburgh native arrived at Notre Dame ready to compete at the highest level of college football and contribute to a program with a storied tradition of producing NFL talent.
Hinish redshirted his first season with the program in 2017, appearing in 13 games and recording eight tackles. He continued to develop his skills over the following seasons, gradually earning more playing time and increasing his statistical contributions. By his senior year, he had established himself as a team leader and one of the most reliable defensive players on the roster.
Kurt Hinish Career
College Career (2017–2021)
Kurt Hinish began his Notre Dame career in 2017, appearing in 13 games and recording eight tackles as a freshman. He showed promise as a rotational player, demonstrating the technique and motor that would define his collegiate career. The experience gained during his first season provided a foundation for the production that would follow in subsequent years.
In 2018, Hinish saw increased playing time, appearing in all 13 games and making 13 tackles with 1.5 sacks. His sophomore campaign showed his developing ability to pressure the quarterback and disrupt opposing backfields. The following year, he took another step forward, starting every game and registering 15 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. His consistency and reliability made him a valuable piece of the Notre Dame defense.
His 2020 senior season saw Hinish record 19 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, and two sacks in 11 starts. In his final season in 2021, he was named team captain, a testament to his leadership and character. More significantly, he broke the all-time Notre Dame record for most games played by a player in program history. Hinish graduated following the 2021 season, finishing his college career with 61 games played, 35 starts, 81 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 20 tackles-for-loss, and one forced fumble. He earned All-Conference honors during his time in South Bend.
Houston Texans Breakthrough (2022–Present)
Despite a productive college career, Hinish went unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, his talent and persistence paid off when the Houston Texans signed him as an undrafted free agent. When he arrived at training camp, Hinish found himself near the bottom of the defensive tackle depth chart. Through hard work and strong performances during the preseason, he earned first-team repetitions by the end of training camp. Remarkably, he became one of only three undrafted rookies to make the Texans’ final roster that season.
As a rookie in 2022, Hinish appeared in 15 games and started three. He recorded his first professional sack and finished the season with 23 total tackles, including 11 solo tackles. His ability to contribute immediately on a professional roster demonstrated his readiness for the NFL level and provided a solid foundation for his career trajectory.
In 2024, Hinish faced his first significant professional setback when he was placed on injured reserve on August 27. He was activated off injured reserve on October 15 and returned to action for the final stretch of the season. In 10 games during the 2024 season, he logged 12 combined tackles. Following the season, he re-signed with the Texans on March 6, 2025, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $1.8 million.
Defensive Tackle Style and Strengths
Hinish plays the defensive tackle position with exceptional motor and consistency. His ability to penetrate gaps and collapse the pocket has made him a reliable option against both the run and the pass. His experience at Notre Dame, where he played over 60 career games, provided him with extensive experience in multiple defensive schemes. His quick first step and hand technique allow him to create push in the middle of the defensive line, while his gap discipline helps contain opposing running games.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of Kurt Hinish’s college career was breaking Notre Dame’s all-time record for most games played. This achievement showcased his durability, consistency, and commitment to the program over five seasons. In the NFL, his rookie season sack demonstrated his ability to make game-changing plays at the professional level. His journey from undrafted free agent to final roster contributor represents a significant personal accomplishment and highlights his work ethic.
Kurt Hinish Career Statistics
Through his first three seasons with the Houston Texans, Kurt Hinish has established himself as a solid rotational defensive tackle in the NFL. His career totals reflect his role as a steady contributor rather than a dominant statistical force, with his value coming from consistent effort and versatility along the defensive line.
NFL Statistics Highlights
In his rookie season of 2022, Hinish made an immediate impact by appearing in 15 games with three starts. He recorded his first career sack and accumulated 23 total tackles. His 2024 season was shortened due to injury, as he appeared in only 10 games and recorded 12 tackles after returning from injured reserve. His career totals as of the 2024 season include 57 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one pass deflection.
College Statistics Summary
Hinish left Notre Dame as one of the most experienced players in program history. Over his five collegiate seasons, he appeared in 61 games with 35 starts. He recorded 81 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, 20 tackles-for-loss, and one forced fumble. His durability and consistent performance made him a four-year contributor who earned All-Conference recognition.
| Competition | Games | Tackles | Sacks | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (Notre Dame) | 61 | 81 | 7.5 | 20 |
| NFL (Houston Texans) | 25 | 57 | 1.5 | — |
Family
Personal Life
Kurt Hinish grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he attended Central Catholic High School. His football journey from Pittsburgh to Notre Dame to Houston represents a classic American football career path. Hinish maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. As a team captain at Notre Dame, he demonstrated leadership qualities that have translated to his professional career. Information regarding his family, marital status, or children has not been made publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Kurt Hinish’s professional career. Returning to the Houston Texans on a one-year, $1.8 million contract, he enters training camp with an opportunity to solidify his role with the team. His experience from three seasons in the NFL provides him with valuable knowledge of defensive coordinator schemes and the physical demands of the professional level. The Texans’ defensive line continues to develop, and Hinish’s consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset in the rotation.
Heading into the 2025 season, Hinish aims to stay healthy and contribute more consistently over a full 17-game schedule. His versatility against both the run and pass gives the coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy him. The competition for playing time at defensive tackle remains intense, but Hinish’s track record of durability and steady performance provides him with a strong foundation to build upon. His focus remains on executing his assignments and making plays when opportunities arise throughout the season.