Tanner Hudson Bio
Tanner Hudson is an American professional football tight end currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018, Hudson has played for multiple teams and earned a Super Bowl championship, establishing himself as a reliable player at the tight end position.
Early Life and Background
Tanner Hudson was born on November 12, 1994, in Paris, Tennessee, and grew up in Big Sandy, Tennessee. He attended Camden Central High School where he was a multi-sport athlete, playing both football and basketball. In football, Hudson played quarterback, kicker, and punter, earning the District 11-AA Most Valuable Punter award as a junior. His senior football season was cut short due to injury after four games.
Path to American Football
Hudson began his collegiate football career at the University of Memphis as a quarterback and punter, redshirting his freshman year. He transferred to Southern Arkansas University where he transitioned to wide receiver and eventually tight end while continuing to handle punting duties. Over his college career, Hudson consistently produced strong receiving numbers, earning second-team All-Great American Conference (GAC) honors in 2016 and first-team All-GAC and second-team All-American honors in 2017. He finished college with 143 receptions for 2,152 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Tanner Hudson Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Tanner Hudson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2018. After initially being cut at the end of training camp, he joined the Buccaneers practice squad and was promoted to the active roster late in the season, though he did not appear in games that year. In 2019, Hudson made the Buccaneers final roster and made his NFL debut on October 27 against the Tennessee Titans. He recorded his first career reception on November 3, 2019, a 12-yard catch against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the season with two receptions for 26 yards across nine games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Super Bowl LV (2020)
Hudson re-signed with the Buccaneers in 2020 and spent time moving between the practice squad and active roster. He played in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a single target in the championship game. Hudson finished the season with three receptions for 41 yards.
San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants (2021–2022)
In 2021, Hudson signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad and was promoted to the active roster briefly before being waived and re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers in early 2022 but was waived in August. Later in 2022, Hudson signed with the New York Giants but was waived in December.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2022–Present)
Tanner Hudson joined the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad in December 2022 and signed a reserve/future contract in January 2023. After being released and re-signed to the practice squad in August 2023, he was promoted to the active roster multiple times during the 2023 season. Hudson started in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills, recording four receptions for 45 yards, and had a career-high six receptions the following week against the Houston Texans. He scored his first career touchdown in Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts and finished the 2023 season with 39 receptions for 352 yards and one touchdown, marking his best statistical year. In March 2024, Hudson re-signed with the Bengals and signed a one-year contract extension in March 2025.
Playing Style and Strengths
Tanner Hudson is known for his versatility, having played multiple positions in high school and college before settling at tight end in the NFL. His height and athleticism allow him to be a reliable receiving target, and his experience as a punter and quarterback contributes to his understanding of game dynamics and strategy.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hudson’s career highlights include being part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl LV. He scored his first NFL touchdown in 2023 and has steadily increased his contributions on offense, demonstrating growth and resilience throughout his professional career.
Tanner Hudson Career Wins
Tanner Hudson’s career achievements include a Super Bowl championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and multiple collegiate honors. While primarily a role player in the NFL, his contributions have been valuable to his teams’ successes.
College Highlights
At Southern Arkansas University, Hudson earned first-team All-GAC honors in 2017 and second-team All-GAC in 2016. He was also recognized as a second-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. His collegiate career totals of 143 receptions, 2,152 yards, and 25 touchdowns underscore his consistent production.
Professional Highlights
Hudson’s professional career is highlighted by his participation in the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory. His 2023 season with the Cincinnati Bengals marked his personal best in receptions and receiving yards, indicating his development as a reliable tight end in the NFL.
Tanner Hudson Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public information about Tanner Hudson’s family background and personal life is limited. No verified details about his parents, spouse, or children are available.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Tanner Hudson remains with the Cincinnati Bengals after signing a one-year contract extension. Following his career-best 2023 season, expectations are for Hudson to continue contributing as a dependable tight end option. His familiarity with the Bengals’ system and coaching staff positions him well for an expanded role. The 2025 season will be an opportunity for Hudson to build on his momentum and further establish himself in the NFL.