C. J. Hanson Bio
Christopher “C. J.” Hanson is an American professional football guard for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 3, 2001, in Bergen County, New Jersey, Hanson developed his passion for football at a young age and worked his way up through high school and college football before achieving his dream of playing in the NFL. He played college football for the Holy Cross Crusaders, where he established himself as one of the top offensive linemen at the FCS level. The Kansas City Chiefs selected Hanson in the seventh round (248th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the first Holy Cross player drafted since Rob McGovern in 1989. At 6 feet 5 inches and 300 pounds, Hanson brings size, technique, and versatility to the Chiefs’ offensive line.
Early Life and Background
Hanson was born on March 3, 2001, in Bergen County, New Jersey, and grew up in Wyckoff. His introduction to football came early, as he began playing flag football in second grade before transitioning to tackle football in third grade. Beyond football, Hanson participated in several other sports during his youth, including lacrosse, which helped develop his hand-eye coordination, agility, and competitive mindset.
Hanson attended DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, New Jersey, where he played four years on the varsity football team. Despite being a four-year varsity player, he did not become a starter until his senior season. That year, he was named first-team All-County and second-team All-State at left guard while helping DePaul Catholic capture the league title. His performance in high school earned him recognition as a promising offensive line prospect, though he received no stars from major recruiting services as a recruit.
Path to the NFL
Despite limited recruiting attention, Hanson committed to play college football at Holy Cross, an FCS program known for developing talented players. He arrived at Holy Cross as a zero-star recruit with significant potential but needing to prove himself at the collegiate level. The transition from high school to FCS football presented challenges, but Hanson was determined to earn a starting position.
After a redshirt season in 2019 during which he appeared in three games, Hanson began to make his mark. He earned his first collegiate start during the 2020–21 season while playing in three games that year. His development continued, and he entered the 2021 season as the projected starter at right guard. Hanson won the starting nod and started all 13 games that season, demonstrating consistency and growth that earned him second-team All-Patriot League honors from Phil Steele.
C. J. Hanson Career
Holy Cross Years (2019–2023)
The 2022 season marked a breakthrough for Hanson as he started all 13 games at right guard and earned first-team All-Patriot League recognition. His performance helped anchor an offensive line that paved the way for Holy Cross’s successful campaign. The following year as team captain in 2023, Hanson reached the pinnacle of his collegiate career by starting all 11 games and receiving first-team All-Patriot League, All-Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), All-New England, and third-team All-American honors from Stats Perform.
The 2023 season was particularly impressive for Hanson and the Holy Cross offense. He helped the team rank in the top six in the FCS in rushing offense, total offense, and scoring offense. Perhaps most remarkably, Hanson allowed zero sacks and only eight pressures on 321 pass-blocking snaps, showcasing exceptional technique and awareness. Over his three seasons as a full-time starter, Hanson started 38 games total, helping Holy Cross compile records of 10–3 (2021), 12–1 (2022), and 7–4 (2023).
Pre-Draft Process
Entering the 2024 NFL Draft cycle, Hanson received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he had the opportunity to showcase his abilities alongside the nation’s top prospects. He was also invited along with fellow Holy Cross receiver Jalen Coker to the combine, making them the third and fourth players in school history invited and the first since 1988. Hanson also participated in the East–West Shrine Bowl, a prestigious all-star game featuring top draft prospects.
Kansas City Chiefs (2024–Present)
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Hanson in the seventh round with the 248th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. By drafting Hanson, the Chiefs selected the first Holy Cross player since Rob McGovern in 1989, who was also drafted by Kansas City. The selection represented a culmination of Hanson’s journey from a non-rated high school recruit to an FCS All-American.
Hanson began his professional career with the Chiefs in 2024. During his rookie season, he appeared in four games, gaining valuable experience learning the professional level while developing under the guidance of the Chiefs’ coaching staff and veteran offensive linemen. The transition from FCS to the NFL presented a significant adjustment, but Hanson’s foundation at Holy Cross prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hanson is known for his consistency and technical proficiency as an offensive lineman. His college film showed a player who could handle complex defensive schemes, as evidenced by his zero sacks allowed on 321 pass-blocking snaps during his final collegiate season. His experience at right guard translates well to the NFL, where he uses his 6-foot-5 frame and 300-pound body to create running lanes and protect the quarterback. His background playing multiple sports, including lacrosse, contributed to his agility and footwork for a player of his size.
Notable Achievements
Among Hanson’s most significant accomplishments is becoming Holy Cross’s first NFL Draft pick since 1989, breaking a 35-year drought for the program. His first-team FCS All-American selection in 2023 placed him among the elite players at the FCS level. He also earned back-to-back first-team All-Patriot League honors in 2022 and 2023, establishing himself as the conference’s top offensive lineman during those years. His 38 career starts at Holy Cross demonstrated the durability and reliability teams value in an offensive lineman.
C. J. Hanson Career Statistics
Hanson played four games during the 2024 NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie. His collegiate career included 38 starts across three seasons, with his best statistical years coming in 2022 and 2023 when he started all games each season.
College Highlights
At Holy Cross, Hanson emerged as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the Patriot League. His senior season in 2023 represented his best performance, as he earned multiple first-team All-American honors and helped Holy Cross rank among the top FCS teams in scoring offense, total offense, and rushing offense. The zero sacks allowed on 321 pass-blocking snaps was perhaps his most impressive individual statistic, demonstrating his ability to protect the quarterback at a high level.
Professional Career
During his rookie 2024 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Hanson appeared in four games. The Chiefs, one of the NFL’s premier teams, provided Hanson with an opportunity to learn from experienced coaches and veteran players while developing his skills in a professional environment.
| Level | Games Played | Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Holy Cross (2019–2023) | 41 | 38 |
| Kansas City Chiefs (2024) | 4 | 0 |
C. J. Hanson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding C. J. Hanson’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or any family connections to athletics, is not widely available. Hanson grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, where he attended DePaul Catholic High School and developed his football skills through local youth sports programs.
Personal Life
Hanson is focused on his football career following his selection by the Kansas City Chiefs. He maintains a presence on social media, where he shares updates about his football journey. Beyond football, Hanson enjoys staying active and has expressed gratitude for the support of his family and teammates throughout his career path from Wyckoff, New Jersey, to the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Hanson continued his progression with the Kansas City Chiefs organization. The Chiefs’ offensive line has been a point of emphasis for the franchise, and Hanson’s development represents part of the team’s long-term strategy for building depth along the line. After being waived during final roster cuts on August 26, 2025, Hanson was re-signed to the practice squad the following day, demonstrating the organization’s continued interest in his development. He was later promoted to the active roster on December 13, 2025, providing him with an opportunity to contribute during the stretch run of the season. This trajectory from the practice squad to the active roster reflects Hanson’s dedication to improving his craft and earning a permanent spot on the Chiefs’ roster.