Dominique Hampton Bio
Dominique Hampton (born July 25, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays in the National Football League. He played college football as a safety for the Washington Huskies from 2018 to 2023, appearing in 57 games, which remains a school record. Hampton was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. He transitioned from safety to linebacker upon entering the NFL and has since played for both the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears.
Early Life and Background
Dominique Hampton was born on July 25, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia. He moved as a young child to Glendale, Arizona, where he would spend his formative years and develop his passion for football. Hampton attended Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona, a school known for producing collegiate football talent in the Arizona region.
During his senior season at Centennial High School, Hampton demonstrated his defensive abilities early in the season. In week one of his senior year, he intercepted two passes and returned both for touchdowns, helping his team secure a 49-0 victory. His performance as a multi-year starter and playmaker earned him recognition as a three-star recruit coming out of high school.
Path to Professional Football
After completing his high school career at Centennial High School, Hampton received interest from multiple college programs. He ultimately decided to commit to play college football for the University of Washington Huskies, choosing to continue his academic and athletic career in the Pacific Northwest.
Hampton arrived at Washington as a defensive back prospect with potential to contribute at the FBS level. His journey from a three-star high school recruit to an NFL Draft pick showcased his development under the Washington coaching staff over five seasons. The experience he gained transitioning between special teams and defensive roles prepared him for the positional change he would face in professional football.
Dominique Hampton Career
College Career (Washington Huskies 2018–2023)
Dominique Hampton began his college career at Washington in 2018 and played limited minutes during his first three seasons. From 2018 through 2020, he appeared in 19 games, recording nine tackles and one pass deflection while primarily contributing on special teams units.
The 2021 season marked Hampton’s breakthrough as a regular contributor on defense. He made his first career start in week ten against Stanford and went on to play in eleven games that season, finishing with 30 tackles, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. His increased role demonstrated the coaching staff’s trust in his abilities.
Hampton continued his development during the 2022 season, appearing in 12 games with 11 starts. He recorded 42 tackles and four pass deflections while showcasing his range in the secondary. His most productive season came in 2023, when he totaled 109 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions, including his first career interception in a week four win over California. Over his five seasons at Washington, Hampton appeared in 57 games, setting the school record for career appearances.
Washington Commanders (2024–2025)
Hampton was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round with the 161st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 10, 2024. Prior to the start of his rookie season, Hampton made the transition from safety to linebacker, a position change that reflected his versatility and the Commanders’ plans for his development.
Throughout his rookie season and into the following year, Hampton worked to adapt his skills from the secondary to linebacker responsibilities. He was released by the Commanders on August 11, 2025, ending his tenure with the organization that drafted him.
Chicago Bears (2025–present)
Following his release from Washington, Hampton joined the Chicago Bears organization. On November 24, 2025, he was signed to the Bears’ practice squad due to several linebackers on the roster suffering injuries. His addition provided depth at a position of need during a challenging stretch of the season.
Hampton was released from the practice squad on December 1, 2025, but was re-signed to the Bears’ practice squad on December 16, 2025. The fluctuation demonstrated the competitive nature of maintaining a roster spot in the NFL. On January 20, 2026, Hampton signed a reserve/futures contract with Chicago, securing his place on the team heading into the 2026 season. On June 16, 2026, he was waived by the Bears, continuing his journeyman path in professional football.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dominique Hampton brings experience from the secondary to the linebacker position, offering range and coverage ability in space. His background as a safety translated to strong instincts in pass defense and ball skills, evidenced by his interception production at Washington. As a linebacker, he has shown the ability to diagnose plays quickly and close on ball carriers. His experience playing in 57 games at Washington provided him with extensive game action and the mental processing required for professional-level defense.
Notable Career Milestones
Hampton’s career has been defined by steady progression and adaptability. His selection in the 2024 NFL Draft represented the culmination of his development at Washington, where he set the school record for career game appearances. The transition from safety to linebacker marked a significant adjustment that showcased his willingness to adapt his skill set for professional football. His practice squad tenures with the Bears demonstrated the competitive drive required to remain in the NFL as a mid-round draft pick at a new position.
Dominique Hampton Career Statistics
Dominique Hampton’s most productive collegiate season came in 2023, when he earned regular starter status and posted career-high numbers across multiple categories. His five seasons at Washington provided him with more game experience than most draft picks entering the NFL.
Washington Huskies Highlights
During his five seasons at Washington, Hampton appeared in 57 games, the most in program history. His career totals include 190 tackles, 13 pass deflections, and two interceptions. The 2023 season represented his best statistical year, as he recorded 109 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions while earning increased playing time in the secondary.
Professional Career Summary
At the professional level, Hampton has yet to record defensive statistics in regular-season games. His contributions have come primarily on practice squad rosters with the Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears, where he has continued developing as a linebacker after making the position switch from safety.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Tackles | Pass Deflections | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Huskies (2018–2023) | 57 | 190 | 13 | 2 |
Dominique Hampton Family
Family Background
Dominique Hampton was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and relocated to Glendale, Arizona, during his childhood. Details about his family members, including parents, siblings, or extended family involvement in athletics, are not publicly available. He graduated from Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona, before pursuing his collegiate football career at the University of Washington.
Personal Life
Hampton’s personal life remains largely private despite his public career as a professional athlete. As of 2025, there is no public information indicating that he is married or has children. He has focused on his football career following his transition from college to professional football. His journey from a three-star recruit at Centennial High School to an NFL player demonstrates his dedication to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transitional year for Dominique Hampton following his rookie season with the Washington Commanders. After being released by the Commanders in August, Hampton sought opportunities with other organizations and found a path back to the NFL through the Chicago Bears practice squad.
His signing with the Bears in November came at a time when the team needed linebacker depth due to injuries at the position. Hampton’s ability to contribute immediately on special teams and develop as a linebacker made him a valuable addition to the roster. The subsequent release and re-signing to the practice squad demonstrated the day-to-day competitive nature of maintaining a roster spot in professional football.
Signing a reserve/futures contract in January 2026 indicated the Bears’ interest in developing Hampton for future seasons. However, his release in June 2026 showed the ongoing challenges faced by players transitioning to new positions in the NFL. Hampton’s career trajectory continues to evolve as he works to establish himself as a linebacker at the professional level.