Hayden Hurst Bio
Hayden Randle Hurst is an American professional football player who spent seven seasons as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 24, 1993, in Jacksonville, Florida, Hurst attended The Bolles School before pursuing both baseball and football at the collegiate level. He played college football for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks from 2015 to 2017, earning First-team All-SEC honors in his junior year. The Baltimore Ravens selected Hurst in the first round (25th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, making him the first tight end selected in that draft class. Over his NFL career, Hurst played for the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Chargers, compiling 203 receptions for 1,975 yards and 15 touchdowns. He retired from professional football on March 9, 2026.
Early Life and Background
Hayden Hurst grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended The Bolles School. At Bolles, he was a multi-sport athlete, competing in both football and baseball for the Bulldogs. Hurst graduated from The Bolles School in 2012, showing athletic promise in multiple disciplines from an early age.
Following his graduation, Hurst chose baseball over football. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the 17th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, and he signed with the organization for a $400,000 signing bonus. He turned down a baseball scholarship from Florida State to pursue professional baseball. Hurst played two seasons in the Pirates minor league system before making the decision to leave baseball and pursue football.
In his only minor league pitching appearance, Hurst walked five batters and threw two wild pitches in one-third of an inning. He ultimately gave up baseball because he was afflicted by what he described as “the yips,” a condition that affected his performance on the mound.
Path to Professional Football
After leaving baseball, Hurst walked onto the South Carolina football team in 2015. Despite arriving as a walk-on with no guarantees, he quickly demonstrated his athletic ability and football instincts. His transition from the baseball diamond to the football field showcased his versatility and dedication to the sport.
During his freshman season in 2015, Hurst played in all 12 of the Gamecocks games, catching eight passes for 106 yards. He earned a scholarship the following spring, a testament to his hard work and improvement. His sophomore year saw him play in all 13 games with a career-high seven receptions against Kentucky, finishing the season with 48 catches for 616 yards.
His junior year in 2017 proved to be his breakout season. Hurst once again played in all 13 games, catching 41 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns. His consistent production earned him unanimous selection to the 2017 All-Southeastern Conference football team. Following the season, Hurst declared for the 2018 NFL Draft on December 7, 2017, and recorded three receptions for 41 yards in the 2018 Outback Bowl victory over Michigan.
Hayden Hurst Career
Baltimore Ravens (2018–2019)
The Baltimore Ravens selected Hayden Hurst in the first round (25th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft, making him the first tight end selected in that draft class. On June 19, 2018, Hurst signed a four-year contract worth $11 million featuring a $6.1 million signing bonus. He entered the league as a first-round talent with high expectations.
Hurst recorded his first career touchdown reception on October 28, 2018, a 26-yard pass from fellow rookie Lamar Jackson, in a game against the Carolina Panthers. He finished his rookie season with 13 receptions for 163 yards and one touchdown in 12 games played.
In his second season with the Ravens in 2019, Hurst showed significant improvement. On September 15 against the Arizona Cardinals, he caught a one-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson. In Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills, Hurst recorded a career-long 61-yard touchdown reception among his three catches for 73 yards, helping the Ravens clinch a playoff berth. He finished the season with 30 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns. In the Divisional Round playoff game against the Tennessee Titans, Hurst caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown during the 28–12 loss.
Atlanta Falcons (2020–2021)
On March 16, 2020, the Ravens agreed to trade Hurst to the Atlanta Falcons along with a fourth-round pick in exchange for second and fifth-round picks. The trade became official on March 18, sending Hurst to his second NFL team. During Week 2 of the 2020 season against the Dallas Cowboys, Hurst caught five passes for 72 yards and his first touchdown as a Falcons player in a narrow 40–39 road loss.
Hurst’s 2020 season proved to be his most productive at that point in his career. He recorded 56 receptions for 571 yards and six touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable receiving option for the Falcons offense. The Falcons declined to exercise the fifth-year option on Hurst’s contract on May 3, 2021, making him a free agent after that season.
In the 2021 season, Hurst appeared in 12 games with eight starts, catching 26 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns. He was placed on injured reserve on November 18, 2021, with an ankle injury and was activated on December 11, returning to action for the final stretch of the season.
Cincinnati Bengals (2022)
Hurst signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 18, 2022. He was named the Bengals starting tight end for the 2022 season, recording 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns with 13 starts. His veteran experience provided stability to a young Bengals offense.
In the playoffs, Hurst contributed to the Bengals’ run to the AFC Championship. During the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills, he recorded a receiving touchdown during the 27–10 victory, helping the team advance.
Carolina Panthers (2023)
Hurst signed a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on March 15, 2023. During the 2023 season, Hurst faced challenges, including a concussion suffered in Week 10. On December 6, his father, Jerry, publicly shared that Hurst was dealing with post-traumatic amnesia due to the injury. Hurst returned to practice on the same day but was placed on injured reserve on December 15. He finished the 2023 season with 18 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown in nine games.
On March 13, 2024, the Panthers released Hurst, ending his tenure with the team after just one season.
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–2025)
On March 15, 2024, Hurst signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, joining his fifth NFL team. In his first season with the Chargers, he appeared in nine games and had eight receptions for 73 yards. During the 2024 season, Hurst served as a veteran presence in the locker room while contributing to the team’s tight end rotation.
The 2025 season marked another chapter in Hurst’s NFL journey. Entering his eighth professional season, Hurst brought experience and leadership to the Chargers’ offense. His knowledge of multiple offensive systems and ability to work with different quarterbacks made him a valuable asset in the meeting room and on the field.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hayden Hurst was known as a reliable receiving tight end with solid route-running ability and good hands. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 245 pounds, he possessed the size to create mismatches against smaller defensive backs while having the speed to stretch the seam. His experience playing in multiple offensive systems throughout his career allowed him to adapt quickly and contribute in various roles, whether as a starter or a rotational player.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Hurst’s career was highlighted by consistent production and playoff contributions. His first-round selection in 2018 marked him as a top prospect, and his playoff performances with both the Ravens and Bengals demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. His 61-yard touchdown reception against the Buffalo Bills in 2019 remained one of his most explosive plays. Off the field, Hurst was recognized for his community service, earning the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award in 2021.
Hayden Hurst Career Statistics
Throughout his seven NFL seasons, Hayden Hurst established himself as a productive tight end with consistent receiving numbers across multiple teams. His career statistics reflected his reliability as a pass-catcher and his ability to contribute in the red zone.
NFL Career Stats
Hurst appeared in 89 career NFL games with 52 starts. He recorded 203 career receptions for 1,975 yards and 15 touchdowns. His best statistical season came in 2020 with the Atlanta Falcons, where he caught 56 passes for 571 yards and six touchdowns. His 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals also featured strong production with 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns.
College Career Stats
During his three seasons at South Carolina from 2015 to 2017, Hurst played in 38 games. He caught 97 passes for 1,289 yards and four touchdowns. His junior season in 2017 was his most productive, with 41 receptions for 567 yards and two touchdowns, earning him First-team All-SEC honors.
| Competition Level | Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (7 seasons) | 89 | 203 | 1,975 | 15 |
| College (3 seasons) | 38 | 97 | 1,289 | 4 |
Hayden Hurst Family
Family Background
Hayden Hurst was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to his parents, with his father being Jerry Hurst. His family has been supportive of his athletic career throughout his journey from baseball to football. Jerry Hurst was publicly involved during Hayden’s NFL career, including sharing updates about his son’s health during his time with the Panthers.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Hurst has been involved in community service, earning recognition for his efforts with the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award in 2021. This honor highlighted his commitment to making a positive impact off the field. Hurst maintained a presence on social media, connecting with fans through his accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented a milestone year for Hayden Hurst as he entered his eighth professional season with the Los Angeles Chargers. At 31 years old, Hurst brought veteran leadership and experience to a Chargers team looking to make strides in the AFC. His familiarity with offensive systems and his rapport with quarterbacks made him a valuable piece in the team’s tight end rotation.
Throughout the season, Hurst contributed in the passing game while also serving as a mentor to younger players at the tight end position. His professionalism and work ethic set an example in the locker room. The Chargers relied on his experience during key moments of the season, and his ability to execute plays in critical situations remained evident.
As the 2025 season progressed, Hurst continued to balance his playing career while preparing for life after football. His journey from first-round draft pick to seven-year NFL veteran exemplified resilience and adaptability. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Hurst announced his retirement from professional football on March 9, 2026, concluding a noteworthy career that spanned multiple teams and featured memorable moments on the field and contributions to communities across the league.