Matthew Connor Hennessy (born November 17, 1997) is an American professional football center for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). A 2020 third-round draft pick, Hennessy played college football at Temple University where he developed into an All-American performer. He has built his NFL career through versatility and persistence, appearing in 64 games with 24 starts across multiple franchises.
Matthew Connor Hennessy Bio
Hennessy entered the NFL as a third-round selection (78th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2020 NFL Draft. After spending his rookie season developing behind veteran center Alex Mack, Hennessy assumed the starting role in 2021 and has continued his professional career with stints at multiple organizations. His journey reflects the resilience often required for professional athletes to establish themselves in the league.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Connor Hennessy was born on November 17, 1997, in Nyack, New York, and grew up in Bardonia, New York. He attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, where he became a standout offensive lineman for the Ironmen. As a junior and senior, Hennessy earned starting positions at offensive tackle, demonstrating the blocking skills that would define his collegiate and professional career.
Hennessy was rated as a 3-star offensive tackle recruit by Rivals.com. His recruitment generated interest from multiple programs, ultimately leading him to commit to play college football at Temple University over offers from Air Force, Army, Florida Atlantic, Old Dominion, and Yale, among others.
Path to Professional Football
At Temple University, Hennessy played for the Owls from 2016 to 2019. He saw limited action as a true freshman, appearing in three games with one start at left guard before redshirting the remainder of the season. His breakthrough came when he became the Owls’ starting center going into his redshirt freshman year, starting all but one game he missed due to injury.
During his redshirt sophomore season, Hennessy was awarded a prestigious single-digit jersey (number three) as one of the nine toughest players on the team. This honor was particularly notable given that offensive linemen cannot wear single-digit numbers during games. He started 11 games that season, missing two due to injury. His development continued as he established himself as one of the top center prospects in the country.
Matthew Connor Hennessy Career
Atlanta Falcons (2020–2023)
Hennessy was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 78th overall selection. As a rookie, he served as a backup behind veteran center Alex Mack, gaining valuable experience while adjusting to the professional level. The opportunity to learn from an established NFL center provided Hennessy with crucial mentorship during his first season.
In 2021, Hennessy was named the Falcons’ starting center and started every game that season. His performance demonstrated his readiness for a full-time NFL role. During Week 9 of the 2022 season, he shifted to left guard due to team needs but suffered a knee injury. He was placed on injured reserve on November 8, 2022, and was activated on December 31, returning to start the final two games of the season at left guard. The following year, Hennessy suffered another knee injury during training camp and was placed on injured reserve on August 16, 2023, ending his season early.
Philadelphia Eagles (2024)
On March 13, 2024, Hennessy signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, joining the defending Super Bowl champions. This move represented an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a championship-caliber team. However, Hennessy was released on August 27, 2024, during final roster cuts, marking an abrupt change in his career trajectory.
Atlanta Falcons (Second Stint, 2024)
Following his release from Philadelphia, Hennessy returned to his original NFL home. On September 24, 2024, with starting center Drew Dalman going on injured reserve, the Falcons signed Hennessy to their practice squad. He demonstrated his readiness for game action and was promoted to the active roster on October 15. Hennessy was later waived on November 14 and re-signed to the practice squad, continuing his connection with the Falcons organization.
San Francisco 49ers (2024–2025)
On December 26, 2024, Hennessy signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers, joining one of the NFL’s premier teams. This opportunity allowed him to compete for a significant role with a franchise known for its strong offensive line play. The 49ers had championship aspirations, making this an important chapter in Hennessy’s career as he sought to establish himself as a consistent contributor.
Dallas Cowboys (2026–Present)
On March 13, 2026, Hennessy signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. This move added another chapter to his journeyman NFL career. On June 18, 2026, Hennessy was placed on season-ending injured reserve following surgery for a neck injury, prematurely ending his first season with the Cowboys before it could fully begin.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hennessy’s college career featured several significant honors. As a redshirt junior at Temple in 2019, he was named First-team All-American Athletic Conference, Second-team All-American by USA Today, and Third-team All-American by the Associated Press. He was also a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top center. After graduating in December of his redshirt junior year, Hennessy played in the 2020 Senior Bowl, further elevating his draft stock before being selected by the Falcons.
Matthew Connor Hennessy Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Hennessy has appeared in 64 NFL games with 24 starts, primarily at the center position with occasional appearances at left guard. His professional journey has been marked by adaptability, stepping into starting roles when opportunities arose and contributing across multiple organizations.
| Season | Team | Games | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Atlanta Falcons | 16 | 0 |
| 2021 | Atlanta Falcons | 17 | 17 |
| 2022 | Atlanta Falcons | 9 | 7 |
| 2023 | Atlanta Falcons | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles/Atlanta Falcons | 2 | 0 |
| 2025 | San Francisco 49ers | 20 | 0 |
Matthew Connor Hennessy Family
Family Background
Hennessy comes from an athletic family with strong ties to professional football. His older brother, Thomas Hennessy, serves as the long snapper for the New York Jets. The brothers share a deep connection to the sport, with Thomas having established himself as a reliable specialist in the NFL. Both Hennessy brothers grew up in the New York area as devoted New York Giants fans, which helped fuel their ambitions to play professional football at the highest level.
Their family environment fostered a competitive spirit and dedication to athletics. Growing up in the New York metropolitan area provided the Hennessy brothers with access to strong high school football programs and collegiate opportunities that helped them reach the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Hennessy’s first full season with the San Francisco 49ers after joining the team late in 2024. Entering training camp with an opportunity to compete for the starting center position, Hennessy worked to establish himself within the 49ers’ offensive line rotation. The 49ers organization, known for its strong offensive line tradition, provided Hennessy with an environment conducive to development and success.
Throughout the season, Hennessy contributed primarily as a backup and special teams player, appearing in 20 games without any starts. While he did not capture a starting role, his professionalism and versatility kept him on the active roster. The 49ers’ coaching staff valued his experience and ability to play multiple positions along the interior offensive line.
His tenure with the 49ers demonstrated the challenges and opportunities that professional football presents. Despite not achieving the breakout role he sought, Hennessy remained a reliable depth piece for a championship-contending team. The experience gained during the 2025 season positioned him for future opportunities as he continued his NFL journey with the Dallas Cowboys in 2026.