Matthew D. Henningsen is an American professional football defensive end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2017 to 2021 and was selected by the Broncos in the sixth round, 206th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. Henningsen appeared in all 17 games in each of his first two professional seasons, establishing himself as a reliable contributor along the Broncos defensive line.
Matthew D. Henningsen Bio
Matthew D. Henningsen was born on July 9, 1999, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, United States. He attended Menomonee Falls High School, where he played football alongside his three brothers. Both of his parents worked as lawyers. After a successful high school career, Henningsen continued his football and academic pursuits at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in electrical engineering while playing for the Badgers. Henningsen has also contributed to neurosurgery research efforts at UW-Madison, demonstrating his intellectual range beyond the football field.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Henningsen was immersed in football from an early age. All three of his brothers also played football at Menomonee Falls High School, creating a strong family tradition in the sport. Their parents supported the family’s athletic pursuits while maintaining careers as lawyers. This environment fostered both competitive spirit and academic discipline that would later define Henningsen’s college and professional career.
At Menomonee Falls High School, Henningsen developed into a standout defensive player, laying the foundation for his future at the collegiate level. His high school performance caught the attention of major college programs, ultimately leading him to accept a scholarship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Path to the NFL
Henningsen played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2017 through 2021, appearing in 51 games over five seasons. His consistent performance and durability made him a reliable presence on the Badgers defensive line. His senior season in 2021 proved to be his most decorated, as he earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors, recognizing his impact as a senior.
Following his collegiate career, Henningsen entered the 2022 NFL Draft. The Denver Broncos selected him in the sixth round with the 206th overall pick, adding him to their defensive line rotation for the 2022 season.
Matthew D. Henningsen Career
Rookie Season (2022)
Henningsen made an immediate impact as a rookie with the Denver Broncos. Selected 206th overall in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he earned a spot on the roster and appeared in all 17 games during his inaugural professional season. He recorded 21 total tackles and 1.0 sacks while contributing to the Broncos defensive line rotation. His rookie-year production demonstrated his ability to compete at the professional level and justified the Broncos investment in selecting him.
Second Season (2023)
The 2023 season saw Henningsen continue his steady contribution to the Broncos defense. He once again appeared in all 17 games, starting five of them. He finished the season with 19 total tackles and two passes defended. His consistent availability and performance solidified his role as a reliable depth piece along the defensive line entering his third professional season.
2024–2025 Season and Injury
During the 2024 preseason, the Broncos made a roster adjustment when they waived Henningsen on August 27, 2024. The following day, he was re-signed to the practice squad, maintaining his connection to the organization. He subsequently signed a reserve/future contract with Denver on January 13, 2025, securing his place on the roster for the 2025 season.
However, the 2025 season took an unexpected turn when Henningsen suffered a torn Achilles during joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers. The injury occurred on August 10, 2025, and he was designated as waived/injured before reverting to injured reserve, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. This setback ended his campaign before it truly began.
Denver Broncos (2022–Present)
Despite the injury, the Broncos demonstrated their continued confidence in Henningsen by signing him to a one-year extension on March 11, 2026. This extension signaled the organization’s belief in his recovery and future contributions. As he works through rehabilitation, Henningsen aims to return to the Broncos defensive line rotation and continue his professional career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Henningsen has established himself as a durable and consistent presence along the defensive line. His ability to remain available through his first two professional seasons, appearing in all 34 possible games, highlights his reliability. He brings size at 6 feet 3 inches and 291 pounds, allowing him to anchor against the run while also contributing pass-rushing ability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Henningsen has demonstrated steady development and availability. His rookie season produced his first career sack. The 2025 season, though cut short by injury, represented his potential for an expanded role before the torn Achilles ended his campaign prematurely.
Matthew D. Henningsen Career Statistics
Across his first two professional seasons with the Denver Broncos, Henningsen appeared in 34 games with five starts, recording 40 total tackles, 1.0 sacks, and two passes defended.
NFL Statistics
In his rookie season of 2022, Henningsen appeared in all 17 games with no starts, accumulating 21 total tackles and 1.0 sacks. His 2023 campaign saw him play all 17 games again with five starts, finishing with 19 total tackles and two passes defended.
College Career
During his five seasons at Wisconsin from 2017 to 2021, Henningsen appeared in 51 games. His senior season in 2021 resulted in Third-team All-Big Ten honors, representing the highlight of his collegiate career. The 2022 NFL Draft concluded his college career when the Broncos selected him in the sixth round.
Matthew D. Henningsen Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Henningsen comes from an athletic family with strong football tradition. He has three brothers, all of whom played football at Menomonee Falls High School and earned degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This family legacy created a competitive environment that helped shape Henningsen into the player he became. Both of his parents worked as lawyers, providing professional careers outside of athletics.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Henningsen pursues diverse interests. He is an avid chess player and streams his gameplay on Twitch, showcasing his strategic thinking abilities. He also plays Dungeons and Dragons, a fantasy role-playing game that reflects his creative side. Academically, Henningsen holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, demonstrating significant intellectual capability beyond athletics. His contributions to neurosurgery research at UW-Madison highlight his scientific curiosity and commitment to academic excellence. Henningsen maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his verified accounts on X and Instagram.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a challenging year for Henningsen due to a significant injury setback. After appearing in all 34 games across his first two professional seasons, he suffered a torn Achilles during joint practices with the San Francisco 49ers in August 2025. The injury required him to be placed on injured reserve, ending his season before it could fully unfold. Prior to the injury, Henningsen was positioned to potentially take on an expanded role within the Broncos defensive line rotation.
Despite the injury, the Broncos organization demonstrated their continued belief in Henningsen by signing him to a reserve/future contract in January 2025 and later extending him through March 2026. This commitment from the franchise suggests confidence in his recovery and future contributions. The injury created uncertainty around his 2026 outlook, but his track record of durability and production through his first two seasons provides a foundation for optimism upon his return.
As Henningsen works through rehabilitation, the focus shifts to his recovery timeline and eventual return to the field. The Broncos defensive line figures to feature him in their rotation once he is cleared for full participation. His extension signals the team views him as part of their long-term plans, and his experience from 51 college games and 34 professional games provides valuable depth for the franchise moving forward.