A speedy Northwestern return man and receiver who signed with Miami as an undrafted rookie and spent his first year fighting for a roster spot.
AJ Henning is a rookie wide receiver and return specialist for the Miami Dolphins who signed as an undrafted free agent out of Northwestern in 2025. A Frankfort, Illinois native, Henning began his college career at Michigan before transferring to Northwestern, where he became the Wildcats' top receiving threat and primary punt returner as a senior.
Path to the league
Henning played three seasons at Michigan before transferring to Northwestern ahead of the 2023 season. In his 2024 senior year with the Wildcats, he led the team with 59 receptions for 603 yards and four touchdowns while also handling punt return duties. He went unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft and signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2025.
Career highlights
At Northwestern, Henning's do-it-all skill set made him the Wildcats' leading receiver and return man in his lone season there, capping a college career that began at Michigan. His speed and versatility as a slot receiver and returner were the calling cards that earned him an NFL opportunity.
2025 season recap
Henning flashed potential during Dolphins training camp but did not make Miami's initial 53-man roster, instead landing on the practice squad for the entirety of the 2025 season without a regular-season appearance. In early December 2025, he was suspended two games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy; after serving the suspension, he signed a reserve/future contract with Miami in January 2026.
Sources
- Wikipedia: A. J. Henning
- Pro Football Reference: AJ Henning
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- Northwestern
- Hometown
- Frankfort, IL, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
