The first Holy Cross player drafted since 1989, C.J. Hanson has grinded from practice squad cuts to the Chiefs' active roster.
C.J. Hanson made history as the first Crusader drafted in 35 years when the Chiefs took him in the seventh round in 2024. He's spent his first two pro seasons fighting through roster cuts and practice-squad stints to carve out a spot on Kansas City's offensive line depth chart.
Path to the league
Hanson started 38 consecutive games at right guard for Holy Cross from 2019 to 2023, helping the Crusaders capture a conference-record fifth straight Patriot League title in his final season. He earned two All-Patriot League first-team selections along with All-ECAC and All-New England honors, which led the Chiefs to draft him with the 248th overall pick in 2024, the first Holy Cross player selected since 1989.
Career highlights
Hanson's college accolades, including his 38-game starting streak and multiple all-conference honors, made him a rare NFL draft pick out of the Patriot League. He has spent his rookie and second NFL seasons working through the Chiefs' offensive line depth chart, cycling between the practice squad and active roster.
2025 season recap
Hanson was waived by the Chiefs in the 2025 final roster cuts and immediately re-signed to the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster in mid-December, capping a season spent largely developing behind Kansas City's starting offensive line.
Sources
- Wikipedia: C. J. Hanson
- Pro Football Reference: C.J. Hanson
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Guard
- Group
- offense
- College
- Holy Cross
- Hometown
- Wyckoff, NJ, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
