NFL rookie C.J. Hanson Achieves Super Bowl Appearance in His Debut Season
In the vibrant world of American football, Holy Cross's NFL program continues to shine, with its latest success story being C.J. Hanson. The Sports Editor at Holy Cross, Hanson made history by becoming the first Crusader to be drafted since 1989 when he was selected in the seventh round by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 NFL draft.
The Chiefs, fresh from their consecutive Super Bowl wins, entered the 2025 season with high hopes. And they didn't disappoint, finishing the regular season with a stellar 15-2 record. The team's success was mirrored in Hanson's journey, as he made his NFL debut as a Guard against the Denver Broncos on January 5, 2025.
Holy Cross Athletics celebrated the achievements of their NFL prospects at their annual NFL Pro Day on March 21, 2024. Both Hanson and his fellow Holy Cross alumnus, Jalen Coker, participated in the event, marking a significant milestone in their professional careers.
The 2025 season was a busy one for the Chiefs, culminating in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9, 2025. Despite a valiant effort, the Chiefs fell short, losing the game 40-22. While Hanson was part of the Chiefs' roster during the season, his impact in the Super Bowl game itself is not extensively documented in the available sources.
Hanson's career trajectory at Holy Cross was noteworthy. He played alongside Coker until 2023, and both entered the NFL draft in the same year. The duo was joined by five other former Holy Cross players who appeared in NFL games during the 2024 season.
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the Holy Cross Football offensive line is set for a change, with some key players departing. One such departure is Eric Schon, an offensive guard, who entered the transfer portal.
In the aftermath of the NFL Draft, Day Three was particularly significant for Hanson and Coker. The two former Crusaders joined the ranks of professional football, ready to make their mark in the league.
Aiden Konold '26, Ben Kuchipudi '25, and Ben Lepper '25, staff writers for the articles, have chronicled Hanson's journey from Holy Cross to the NFL. Their articles provide an insightful look into the life of a Holy Cross alum navigating the high-stakes world of professional football.
As the NFL season gears up for another year, the eyes of Holy Cross will be on their alumni, hoping to see more success stories like that of C.J. Hanson.
[1] Holy Cross Alum C.J. Hanson Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs [2] Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 Season Review [3] Holy Cross NFL Pro Day 2024: C.J. Hanson and Jalen Coker Shine [4] Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX Loss to the Philadelphia Eagles [5] Five Holy Cross Alumni in the 2024 NFL Season
- C.J. Hanson, a Holy Cross alum and now an NFL player for the Kansas City Chiefs, made history as the first Crusader to be drafted since 1989.
- In the 2025 season, the Kansas City Chiefs, fresh from their consecutive Super Bowl wins, finished with an impressive 15-2 record, and Hanson made his NFL debut as a Guard against the Denver Broncos.
- The achievements of NFL prospects from Holy Cross, including Hanson and Jalen Coker, were celebrated at their annual NFL Pro Day in March 2024.
- During the 2025 season, the Kansas City Chiefs lost the Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, with Hanson being part of the roster though his impact in the game is not extensively documented.
