NFL Rookie C.J. Hanson Advances to Super Bowl in Debut Season
C.J. Hanson and Jalen Coker Make NFL Draft History at Holy Cross
In a historic moment for Holy Cross Football, C.J. Hanson and Jalen Coker both made their mark on Day Three of the 2024 NFL Draft.
C.J. Hanson, a versatile offensive lineman who honed his skills at Holy Cross, officially declared for the draft this year. His decision came after a successful college career, where he was a key contributor to the team's offense.
Hanson's NFL journey began in 2019 when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings. Since then, he has worked primarily as a backup and practice squad member, with limited game appearances. However, his dedication and perseverance paid off when he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round of this year's draft.
This milestone makes Hanson the first Crusader to be drafted since 1989, a testament to the strength of Holy Cross's football programme and its ability to set players up for success in the NFL.
Hanson's drafting by the Chiefs was particularly significant as he traveled with the team to New Orleans, Louisiana, to compete in Super Bowl LIX. Although the Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles with a final score of 40-22, Hanson's NFL debut against the Denver Broncos on January 5, 2025, marked a new chapter in his football career.
Jalen Coker, Hanson's former teammate at Holy Cross, also declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. The two players, who played together until 2023, both entered the NFL in the same year.
The success of players like Hanson and Coker is not isolated at Holy Cross. Five former players appeared in an NFL game during the 2024 season, including Liam Anderson, Benton Whitley, and Kalif Raymond.
As the 2024 NFL season comes to a close, the Holy Cross Football offensive line will look different next year due to departures. Eric Schon, another offensive guard, entered the transfer portal, adding to the changes the team will face in the upcoming season.
Despite these changes, the future looks bright for Holy Cross Football, with players like C.J. Hanson setting the bar high for success in the NFL. The annual NFL Pro Day, hosted by Holy Cross Athletics on March 21, 2024, will no doubt see more Crusaders aiming to follow in Hanson's footsteps.
- The historic moment at the 2024 NFL Draft saw two former Holy Cross athletes, C.J. Hanson and Jalen Coker, making their debut in American football, marking an impressive milestone for the sports program.
- While C.J. Hanson was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the seventh round, Jalen Coker waits for his NFL fate, echoing the college success they share as part of Holy Cross's sports events.
- Sports analysts across the board are discussing the impact of the two athletes on the NFL landscape, with attention given to the sports-analysis that suggests their athletic skills could revolutionize the game, particularly in football.
- The impact of sports events such as the NFL Draft is evident at Holy Cross, where players like Liam Anderson, Benton Whitley, and Kalif Raymond are already making their mark in the league, and more Crusaders look set to follow C.J. Hanson's path to NFL success.
