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After more than a decade in the NFL, veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins is calling it a career.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report, Hankins has officially informed him of his decision to retire, bringing an end to a successful 12-year run in professional football. The longtime defensive lineman leaves the game after building a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable interior defenders against the run.
MORE: Vikings to honor legend during 2026 NFL season
Dec 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) fumbles the ball as he’s hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the fourth quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Hankins entered the NFL as the No. 49 overall selection in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at Ohio State. He quickly carved out a role with the New York Giants, where he spent the first four seasons of his professional career from 2013 through 2016.
His best statistical season came in 2014, when he recorded a career-high 7.0 sacks while continuing to anchor the middle of New York’s defensive front. Two years later, Hankins played a key role in helping the Giants earn a playoff berth during the 2016 campaign.
His combination of size, strength, and consistency made him a valuable piece of the Giants’ defense throughout his tenure with the organization.
Following his departure from New York, Hankins continued to prove his value as a reliable veteran. He spent the 2017 season with the Indianapolis Colts before making stops with the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders, the Dallas Cowboys, and eventually the Seattle Seahawks.
Throughout his career, Hankins appeared in 169 regular-season games while serving as one of the NFL’s premier run-stuffing defensive tackles. Although he was never known for eye-popping sack totals, his ability to occupy blockers and disrupt opposing rushing attacks made him an important contributor everywhere he played.
Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) smiles as he walks off the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
While Hankins may not have been one of the league’s flashiest stars, he earned widespread respect for his durability, consistency, and willingness to do the dirty work in the trenches.
After 12 seasons, multiple playoff appearances, and time with five different franchises, Hankins steps away from the game having enjoyed a lengthy and accomplished NFL career. His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who quietly established himself as one of football’s most dependable interior defensive linemen over the past decade.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report, Hankins has officially informed him of his decision to retire, bringing an end to a successful 12-year run in professional football. The longtime defensive lineman leaves the game after building a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable interior defenders against the run.
MORE: Vikings to honor legend during 2026 NFL season
A Productive Career Begins in New York
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Dec 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) fumbles the ball as he’s hit by New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) during the fourth quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Hankins entered the NFL as the No. 49 overall selection in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at Ohio State. He quickly carved out a role with the New York Giants, where he spent the first four seasons of his professional career from 2013 through 2016.
His best statistical season came in 2014, when he recorded a career-high 7.0 sacks while continuing to anchor the middle of New York’s defensive front. Two years later, Hankins played a key role in helping the Giants earn a playoff berth during the 2016 campaign.
His combination of size, strength, and consistency made him a valuable piece of the Giants’ defense throughout his tenure with the organization.
Veteran Presence Across the NFL
Following his departure from New York, Hankins continued to prove his value as a reliable veteran. He spent the 2017 season with the Indianapolis Colts before making stops with the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders, the Dallas Cowboys, and eventually the Seattle Seahawks.
Throughout his career, Hankins appeared in 169 regular-season games while serving as one of the NFL’s premier run-stuffing defensive tackles. Although he was never known for eye-popping sack totals, his ability to occupy blockers and disrupt opposing rushing attacks made him an important contributor everywhere he played.
Closing the Book on a Long NFL Journey
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Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) smiles as he walks off the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
While Hankins may not have been one of the league’s flashiest stars, he earned widespread respect for his durability, consistency, and willingness to do the dirty work in the trenches.
After 12 seasons, multiple playoff appearances, and time with five different franchises, Hankins steps away from the game having enjoyed a lengthy and accomplished NFL career. His retirement marks the end of an era for a player who quietly established himself as one of football’s most dependable interior defensive linemen over the past decade.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
