 Hunter with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 | |||||||||||||||
| No. 55 –Houston Texans | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Defensive end | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born: | (1994-10-29)October 29, 1994 (age 30) St. Catherine, Jamaica | ||||||||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 263 lb (119 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school: | Morton Ranch (Katy, Texas) | ||||||||||||||
| College: | LSU (2012–2014) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL draft: | 2015: 3rd round, 88th pick | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
Danielle Hunter (/dəˈniːl/də-NEEL; born October 29, 1994) is a Jamaican-American professionalfootballdefensive end for theHouston Texans of theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theLSU Tigers and was selected by theMinnesota Vikings in the third round of the2015 NFL draft. Hunter made fourPro Bowls with the Vikings prior to signing with the Texans in 2024.
Born inSt. Catherine, Jamaica on October 29, 1994, Hunter moved to the United States when he was 8 years old. He grew up inKaty, Texas, just west of Houston, where he attendedMorton Ranch High School. He got signed up for youth football after a coach saw him playing tag with another boy who was trying to get away on roller skates. As a junior, he led hisfootball team to their first Class 5A State Playoffs appearance despite playingdefensive end for the first time as a freshman because he performed poorly inwide receiver tryouts. He tallied 63tackles and sevensacks in his junior season. As a senior, he recorded 30quarterback pressures, 11tackles for losses, four sacks and fourpass breakups on defense, while also catching four passes for 63 yards and a score on offense. In his final high school game againstLamar High School, he was credited with 16 stops. During his high school career, Hunter compiled 108 totaltackles.[1]
Intrack and field, Hunter competed in both sprinting and jumping events. Checking in at 6'6", 225 pounds, Hunter captured the district title in thehigh jump with a leap of 1.83 meters (6 feet, 0 inches) while also placing 5th in thelong jump with a leap of 6.40 meters (20 feet, 11.5 inches) and 6th in the400-meter dash with a time of 51.47 seconds at the 2011 District Meet.[2]
Regarded as a four-star recruit byRivals.com, Hunter was rated as the No. 37 prospect in the state ofTexas.[3] He was also ranked as the 14th best defensive end byScout.com, 21st by Rivals.com and 34th byESPN.com.
Hunter attendedLouisiana State University from 2012 to 2014, where he was a two-year starter atdefensive end for theTigers.
As atrue freshman in 2012, Hunter was only 17 years old. He saw action in 12 games with no starts, playing most of the time on special teams, includingkickoff coverage. He was active in every game with the exception of theSouth Carolina game in October 13. He had a season-high three tackles in a win overIdaho on September 15.[4] Hunter ended his first year with 12 tackles, including three solo.[5]
As a sophomore in 2013, Hunter played in 13 games, starting 10 of them after breaking into the starting lineup on September 21 againstAuburn. In that game, his first start, he recorded a then career-best eight tackles and a quarterback hurry in a 35–21 win over the eventual national runner-up.[6] He had an outstanding all-around game in a win overFlorida with seven tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups.[7] He closed the year with four tackles, including a sack for a 4-yard loss, in the win overIowa in the2014 Outback Bowl.[8] Hunter finished the season with 57 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, five quarterback hurries and a pair of pass breaksups.[9][10][11]
Hunter returned as a starter for his junior year in 2014.[12] For the first time in his career, he played and started all 13 games for the Tigers, contributing as a key member of an LSU defense that led theSoutheastern Conference (SEC) in total yards (316.8 yards per game) and pass defense (164.2 yards per game) and ranked No. 2 in the league in scoring defense with 17.5 points per game. In the season opener game, he helped the Tiger defense limitWisconsin to 32 yards on 19 plays over the final 27 minutes of the contest as LSU erased a 17-point deficit to beat the Badgers 28–24. AgainstMississippi State, he had six tackles, a sack and scooped up aDak Prescott fumble on the first play of the second half, racing 25 yards for a touchdown. After setting a career-high in tackles with 12 againstAuburn in week 4, he became the first LSU defensive lineman with double-digit tackles in a game sinceGlenn Dorsey had 11 tackles against Ole Miss on November 28, 2006. He was the first LSU defender to score on a fumble return sinceTyrann Mathieu did it on a 23-yard return in win over Kentucky on October 1, 2011. In LSU's win overKentucky in week 8, he had one of his best all-around games with six tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a quarterback hurry and three pass breakups. He played a key role in LSU's upset win over third-rankedOle Miss with nine tackles, including two for losses, in a 10–7 win over the Rebels. He closed out the season with nine tackles, including one for a 4-yard loss, againstNotre Dame in theMusic City Bowl. For the season, Hunter recorded 73 tackles, including 30 solo stops, 1.5 sacks, six pass breakups and a pair of quarterback hurries. His 13.0 tackles for loss ranked 10th in the SEC.
He played in 38 games with 23 starts in three years, and started 23 straight games at defensive end. He opted to forgo his final season at LSU and declared for the2015 NFL draft in January 2015. He finished his college career with 142 tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss (79 yards), 4.5 sacks (27 yards), eight pass breakups, seven quarterback hurries, and two forcedfumbles (including atouchdown on a 25-yard fumble return).
| Season | Team | GP | GS | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TfL | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||||
| 2012 | LSU | 12 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | LSU | 13 | 10 | 57 | 19 | 38 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | LSU | 13 | 13 | 73 | 30 | 43 | 1.5 | 13.0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 25 | 1 |
| Totals | 38 | 23 | 142 | 52 | 90 | 4.5 | 21.0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 1 | |
Following his junior season, Hunter entered the 2015 NFL draft.[13] Described as adefensive end with tremendous athletic upside and a good motor, Hunter was often compared to Giants defensive endJason Pierre-Paul in terms of his similar length, burst and potential.
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Hunter's NFL Combine workout | |
| Hunter gets drafted by Minnesota |
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft5+1⁄8 in (1.96 m) | 252 lb (114 kg) | 34+1⁄4 in (0.87 m) | 10+1⁄2 in (0.27 m) | 4.57 s | 1.57 s | 2.67 s | 4.35 s | 6.95 s | 36.5 in (0.93 m) | 10 ft 10 in (3.30 m) | 25 reps | |
| All values fromNFL Combine andPro Day[14][15] | ||||||||||||
At the2015 NFL Combine, Hunter registered a time of 4.57 seconds in the40-yard dash, the fastest time among all defensive linemen. He also did 25 repetitions on the 225-poundbench press.
Hunter was selected by theMinnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft with the 88th pick overall.[16] The pick was part of a trade where the Vikings traded back in the third round, giving up their80th overall pick for the third- and fifth-rounders (88th and143rd overall) of theDetroit Lions.[17] As a rookie in 2015, Hunter was the youngest player in the NFL, but quickly managed to earn a rotational role on defense and finished second among all NFL rookies and second in the team in sacks with 6.0. After two seasons in Minnesota, Hunter compiled 18.5 career sacks and four games in which he finished the day with at least 1.5 sacks. Since 1985, onlyKeith Millard andKevin Williams registered more sacks than Hunter in their first two NFL seasons with the Vikings.[18]
In his first career start, Hunter had four tackles, half a sack and was credited with a forced fumble in the Vikings' 16–10 victory over theKansas City Chiefs in week 6. The forced fumble ended the Chiefs' second-to-last drive of the game. In week 8 against theChicago Bears, Hunter recorded a sack and a tackle. In week 15, Hunter continued to see an expanded role on the defensive line as he played 48 of 64 snaps in the Vikings' blowout win over theChicago Bears 38–17, recording 1.5 sacks and five total tackles. Hunter finished the season with 33 totaltackles (29 of them solo), 10 tackles for loss, 6.0sacks, 25 quarterback pressures, 1 pass defensed and a forced fumble. On January 19, 2016, Hunter was named to thePro Football Writers of America's (PFWA) 2015 NFL All-Rookie team.[19]
Hunter scored the first touchdown of his professional career on a 24-yard fumble return against theTennessee Titans. Shortly after his fumble return, he broke through to sackMarcus Mariota deep in his own territory.[20] Against theGreen Bay Packers in Week 2, he was credited with 4 tackles and a strip sack as the Vikings opened their newU.S. Bank Stadium with a 17–14 victory.[21] In Week 3 with the Vikings trailing 10–0 to theCarolina Panthers late in the first quarter, Hunter shoved left tackleMichael Oher to the turf and eluded guardAndrew Norwell to sackCam Newton in the end zone for a safety. It was the first safety sinceJared Allen had one on December 4, 2011, against theDenver Broncos.[22] Hunter had his first career multi-sack game in Week 11 against theArizona Cardinals, helping the Vikings end their four-game losing streak. Against theDallas Cowboys in Week 13, Hunter had his second two-sack game of the season. In 16 games with the Vikings in 2016, Hunter accumulated 54 total tackles, 12.5 sacks (including a safety), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown despite the fact that he did not start a single game. He was also credited with 55 quarterback hurries according to Sam Monson atPro Football Focus (PFF).[23] Hunter was the only Viking to be featured onNFL.com analyst Elliot Harrison's All-Under-25 team.[24]
In week 4 against theDetroit Lions, Hunter sacked quarterbackMatthew Stafford twice and defended a pass during the 14–7 loss. These sacks were Hunter's first of the season.[25]In week 8 against theCleveland Browns in London, Hunter forced a fumble on running backIsaiah Crowell which was recovered by teammateAnthony Harris on the first offensive play of the second half. The Vikings eventually won the game 33–16.[26]Hunter recorded a sack in the next three games against the Redskins, Rams, and Lions respectively. Hunter finished the regular season with 45 tackles, 7 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two passes defended in 16 games started.[27]
In the divisional round of the playoffs against theNew Orleans Saints, Hunter recorded one tackle during the 29–24 win which became known as theMinneapolis Miracle.[28]In theNational Football Conference (NFC) Championship game against thePhiladelphia Eagles, Hunter recorded 5 tackles and sackedNick Foles once during the 38–7 loss.[29]
On June 27, 2018, Hunter signed a five-year, $72 million extension with the Vikings with $40 million guaranteed and a $15 million signing bonus.[30] Hunter had a strong start to the 2018 season, recording at least one sack in each of the Vikings' first seven games, including 2 sacks against the Cardinals in Week 6.[31] In Week 9, Hunter recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks, nine tackles, and returned a fumble recovery 32 yards for a touchdown in a 24–9 win over the Lions, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.[32] In that same game, the Vikings set a new franchise record with 10 sacks.[33] Hunter would finish the 2018 season with 72 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.[31] Hunter's 14.5 sacks tied him withVon Miller for fourth most in the NFL.[34] For these efforts, Hunter was awarded his first trip to thePro Bowl, where he recorded a sack againstAndrew Luck.[35] In addition to the Pro Bowl nomination, Hunter was also named Second-teamAll-Pro by theAssociated Press and First-team All-Pro bySporting News and thePFWA.[36][37][38]
In Week 1 against theAtlanta Falcons, Hunter recorded his first sack of the season onMatt Ryan as the Vikings won 28–12.[39] In Week 14 against the Lions, he sackedDavid Blough 3 times in the 20–7 win, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.[40] In the game, Hunter became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 50 sacks.[41] Hunter finished the regular season with 70 tackles, 14.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 16 games started.[42]On December 17, 2019, Hunter was nominated to play in his second straight Pro Bowl.[43]
In the NFC Wild Card game against theNew Orleans Saints, Hunter recorded a strip sack onDrew Brees which was recovered by teammateJalyn Holmes during the 26–20 overtime win.[44]In the divisional round against theSan Francisco 49ers, Hunter sackedJimmy Garoppolo once during the 27–10 loss.[45]
On September 9, 2020, Hunter was placed oninjured reserve with a neck injury.[46] He underwent season-ending surgery to clean up a herniated disc in his neck.[47]
Hunter started off the season in a torrid pace netting 6 sacks in the first 7 games when he suffered a season ending torn pectoral muscle placing him on injured reserve for the 2nd consecutive season.
On July 30, 2023, Hunter signed a new one-year deal with the Vikings.[48]
In October, Hunter was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for his strong performance.[49]
On March 14, 2024, Hunter signed a two-year, $49 million contract with theHouston Texans.[50]
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Sfty | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2015 | MIN | 14 | 1 | 33 | 29 | 4 | 6.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | MIN | 16 | 0 | 56 | 34 | 22 | 12.5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 24 | 1 |
| 2017 | MIN | 16 | 16 | 45 | 27 | 18 | 7.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | MIN | 16 | 16 | 72 | 51 | 21 | 14.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 32 | 1 |
| 2019 | MIN | 16 | 16 | 70 | 52 | 18 | 14.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2020 | MIN | 0 | 0 | did not play due to injury | ||||||||||||||
| 2021 | MIN | 7 | 7 | 38 | 23 | 15 | 6.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | MIN | 17 | 17 | 65 | 46 | 19 | 10.5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | MIN | 17 | 17 | 83 | 54 | 29 | 16.5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | HOU | 17 | 17 | 46 | 31 | 15 | 12.0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 136 | 107 | 508 | 347 | 161 | 99.5 | 1 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 60 | 2 | |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | Sfty | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2015 | MIN | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | MIN | 2 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | MIN | 2 | 2 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | MIN | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | HOU | 2 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 8 | 7 | 31 | 19 | 12 | 4.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
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