Brief Introduction of CJ Hanson
Christopher “CJ” Hanson is an American professional football player who serves as a guard for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL). He rose to prominence through his stellar collegiate career at the College of the Holy Cross, where he was a standout offensive lineman. Hanson made headlines in 2024 when he was selected by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, becoming the first player from Holy Cross to be drafted in 35 years. His journey from a zero-star high school recruit to an NFL draftee is a testament to his dedication and development. Known for his athleticism and resilience, Hanson is part of a new generation of talent on a team aiming for continued success.
CJ Hanson Overview
| Full Name | Christopher “CJ” Hanson |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 2001 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 24 |
| Birthplace | Bergen County, New Jersey |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (Guard) |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Mother: Dianne Macchia. Siblings: Tim (brother), Katie (sister), Johnson (brother). |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–$1.5 million |
Early Life and Education of CJ Hanson
CJ Hanson was born on March 3, 2001, in Bergen County, New Jersey, and spent his formative years in Wyckoff. His journey into football began at a young age, starting with flag football in the second grade and transitioning to tackle football by the third grade. Growing up, he was a multi-sport athlete, also participating in lacrosse. Hanson attended DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, New Jersey, where he was a member of the varsity football team for four years. Despite being on the team, he only secured a starting position as a left guard during his senior year. In that final year, his performance earned him first-team All-County and second-team All-State honors, and he helped DePaul Catholic win a league title. Despite these accolades, he was considered a zero-star recruit and received limited attention from major college football programs. He ultimately committed to play for the FCS-level Holy Cross Crusaders.
CJ Hanson’s Career
Hanson’s collegiate career at the College of the Holy Cross was a period of significant growth and accomplishment. After redshirting his freshman year in 2019, he saw limited action but recorded his first start during the abbreviated 2020-21 season. By 2021, he had solidified his position as the starting right guard, a role he would hold for the remainder of his college career, starting in 38 consecutive games. His performance on the offensive line was crucial to the team’s success. As a junior in 2021, he was named to the All-Patriot League second team. He elevated his play further in his senior and fifth years, earning first-team All-Patriot League honors in both 2022 and 2023. As a team captain in his final season, Hanson was instrumental in leading an offense that ranked among the top 10 in the FCS in rushing, total offense, and scoring offense. Remarkably, he did not allow a single sack and gave up only eight pressures on 321 pass-blocking snaps in 2023. His exceptional play earned him multiple accolades, including FCS All-American honors. Hanson’s impressive collegiate career culminated in invitations to the East–West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, where he was only the third player from Holy Cross to receive an invitation.
Making the leap to the professional level, CJ Hanson’s career reached a major milestone during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the seventh round with the 248th overall pick. This selection was historic, as Hanson became the first Holy Cross player to be drafted into the NFL since 1989, when Rob McGovern was also selected by the Chiefs. Upon being drafted, Hanson signed a four-year rookie contract with the Chiefs valued at approximately $4.1 million, which included an $84,784 signing bonus. As a rookie, Hanson has been part of the Chiefs’ active roster and practice squad, learning from veteran players and adapting to the professional level. While his playing time has been limited initially, he is viewed as a developmental player with the potential to become a contributor on the interior offensive line, especially given his efforts to learn the center position during the pre-draft process.
CJ Hanson Personal Life & Family
CJ Hanson comes from a supportive and close-knit family who have been instrumental in his journey. His mother, Dianne Macchia, affectionately known as “Momma D,” has been a prominent and supportive figure throughout his football career. During his time at Holy Cross, she fully embraced the role of “Team Mom,” often organizing post-game meals and even cooking Thanksgiving dinner for players who couldn’t go home for the holiday. Information about his father is not widely public, though it’s noted his draft party was held at his father’s church. Hanson has three siblings: an older brother, Tim, who is an aeronautical engineer; a sister, Katie, who is a zoologist; and another brother, Johnson, a psychiatric technician. The family values hard work and unconditional support for each other’s ambitions. Hanson’s personal life, including his relationship status, is kept private, and there is no public information regarding a girlfriend or wife.
Awards and Achievements of CJ Hanson
- Stats Perform FCS All-American (Third Team, 2023)
- First-Team All-Patriot League (2022, 2023)
- All-ECAC (2023)
- All-New England (2023)
- Second-Team All-Patriot League (2021)
- Team Captain at Holy Cross (2023)
- Invited to East-West Shrine Bowl (2024)
- Invited to NFL Scouting Combine (2024)
CJ Hanson Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, CJ Hanson’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million. The primary source of his wealth is his professional football career. After being drafted in 2024, he signed a four-year rookie contract with the Kansas City Chiefs worth $4,104,784. This deal included a guaranteed signing bonus of $84,784. His contract outlines a progressive base salary, starting at $795,000 in 2024 and scheduled to increase annually to $960,000 in 2025, $1,075,000 in 2026, and $1,190,000 in 2027. His income is derived from this salary, the prorated signing bonus, and any potential performance-based incentives he may earn throughout his NFL career.
Legacy and Influence
Though his professional career is just beginning, CJ Hanson has already crafted a significant legacy, particularly at the College of the Holy Cross. By becoming the first player from the institution to be drafted into the NFL in 35 years, he has brought national attention to the program and inspired future athletes from smaller, FCS-level schools. His journey from being an overlooked, zero-star recruit to a professional athlete for the reigning Super Bowl champions serves as a powerful narrative of perseverance, hard work, and defying expectations. Within the Holy Cross community, he is remembered not just for his on-field dominance and numerous accolades, but also for his leadership as a team captain. His public image is that of a dedicated, humble, and family-oriented individual who overcame long odds to achieve his dream. As he continues his career with the Chiefs, he has the opportunity to build a lasting legacy as a reliable and successful offensive lineman in the NFL.
Interesting Facts about CJ Hanson
- He was the first player from the College of the Holy Cross to be selected in the NFL Draft since 1989.
- Both Hanson and the last Holy Cross draftee, Rob McGovern, were selected by the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Despite his imposing size, he was a zero-star recruit coming out of high school.
- During his final season at Holy Cross in 2023, he did not allow a single sack on 321 pass-blocking snaps.
- Hanson was only the third player in Holy Cross history to receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
- During the pre-draft process, he dedicated extra time to learning how to play the center position to increase his versatility.
- His draft day party was attended by a large contingent of his Holy Cross teammates, who were brought to the event on a bus paid for by a Holy Cross alumnus.
- He comes from a family with diverse career paths; his siblings are an aeronautical engineer, a zoologist, and a psychiatric technician.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies associated with CJ Hanson.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@c.jhanson) – Over 6,500 followers
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about CJ Hanson
CJ Hanson’s biography is a compelling story of relentless determination and remarkable growth. From an unheralded high school player to an NFL draftee, his path has been defined by a steadfast work ethic and the strong support of his family. Currently, he is focused on developing his skills and solidifying his place with the Kansas City Chiefs, a team known for cultivating offensive line talent. His journey represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, one that not only benefits him but also shines a spotlight on his alma mater, Holy Cross. As he continues his professional career, CJ Hanson is poised to build upon his already impressive legacy, with future plans centered on contributing to the ongoing success of the Chiefs and proving that talent can be found and nurtured at all levels of college football.