Dominique Hampton Bio
Dominique Hampton (born July 25, 2000) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football as a safety for the Washington Huskies and was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. After a brief stint on the Commanders roster, Hampton joined the Chicago Bears, where he continues his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Dominique Hampton was born on July 25, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia, and later moved as a young child to Glendale, Arizona. He attended Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona, where he developed into a promising defensive prospect. The Centennial Coyotes quickly became aware of his playmaking ability, particularly in the secondary.
In week one of his senior season, Hampton intercepted two passes, returning both for touchdowns, leading his team to a 49–0 victory. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a three-star recruit, and he chose to continue his football career at the University of Washington. His combination of instincts, range, and ball skills made him a steady presence in the Huskies’ secondary.
Path to American Football
Hampton committed to the Washington Huskies as a three-star recruit out of Centennial High School, joining a program with a long history of developing defensive backs. He adjusted to the speed of the college game during his first three seasons, playing in 19 games between 2018 and 2020. During that stretch, he recorded nine tackles and one pass deflection, building a foundation for a larger role.
His path to becoming a starter took a significant step in week ten of the 2021 season, when he made his first career start against Stanford. That performance signaled a transition from rotational player to dependable starter in the Huskies’ defense. He continued to grow into a leadership role over the following seasons, eventually setting a school record by appearing in 57 games at Washington.
Dominique Hampton Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Dominique Hampton’s early college career was a developmental period defined by patience and persistence. Across the 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons, he played in 19 games while recording nine tackles and one pass deflection. He used these seasons to learn the defensive schemes of the Washington Huskies and to adjust to the demands of major college football.
Although he was not yet a full-time starter, Hampton earned the trust of the Huskies’ coaching staff with his preparation and work ethic. His ability to contribute on special teams also helped him maintain a steady presence on the roster during these years.
Washington Huskies Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Hampton’s breakthrough came during the 2021 season, when he earned his first career start against Stanford in week ten. He went on to play in 11 games, recording 30 tackles, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble, establishing himself as a reliable starter in the secondary. His performance showed his growing comfort in run support and pass coverage.
The 2022 season brought more consistency, as Hampton played in 12 games with 11 starts, amassing 42 tackles and four pass deflections. He then delivered a career-best campaign in 2023, recording his first career interception in a week four win over California. That season he totaled 109 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions, becoming one of the Huskies’ most productive defensive players. His 57 total games at Washington set a school record for appearances.
Chicago Bears Era (2024–Present)
Dominique Hampton was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round (161st overall) of the 2024 NFL draft and signed his four-year rookie contract on May 10, 2024. The Commanders moved him from safety to linebacker before the season, hoping to take advantage of his tackling ability and physical profile. He spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with Washington before being released on August 11, 2025.
On November 24, 2025, Hampton was signed to the Chicago Bears’ practice squad to provide depth at linebacker, where several Bears linebackers were dealing with injuries. He was released on December 1, re-signed to the practice squad on December 16, and then signed a reserve/futures contract with Chicago on January 20, 2026. On June 16, 2026, Hampton was waived by the Bears, marking the next chapter of his young professional journey.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hampton’s playing style combines the range of a former safety with the physicality of a modern linebacker. His ability to read plays, contribute in run support, and deliver in pass coverage makes him a versatile defender. Standing 6 ft 3 in and weighing 220 lb, he offers the size and length that NFL teams look for in hybrid defensive players.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his standout moments, Hampton’s senior-year performance, with two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single game, stands out as a defining prep achievement. He also set a Washington Huskies record with 57 career games played, recorded his first collegiate interception against California in 2023, and was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Dominique Hampton Career Wins
Dominique Hampton’s career has been marked more by statistical production and longevity than by championship hardware. As a college player, he became a durable, high-volume tackler for the Washington Huskies, ultimately appearing in a school-record 57 games. As a professional, he has focused on earning and maintaining a roster spot through special teams play and defensive versatility.
Washington Huskies Highlights
During his time with the Washington Huskies, Hampton was a steady contributor rather than a headline-grabbing star. His most productive season came in 2023, when he totaled 109 tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions, including his first career pick against California. He capped his college career with a school-record 57 games played, a testament to his consistency and durability.
Other Wins & Performances
Hampton’s senior-year game at Centennial High School, in which he returned two interceptions for touchdowns, is one of the most memorable performances of his pre-college career. The effort highlighted his playmaking instincts and helped announce him as a college-level prospect.
Dominique Hampton Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Dominique Hampton’s family background is limited. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, before relocating to Glendale, Arizona, during his early childhood. There is no widely available verified detail on his parents, siblings, or other relatives in the sources reviewed for this biography.
Personal Life
Hampton has not publicly shared details about a spouse, partner, or children in widely available verified sources. He is known to have begun his professional career in 2024 and to have split time between the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears. Further personal details are not included here in order to keep within the limits of what can be reliably confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Dominique Hampton’s 2025 season was defined by roster movement rather than regular statistical output. After spending the 2024 campaign with the Washington Commanders, where he transitioned from safety to linebacker, he was released on August 11, 2025. His release opened the door for a return to the field later in the year.
On November 24, 2025, the Chicago Bears signed him to their practice squad as several of their linebackers dealt with injuries, giving him an opportunity to remain in the league. He was released on December 1 before being re-signed to the practice squad on December 16, allowing him to finish the year within the Bears’ organization. The reserve/futures contract he signed on January 20, 2026, signaled the team’s interest in retaining him into the next league year.
Looking ahead, Hampton’s role with the Bears is expected to hinge on his development as a hybrid defender and his ability to contribute on special teams. His combination of experience, size, and versatility gives him a credible path to competing for a larger role on the defensive depth chart.