James Hudson III Bio
James Hudson III (born May 13, 1999) is an American professional football offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He is currently listed on the active roster of the New England Patriots. Hudson played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and the Cincinnati Bearcats before beginning his NFL career.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and listed at 313 pounds, Hudson has been recognized as a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, spent his first four professional seasons there, and has since played for the New York Giants and the New England Patriots.
Early Life and Background
James Hudson III was born on May 13, 1999, in Toledo, Ohio, in the United States. He grew up in the Toledo area, a region with a strong football tradition. His early athletic development in this Midwestern city helped shape the physical style that later defined his play as an offensive lineman.
Hudson attended Central Catholic High School in Toledo, where he developed into a notable collegiate prospect. His high school experience in Ohio’s competitive football landscape helped prepare him for the next stage of his career at the major college level.
Path to American Football
Coming out of Central Catholic, Hudson was recruited to play at the University of Michigan, joining the Wolverines football program. He began his collegiate career at Michigan, where he redshirted his true freshman year while making a significant position change from defensive line to offensive tackle. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in three games for the Wolverines.
After his limited role at Michigan, Hudson chose to transfer to the University of Cincinnati to continue his career. He sat out his first year with the Bearcats per NCAA transfer rules after a waiver to play immediately was denied. Hudson made his Cincinnati debut as a starter in the 2020 Birmingham Bowl at the end of that season. As a redshirt junior, he started all 11 games for the Bearcats and earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2020. Following that breakout year, he decided to forgo his remaining eligibility and declared for the 2021 NFL Draft.
James Hudson III Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
James Hudson III’s early career began at the University of Michigan, where he spent his first two collegiate seasons (2017–2018) learning the offensive tackle position. Although his playing time was limited during this developmental period, the experience of transitioning from the defensive side of the ball provided a strong foundation.
After transferring to the University of Cincinnati, Hudson continued his development from 2019 to 2020. His lone season as a full-time starter in 2020 marked the breakthrough of his college career, as he was named first-team All-AAC. This recognition established him as one of the top offensive line prospects in his draft class.
Cleveland Browns Era (2021–2024)
On May 1, 2021, James Hudson III was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round with the 110th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The pick was acquired by Cleveland in a trade that sent Genard Avery to the Philadelphia Eagles. On May 18, 2021, Hudson signed his four-year rookie contract with the Browns, valued at $4.16 million.
During his four seasons in Cleveland (2021–2024), Hudson developed as a professional offensive tackle. He contributed on the offensive line and gained valuable experience in the NFL, including appearances and starts at the tackle position. By the conclusion of his rookie contract, he had established himself as a capable swing tackle with starting experience.
New York Giants Era (2025)
On March 13, 2025, James Hudson III signed a two-year contract with the New York Giants, beginning a new chapter in his career. The contract was structured to keep him with the team through the 2026 season, signaling confidence in his abilities as an offensive tackle.
Early in the 2025 season, Hudson drew attention during a Week Two game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 14, 2025. Starting in place of an injured Andrew Thomas, he committed four penalties in six plays on the opening drive, including two false starts and two unnecessary roughness fouls, costing the Giants 40 yards. He was benched for Marcus Mbow during that game. On March 6, 2026, Hudson was released by the Giants.
New England Patriots Era (2026–Present)
Following his release from New York, James Hudson III signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the New England Patriots on March 23, 2026. He joined the Patriots roster as an active offensive tackle, bringing his experience from Cleveland and New York to the New England offensive line room.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most notable moments of James Hudson III’s career came during the 2020 college season at Cincinnati, when he was named first-team All-AAC after starting all 11 games for the Bearcats. In the NFL, his selection in the fourth round of the 2021 Draft by the Cleveland Browns marked the official beginning of his professional career, and his subsequent contract signings with the New York Giants and New England Patriots have continued his journey as a journeyman offensive tackle.
James Hudson III Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, James Hudson III’s statistical achievements are measured in games played, games started, and team success rather than individual victories. By Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season, he had played in 57 career games and made 19 starts, reflecting his role as a reliable rotational tackle early in his career.
Other Wins & Performances
Hudson’s most notable individual performance came during the 2020 college season, when he was named first-team All-AAC after starting all 11 games for the Cincinnati Bearcats. As a professional, he has continued to develop as an offensive tackle in the NFL, contributing to offensive line units in Cleveland, New York, and New England.
James Hudson III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about James Hudson III’s family background and any potential athletic lineage are not clearly documented in available sources. He grew up in Toledo, Ohio, before pursuing his football career at the collegiate and professional levels.
Personal Life
James Hudson III is a male athlete from Toledo, Ohio, who has been active in professional football since 2021. Details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly confirmed in the verified sources available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transition year for James Hudson III, who signed a two-year contract with the New York Giants in March 2025. He served as a depth option and injury replacement at offensive tackle, starting in place of Andrew Thomas during the early part of the season. His most memorable moment of the year came during the Week Two matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, a difficult game in which multiple penalties led to his benching in favor of Marcus Mbow.
Despite the early-season challenges, Hudson continued to contribute to the Giants’ offensive line throughout the year. By Week 15 of the 2025 season, he had accumulated 57 career NFL games played and 19 career starts, reflecting his continued role in the league. His performance during the 2025 season ultimately led to his release by the Giants in March 2026, opening the door for his next opportunity in New England.
Looking back on the 2025 campaign, the season demonstrated both the challenges and the perseverance that have defined James Hudson III’s professional journey. From a fourth-round draft pick in Cleveland to a starting role and eventual benching with the Giants, his 2025 experience reinforced the importance of consistency and discipline at the offensive tackle position in the NFL.
