Tanner Hudson Bio
Tanner Hudson is an American professional football tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Southern Arkansas Muleriders after transferring from Memphis. Hudson has had a notable career that includes playing for multiple teams since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018, achieving varied recognition including a Super Bowl championship.
Early Life and Background
Tanner Hudson was born on November 12, 1994, in Paris, Tennessee. He grew up in Big Sandy, Tennessee, where he attended Camden Central High School. During his time in high school, Hudson showcased his athletic abilities by playing both football and basketball. In football, he played multiple positions including quarterback, kicker, and punter. His performance as a junior earned him the title of District 11-AA Most Valuable Punter, averaging 38.7 yards per punt while also passing for 581 yards and seven touchdowns, along with rushing for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, his senior season was cut short due to an injury.
Path to American Football
Hudson began his collegiate career at the University of Memphis, where he played as a quarterback and punter. After redshirting his freshman year, he transferred to Southern Arkansas University. At Southern Arkansas, Hudson transitioned to wide receiver and eventually tight end while also handling the team’s punting duties. Throughout his last three seasons, he consistently caught at least 40 passes and gained over 600 receiving yards each year. His junior season was particularly impressive, as he recorded 48 catches for 763 yards and nine touchdowns, earning him a second-team All-Great American Conference (GAC) selection. In his senior year, he achieved 43 receptions for 624 yards and six touchdowns, which led to him being named first-team All-GAC and a second-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association.
Tanner Hudson Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Tanner Hudson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 29, 2018. Initially, he was cut at the end of training camp but was re-signed to the practice squad shortly after. Hudson made his NFL debut on October 27, 2019, against the Tennessee Titans, where he caught his first career pass, a 12-yard reception from Jameis Winston. In the 2019 season, he played in nine games, finishing with two receptions for 26 yards. Hudson re-signed with the Buccaneers for the 2020 season, where he played in the Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing to the team’s success despite limited targets.
Breakthrough (2021-2022)
In 2021, Hudson signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in January 2022. However, his time with the 49ers was short-lived as he was waived shortly after. On August 25, 2022, he signed with the New York Giants but was waived in December of the same year. Hudson’s career took a significant turn when he joined the Cincinnati Bengals on December 6, 2022. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Bengals in January 2023 and was promoted to the active roster later that year. Hudson had a standout performance in the 2023 season, recording 39 receptions for 352 yards and scoring his first career touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tanner Hudson’s career is highlighted by his Super Bowl championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his impressive collegiate statistics, which include 143 receptions for 2,152 yards and 25 touchdown catches. His transition from college football to the NFL has been marked by steady improvement and significant contributions to his teams.
Tanner Hudson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tanner Hudson has received several accolades, including being named to the first-team All-Great American Conference and second-team All-American honors during his college career.
Tanner Hudson Awards Won
Tanner Hudson is a Super Bowl champion, having played a role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ victory in Super Bowl LV. His college achievements include being recognized as a first-team All-GAC and second-team All-GAC in consecutive years.
Tanner Hudson Family
Information regarding Tanner Hudson’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Tanner Hudson’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not disclosed in public records.