Johnathan "Big Hank" Hankins has announced his retirement after a 12‑year career in the National Football League, bringing to a close a journey that began in Ohio and spanned five NFL franchises.
Early years at Ohio State
At Ohio State he broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore, recording 67 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and three sacks, a performance that earned him early recognition.
In his junior season he added 55 tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack, further establishing himself as a disruptive force along the defensive line.
NFL trajectory
The New York Giants drafted him in the second round in 2013, and over the next decade he would wear the jerseys of the Giants, the Indianapolis Colts, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks.
Across 169 regular‑season appearances he amassed 433 tackles, 44 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 13 pass breakups, statistics that underscore a durable and impactful presence.
The 2025 season was cut short by a back injury; he missed the entire year before being released by the Seahawks in December, a move that preceded his official retirement.
His final chapter with Seattle capped a career that began in the Midwest and traveled the length of the league, leaving behind a legacy of hard‑nosed play.
Honors and legacy
During his collegiate tenure he collected All‑Big Ten honors and was named an All‑American, accolades that highlighted his dominance in the Big Ten Conference.
Teammates and fans remember him not only for his on‑field production but also for his mentorship in the locker room, especially during his years in Columbus where he first wore scarlet and gray.