Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Aidan Hutchinson

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Aidan Hutchinson made an impact.

Aidan Hutchinson is a professional American football defensive end for the Detroit Lions. He achieved unanimous All-American status while playing college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2021. Drafted second overall by the Lions in 2022, he was named to the All-Rookie Team that year. Hutchinson earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023, marking a successful early career in the NFL.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2018: U.S. Army All-American Game

In 2018, Aidan Hutchinson played in the U.S. Army All-American Game, recording two sacks. He also committed to play college football at the University of Michigan.

2018: Freshman Season at Michigan

In 2018, as a true freshman at Michigan, Aidan Hutchinson played in all 13 games and recorded 15 tackles.

2019: Sophomore Season at Michigan

In 2019, as a sophomore, Aidan Hutchinson started all 13 games for Michigan, recording 68 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

2020: Season-Ending Injury

In 2020, Aidan Hutchinson started the first three games of his junior season at Michigan before suffering a season-ending injury.

2021: Record-Breaking Senior Season and Awards

In 2021, Aidan Hutchinson set Michigan's single-season sack record at 14. He won the Ted Hendricks Award, Lombardi Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football. He was also the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

2021: Runner-up for the Heisman Trophy

In 2021, Aidan Hutchinson was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and was a unanimous All-American playing college football for the Michigan Wolverines.

May 9, 2022: Signed with the Detroit Lions

On May 9, 2022, Aidan Hutchinson signed a four-year contract with the Detroit Lions, worth $35.7 million fully guaranteed.

November 6, 2022: First Career Interception

On November 6, 2022, Aidan Hutchinson recorded his first career interception against Aaron Rodgers in a 15–9 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

2022: Declared for the NFL Draft

Following the 2021 season, in 2022, Aidan Hutchinson declared for the NFL draft.

2022: Selected by the Detroit Lions

In 2022, Aidan Hutchinson was selected with the second overall pick in the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions and was named to the All-Rookie Team.

2023: First Pro Bowl

In 2023, Aidan Hutchinson was voted to his first Pro Bowl.

October 13, 2024: Severe Leg Injury

On October 13, 2024, during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, Aidan Hutchinson suffered a severe leg injury, fracturing both his tibia and fibula. He underwent immediate surgery with an estimated recovery time of four to six months.

October 29, 2025: Contract Extension with the Lions

On October 29, 2025, the Lions and Aidan Hutchinson agreed to a four-year contract extension for $180 million, with $141 million guaranteed. This contract set a new record for guaranteed money among non-quarterback players.