Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Danielle Hunter

How Danielle Hunter built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Danielle Hunter is a professional football defensive end currently playing for the Houston Texans. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 after playing college football at LSU. Hunter achieved significant success with the Vikings, earning four Pro Bowl selections. In 2024, he signed with the Texans, continuing his NFL career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Competed in track and field events

In 2011, Danielle Hunter participated in track and field, securing a district title in the high jump with a leap of 1.83 meters, placing 5th in the long jump with 6.40 meters, and 6th in the 400-meter dash with a time of 51.47 seconds.

2012: Played as a true freshman

In 2012, as a true freshman at LSU, Danielle Hunter saw action in 12 games, primarily on special teams, and recorded 12 tackles.

2013: Broke into the starting lineup

In 2013, Danielle Hunter broke into the starting lineup for LSU, starting 10 of 13 games and recording 57 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks.

2014: Played at LSU

Danielle Hunter was playing football at Louisiana State University in 2014.

2014: Played in the Outback Bowl

In 2014, Danielle Hunter played in the Outback Bowl against Iowa, recording four tackles, including a sack.

2014: Started all 13 games for the Tigers

In 2014, Danielle Hunter started all 13 games for LSU, contributing to a strong defense. He recorded 73 tackles and 13.0 tackles for loss, ranking 10th in the SEC.

January 2015: Declared for the NFL draft

In January 2015, Danielle Hunter declared for the NFL draft, foregoing his final season at LSU.

2015: Entered the NFL draft

In 2015, Danielle Hunter entered the NFL draft and was compared to Jason Pierre-Paul due to his athletic abilities.

2015: Participated in the NFL Combine

In 2015, Danielle Hunter participated in the NFL Combine, achieving the fastest 40-yard dash time among defensive linemen at 4.57 seconds and completing 25 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.

2015: Rookie season

In 2015, Danielle Hunter played his rookie season and finished with 33 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6 sacks.

2015: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

In 2015, Danielle Hunter was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round as the 88th overall pick and became the youngest player in the NFL. He finished his rookie season with 6 sacks.

2016: Accumulated 12.5 sacks

In 2016, Danielle Hunter accumulated 12.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown, and was named to NFL.com analyst Elliot Harrison's All-Under-25 team.