Chad Hennings

Bio

A highly sought after high school player and state wrestling champion, Chad Hennings came to the Air Force Academy as a tight end. Lettering as a freshman, he was moved to defense in his sophomore season. That 1985 season saw the greatest year in Air Force football history as the Falcons went 12-1, were conference co-champions, defeated Texas in the Bluebonnet Bowl and placed fifth in the final poll. In his first season as a starter, Hennings made the All-WAC second-team. During his career he set four school weightlifting records while running the 40-yard dash better than some halfbacks. His vertical leap of 33 inches was exceptional for someone of his weight. But beyond his physical skills, Hennings had the intelligence and determination that placed him apart from other players. During his junior year, he was named to the first of two all-conference teams. In his senior year, Hennings won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman, was a unanimous All-America selection and repeated as an Academic All-America. That season he led the nation in sacks with 24. Due to military obligations, he was not selected until the 11th round of the NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. After a four year hiatus from football, which included service in the first Gulf War, he joined the Cowboys in 1992. With Dallas he played nine seasons which saw him participate in three Super Bowl wins.

Career Highlights

• 1987 Academic All-America
• 1987 All-Conference
• 1987 Conference MVP
• 1987 NCAA Post-Graduate Scholar
• 1987 Outland Trophy winner
• 1987 Unanimous All-America
• 1986 Academic All-America
• 1986 All-Conference