Khaleke Hudson Bio
Khaleke Hudson (born December 6, 1997) is an American professional football linebacker who is currently a member of the Tennessee Titans. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was twice recognized as an All-Big Ten selection, including second-team honors in 2017 and 2019. Hudson was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has since spent time with the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans. He also shares an NCAA single-game record with eight tackles for loss, a mark he set in 2017 while at Michigan.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing around 225 pounds, Hudson entered the NFL as a versatile defensive prospect with strong run-stopping instincts. Over the course of his professional career, he has transitioned between active rosters and practice squads, building a reputation as a reliable special teams contributor and depth linebacker.
Early Life and Background
Khaleke Hudson was born on December 6, 1997, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the same working-class community just outside Pittsburgh. He attended McKeesport Area High School, where he developed into one of the top football recruits in the state of Pennsylvania. At McKeesport, Hudson played both sides of the ball as a safety on defense and a running back on offense, showing early signs of the two-way toughness that would later define his career.
His combination of size, speed, and football IQ quickly attracted attention from major college programs across the country. By the time he announced his commitment to the Michigan Wolverines on January 27, 2016, Hudson had earned scholarship offers from Pittsburgh, UCLA, and Penn State, among others. Scout.com ranked him as the number one overall football prospect in the Pennsylvania class of 2016, while Rivals listed him as the tenth-rated player in the state. That level of recognition helped set the stage for his arrival in Ann Arbor as one of the most highly anticipated defensive recruits in Michigan’s 2016 class.
Path to American Football
Hudson’s path to professional football began during his high school years at McKeesport, where his production on both sides of the ball made him a priority target for top college recruiters. His ability to play multiple positions allowed coaches to use him creatively, and his competitive edge stood out throughout the recruiting process. By choosing Michigan, he aligned himself with one of the most tradition-rich defensive programs in college football, a decision that shaped his development over the next four seasons.
Once on campus, Hudson quickly adjusted to the speed and complexity of Big Ten football. He made his collegiate debut on September 3, 2016, against Hawaii, appearing in all 13 games during the 2016 campaign, primarily on special teams. He earned a Special Teams Player of the Game recognition after a home win against Illinois, signaling that his impact would extend beyond pure defensive snaps. Those early experiences allowed him to learn the Wolverines’ defensive system while contributing on coverage units, laying the foundation for his breakout sophomore season.
Khaleke Hudson Career
Early Career (2016–2017)
Hudson’s first two seasons at Michigan provided the building blocks for what became a record-setting college career. After a developmental freshman year spent mostly on special teams, he emerged as a full-time defensive contributor in 2017. During his sophomore campaign, Hudson became one of the most disruptive defenders in the Big Ten, finishing second in the conference in tackles for loss.
The defining moment of his early career came on November 4, 2017, when he set the Michigan single-game record with eight tackles for loss against Minnesota in the Little Brown Jug rivalry game. In that same contest, Hudson recorded 15 total tackles, 12 of which were solo, along with three quarterback sacks and a forced fumble. That performance tied an NCAA single-game record and set a new Big Ten Conference tackle-for-loss record. He was later recognized as the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week and was named Big Ten Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Following the season, he earned third-team All-Big Ten recognition from the conference’s coaches.
Michigan Senior Seasons (2018–2019)
Entering his junior year in 2018, Hudson was named to preseason watch lists for the Lott Trophy and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and Athlon Sports projected him as a preseason first-team All-Big Ten selection. Although his statistical production dipped that season, he appeared in all 13 games and finished with three tackles for loss and 39 total tackles. He was named an honorable mention all-conference selection by both Big Ten media and coaches, demonstrating that his presence still carried weight even in a reduced defensive role.
As a senior in 2019, Hudson returned to form and was placed on the preseason watchlist for the Butkus Award. He led the Wolverines with a career-best 97 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss with two sacks, while also adding three pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, and a blocked kick. That season he was named to the second-team All-Big Ten, his second career all-conference honor.
Washington Commanders Era (2020–2023)
Hudson was selected by the Washington Football Team in the fifth round, 162nd overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft. Washington had previously acquired that pick in a trade that sent Quinton Dunbar to the Seattle Seahawks. Hudson signed his four-year rookie contract with the team on July 23, 2020, officially beginning his professional career. He spent the early portion of his rookie contract contributing on defense and special teams as he adjusted to the speed of the NFL.
On December 7, 2021, Hudson was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury during the Week 13 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He returned to action in 2022, but on August 30 of that year he was waived by the Commanders and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted back to the active roster on October 21, 2022. On March 12, 2023, he signed a one-year contract extension with Washington, where he continued to provide depth and special teams value through the 2023 season.
New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns (2024)
On April 4, 2024, Hudson signed with the New Orleans Saints as he looked to continue his career in a new defensive system. He was released on August 27, 2024, and later re-signed to the Saints’ practice squad as the regular season approached. His time in New Orleans was brief, but it allowed him to remain active within the league.
On September 11, 2024, Hudson was signed by the Cleveland Browns off the Saints’ practice squad, giving him another opportunity to contribute on an active NFL roster. His stint with Cleveland added another stop to a journeyman stretch of his career, and he continued to serve primarily as a depth linebacker and special teams participant.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025–Present)
On August 12, 2025, Hudson signed with the Tennessee Titans, marking his most recent NFL stop. He was released by Tennessee on August 19, 2025, as the team trimmed its roster heading into the regular season. Despite the short initial tenure, his signing reflected continued interest in his experience and special teams ability at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hudson’s most defining career moment remains his November 4, 2017 performance against Minnesota, when he tied an NCAA single-game record with eight tackles for loss. That game also produced 15 total tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble, earning him national and conference weekly honors. Beyond the record book, his ability to move between four NFL franchises and continue earning roster opportunities stands as a testament to his durability and professional reliability.
Khaleke Hudson Career Wins
Khaleke Hudson’s career has been built more on production, reliability, and consistent contributions than on championship victories. While detailed win totals across each professional stop are not fully documented, his resume includes record-setting individual performances at Michigan and steady professional employment across multiple NFL organizations. His combination of college accolades and continued NFL opportunity reflects a player who has carved out a long career through effort and adaptability.
Michigan Wolverines Highlights
At Michigan, Hudson earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2017 and 2019, along with third-team All-Big Ten recognition from the conference’s coaches in 2017. His record-tying eight tackles for loss against Minnesota in 2017 remains one of the most dominant single-game defensive performances in Wolverines history. He also finished his senior season as Michigan’s leading tackler with 97 stops.
Other Performances
Across his NFL stops with Washington, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Tennessee, Hudson has continued to contribute on special teams and as a rotational linebacker. While league-wide statistical totals are not fully verified here, his sustained presence on practice squads and active rosters speaks to a player who has remained in demand at the game’s highest level.
Khaleke Hudson Family
Personal Life
Khaleke Hudson was born and raised in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the same community where he attended McKeesport Area High School. His early football development in that tight-knit Pennsylvania city played a central role in shaping his identity as a hardworking, two-way player. Public details about his parents, marital status, or children are not clearly documented, and he has generally kept his personal life private.
2025 Season Performance
Hudson entered the 2025 NFL calendar as a veteran linebacker looking to extend his professional career. On August 12, 2025, he signed with the Tennessee Titans, but was released on August 19, 2025, as the team finalized its roster. The brief stint with Tennessee marked his fourth NFL organization and underscored his continued value as an experienced depth player.
Looking ahead, Hudson remains a free agent candidate for teams in need of linebacker depth and special teams help. His track record of moving between rosters and practice squads, combined with his history of record-setting production at Michigan, suggests that additional opportunities could emerge as the 2025 season progresses. His next move will likely determine whether he can add to an already lengthy professional resume.