Matt Hennessy Bio
Matthew Connor Hennessy is an American professional football center for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 17, 1997, in Nyack, New York, Hennessy played college football for the Temple Owls before launching his NFL career. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has since built a reputation as a versatile and durable interior offensive lineman. Hennessy earned Third-team All-American and First-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition during his redshirt junior season at Temple.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Connor Hennessy was born in Nyack, New York, and grew up in Bardonia, New York. He comes from a family with a strong connection to professional football, as his older brother, Thomas Hennessy, plays long snapper for the New York Jets. The brothers grew up rooting for the New York Giants, following their family’s longstanding loyalty to the team. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, Hennessy developed an early interest in football and trained in the offensive line throughout his youth.
Hennessy attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, where he played for the Ironmen. He was a starter at offensive tackle during his junior and senior years, demonstrating the size and athleticism that would later define his college and professional career. Rated as a 3-star offensive tackle recruit by Rivals.com, Hennessy drew scholarship offers from several respected programs, including Air Force, Army, Florida Atlantic, Old Dominion, and Yale. He ultimately chose to commit to Temple, where he would transition from tackle to center and emerge as one of the most reliable interior linemen in the American Athletic Conference.
Path to American Football
Hennessy’s path to the NFL began at Don Bosco Preparatory High School, where his development as an offensive lineman attracted the attention of multiple college programs. His decision to attend Temple gave him an opportunity to grow within a program known for producing professional-level talent along the offensive line. At Temple, Hennessy transitioned from offensive tackle to center, a shift that required greater responsibility for pre-snap reads, communication with the quarterback, and anchoring the interior of the offensive line.
During his freshman year at Temple, Hennessy played in three games with one start at left guard before redshirting the remainder of the season. He became the Owls’ starting center going into his redshirt freshman year, starting all but one game that he missed due to injury. The transition proved successful, and Hennessy continued to refine his technique and football intelligence throughout his college career, building the foundation for his professional future.
Matt Hennessy Career
Early Career (2020)
Matthew Connor Hennessy entered the NFL when he was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the 78th overall pick. As a rookie, he played behind veteran center Alex Mack, learning the nuances of professional offensive line play and adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. His time behind Mack allowed him to develop his understanding of protection schemes, run-blocking assignments, and the leadership demands placed on a starting center.
Hennessy appeared in a limited role during his rookie season but made the most of his preparation by studying film and working closely with the Falcons’ coaching staff. By the end of his first year, he had positioned himself as the team’s center of the future, and the Falcons prepared to hand him the starting job.
Atlanta Falcons Breakthrough (2021-2023)
Hennessy was named the Falcons’ starting center in 2021 and started every game that season, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the middle of Atlanta’s offensive line. His consistency and toughness earned him the respect of teammates and coaches, and he quickly became a foundational piece of the team’s offensive identity. Heading into the 2022 season, Hennessy was expected to continue as the team’s primary center, but a knee injury altered his path.
During the 2022 season, Hennessy started at left guard in Week 9 before suffering a knee injury that led to his placement on injured reserve on November 8, 2022. He was activated on December 31 and started the final two games of the season at left guard, showcasing his versatility along the interior line. In 2023, Hennessy suffered another knee injury during training camp and was placed on injured reserve on August 16, 2023, limiting his availability and opening a new chapter in his career.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2024-Present)
Following his release from the Atlanta Falcons, Hennessy signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 13, 2024. He was released by the Eagles on August 27, 2024, before the start of the regular season. On September 24, 2024, with starting center Drew Dalman going to injured reserve, the Falcons brought Hennessy back to their practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster on October 15, 2024, before being waived on November 14 and re-signed to the practice squad.
On December 26, 2024, Hennessy signed a two-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers off the Falcons’ practice squad, joining one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL. The move gave him an opportunity to contribute to a contending roster and provided stability following several seasons of injury setbacks. His arrival in San Francisco marked a fresh start and a chance to compete for a meaningful role along the 49ers’ offensive line.
Driving Style and Strengths
Hennessy’s greatest strengths lie in his intelligence, positional versatility, and toughness in the trenches. Having played both center and guard at the professional level, he brings flexibility to offensive line schemes and the ability to adjust seamlessly to different assignments. His experience working alongside veteran quarterbacks and running backs has sharpened his communication skills, and his willingness to battle through injuries has earned him the respect of coaches and teammates across multiple organizations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining milestones in Matthew Connor Hennessy’s career are his 2019 college accolades, which included Third-team All-American honors and First-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition. He was also named a finalist for the prestigious Rimington Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top center. His third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft and his eventual transition to starting center with the Atlanta Falcons stand as key benchmarks in his professional journey.
Matt Hennessy Career Wins
As an interior offensive lineman, Matt Hennessy’s statistical achievements are reflected in his durability, versatility, and the longevity of his NFL career rather than traditional win totals. Across his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers, he has established himself as a dependable contributor along the offensive line.
NFL Highlights
Hennessy’s most notable NFL highlight came in 2021, when he started every game at center for the Atlanta Falcons, anchoring the middle of one of the league’s offensive lines. His transition between center and guard roles during the 2022 season further demonstrated his value as a versatile and adaptable lineman capable of filling multiple positions.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his professional career, Hennessy earned recognition as one of the top centers in college football during his redshirt junior season at Temple. His selection as a Third-team All-American and First-team All-AAC player highlighted his development into one of the most respected interior linemen in the 2019 college football season.
Matt Hennessy Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Matthew Connor Hennessy comes from a family with deep ties to professional football. His older brother, Thomas Hennessy, plays long snapper for the New York Jets, making the Hennessy brothers one of the few sibling combinations currently active in the NFL. The two grew up together as fans of the New York Giants, carrying a shared passion for the sport that ultimately shaped both of their careers.
Personal Life
Hennessy grew up in Bardonia, New York, after being born in nearby Nyack. His close relationship with his brother Thomas has been a defining influence throughout his life and career, providing both personal support and professional insight into the demands of playing in the NFL. The Hennessy brothers continue to represent their family as active professional football players.
2025 Season Performance
Matthew Connor Hennessy enters the 2025 season as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, having signed a two-year deal with the organization in late December 2024. The contract positions him to compete for a role along one of the most competitive offensive lines in the NFL. His arrival in San Francisco comes after a turbulent stretch of seasons that included multiple injuries and roster moves, making 2025 an important opportunity to reestablish himself as a reliable contributor.
Throughout the early portion of the 2025 offseason, Hennessy has been focused on recovery, conditioning, and building chemistry with his new teammates and coaching staff. The 49ers’ depth along the interior offensive line is among the strongest in the league, and Hennessy’s experience at both center and guard gives the team valuable flexibility heading into the regular season. His ability to step into multiple roles will be a key factor in his outlook for the year.
Looking ahead, Hennessy’s 2025 campaign represents a chance to put injuries behind him and deliver steady performance for a championship-caliber roster. With a multi-year contract providing stability and a clear opportunity to contribute, he is positioned to make a meaningful impact on the 49ers’ offensive line rotation. His career trajectory and resilience suggest that he remains determined to play a significant role in the seasons to come.