Matt Henningsen Bio
Matthew D. Henningsen, born on July 9, 1999, is an American professional football defensive end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and listed around 132 kilograms, he plays on the defensive line and contributes as both a run defender and a pass rusher. He attended the University of Wisconsin, where he played for the Wisconsin Badgers before being selected by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Henningsen has remained with Denver since entering the league, working through injuries and roster moves while building a reputation for preparation and football intelligence. His academic background in engineering and his disciplined off-field interests have made him a distinctive presence in the Broncos locker room.
Early Life and Background
Henningsen was born and raised in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, a suburb northwest of Milwaukee known for producing competitive high school athletes. He grew up in a family with a strong professional background, as both of his parents worked as lawyers. The household placed a clear emphasis on education and disciplined work habits from an early age.
He attended Menomonee Falls High School, where he played football and began to develop the frame and skill set that would later attract college recruiters. Henningsen comes from a deeply athletic family, with three brothers who also played football at Menomonee Falls and later earned degrees at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The combination of a tight-knit family environment and a competitive local football scene helped shape his early commitment to the sport.
Path to American Football
After completing high school, Henningsen enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the most tradition-rich programs in the Big Ten Conference. He joined the Wisconsin Badgers football program and worked his way up the depth chart through his persistence and versatility along the defensive line. He earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2021, a recognition that reflected his growth into a reliable contributor for one of the conference’s top defenses.
Beyond football, Henningsen pursued a demanding academic course of study, earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in electrical engineering. He also contributed to neurosurgery research efforts at UW–Madison, demonstrating the same analytical mindset he brings to the gridiron. His senior season performance and his physical development convinced NFL evaluators that he was ready for the next level, and he declared for the 2022 NFL draft.
Matt Henningsen Career
Early Career (2022)
The Denver Broncos selected Henningsen in the sixth round, 206th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft, adding him to a defensive line rotation that needed depth and developmental upside. As a rookie, he appeared in all 17 regular-season games, an unusual durability mark for a late-round pick adjusting to professional schemes. He finished his first season with one sack and 21 total tackles, numbers that showed he could hold his own against seasoned offensive linemen.
During that debut year, Henningsen earned the trust of the coaching staff by handling a variety of assignments along the defensive front, including work on early downs and obvious passing situations. His football IQ, shaped by his engineering background, helped him absorb playbook detail quickly.
NFL Breakthrough and Subsequent Seasons (2022–2024)
In his second season, Henningsen once again suited up for all 17 games, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable presence on Denver’s defensive line. He recorded 19 total tackles and two passes defended during the 2023 campaign, contributing to the Broncos’ efforts to rebuild their front seven. While the sack totals remained modest, his run-defense fundamentals and gap discipline made him a useful piece in the rotation.
The 2024 offseason brought a sudden change, as Henningsen was waived by the Broncos on August 27, 2024, as part of the team’s final roster cuts. The very next day, he was re-signed to Denver’s practice squad, keeping him within the organization. On January 13, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Broncos, securing his place with the team heading into the new league year.
Denver Broncos Era (2022–Present)
Henningsen re-entered the Broncos’ active plans for 2025, looking to build on his experience as a rotational defensive end. His versatility, ability to play multiple techniques along the line, and special-teams value gave him a path back onto the 53-man roster. He continued to be viewed internally as a developmental player with starting potential.
Unfortunately, his 2025 season was cut short during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers, when he suffered a torn Achilles. On August 10, 2025, Henningsen was designated as waived/injured, and he reverted to injured reserve the following day, ruling him out for the entire 2025 NFL season.
Driving Style and Strengths
On the field, Henningsen is valued for his length, leverage, and high football intelligence. His electrical-engineering background translates into detailed film study and a strong understanding of opposing offensive schemes. Coaches have relied on him in run-defense situations and as a steady edge-setter who can occasionally collapse the pocket on passing downs.
Notable Events and Milestones
Drafting Henningsen in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft marked a milestone moment, as he became one of the few players from Menomonee Falls to reach the NFL. Playing in all 17 games as a rookie and then repeating the feat in his second season established him as a durable contributor, while his Third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2021 stands as his most prominent college honor.
Matt Henningsen Career Wins
As a defensive lineman, Henningsen’s statistical resume is measured more in tackles, pressures, and role assignments than in win totals. Across his first two seasons with the Denver Broncos, he appeared in all 34 regular-season games, combining for 40 total tackles, one sack, and two passes defended. His contributions to Denver’s run defense and his value on special teams have been the foundation of his professional resume so far.
NFL Career Highlights
Henningsen’s first NFL sack came during his rookie season in 2022, a moment that validated his draft selection. He followed that with a full 17-game season in 2023, demonstrating durability and consistency. His return to Denver on a reserve/future contract in January 2025 underscored the organization’s continued belief in his potential as a rotational defensive end.
Other Performances
At the collegiate level with the Wisconsin Badgers, Henningsen earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2021, capping his development as a reliable Big Ten defensive lineman. His college production helped pave the way for his selection in the 2022 NFL draft.
Matt Henningsen Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Henningsen comes from a close, accomplished family rooted in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He has three brothers, each of whom played football at Menomonee Falls High School and went on to earn degrees at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Both of his parents built professional careers as lawyers, instilling in the family a strong emphasis on academics alongside athletics.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Henningsen is an avid chess player who has streamed games on Twitch, and he also enjoys playing the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. His academic achievements include both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, and he has contributed to neurosurgery research efforts at UW–Madison.
2025 Season Performance
Henningsen began the 2025 season with the Denver Broncos looking to carve out a larger role along the defensive line. His re-signing to a reserve/future contract in January 2025 had positioned him as a player to watch during training camp and the preseason, with coaches pleased by his preparation and versatility.
That momentum was halted on August 10, 2025, when Henningsen suffered a torn Achilles during a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers. He was designated as waived/injured the same day and reverted to injured reserve the next day, ruling him out for the entirety of the 2025 campaign. The Broncos now face a longer-term recovery plan for a player whose intelligence and run-defense skills remain valuable to their defensive vision.