DanielleHunter

Danielle Hunter is a Jamaican-American defensive end for the Houston Texans, born October 29, 1994, in St. Catherine, Jamaica (6'5", 252 lbs). He moved to Texas at age 8, played college football at LSU, and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent nine seasons with the Vikings before joining the Texans in 2024, and is a four-time Pro Bowler.

Hunter broke out quickly in Minnesota, becoming one of just three Vikings since 1985 to record so many sacks in their first two seasons. His breakout year came in 2018, when he posted 14.5 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. The following year, he became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 50 career sacks.

Injuries slowed him in 2020 and 2021 — a neck surgery and a torn pectoral muscle each cost him significant time — but he returned to full health and produced a strong 2022 season with 10.5 sacks, followed by an NFC Defensive Player of the Month honor in 2023.

Hunter signed with the Houston Texans in 2024, where he's continued to perform at a high level, posting 12 sacks in his first season and earning Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2025 after a 3.5-sack performance against Jacksonville. He signed a one-year, $40 million extension with Houston in March 2026.

Across his career, Hunter has established himself as one of the most productive and durable edge rushers of his generation, known for elite athleticism dating back to his track-and-field days in high school.