Jerry Hughes facts for kids
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Hughes with the Houston Texans in 2022
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| Position: | Defensive end | ||||||||||||||
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born: | August 13, 1988 Sugar Land, Texas, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 254 lb (115 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school: | Stephen F. Austin (Sugar Land) | ||||||||||||||
| College: | TCU (2006–2009) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 31 | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
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| Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics as of 2023 | |||||||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||||||
Jerry Ray Hughes Jr. (born August 13, 1988) is an American professional football player. He plays as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Jerry played college football for the TCU Horned Frogs. He was recognized as an All-American twice. The Indianapolis Colts then chose him in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. Hughes has also played for the Buffalo Bills, where he spent most of his professional career.
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Early Life and High School Football
Jerry Hughes grew up in Sugar Land, Texas. He played football at Austin High School. He was a running back and earned three varsity letters. In his senior year (2006), Jerry ran for 1,412 yards. He scored 19 touchdowns and was named First-team All-District. He also played baseball as a third baseman and pitcher.
After high school, Jerry was not a highly recruited player. He received only a few scholarship offers. He chose to attend Texas Christian University (TCU) over other schools like Iowa State.
College Football Career at TCU
Jerry Hughes accepted a scholarship to play for the TCU Horned Frogs football team. He played under coach Gary Patterson from 2006 to 2009. Coach Patterson saw Jerry's natural athletic talent. He decided to have Jerry play as a defensive lineman.
Jerry was one of only four freshmen to play for the Horned Frogs in 2006. He got his first sack in a game against Army. In 2007, he played in all 13 games. He made at least one tackle in every game.
Becoming a Star Defensive Player
In 2008, Jerry became a full-time starter. He had an amazing season with 15 sacks. He also made 18.5 tackles for a loss and forced 6 fumbles. He even caught 2 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. His 15 sacks led the entire nation. He was named the Mountain West Conference (MWC) Defensive Player of the Year. He was also recognized as a first-team All-American.
In 2009, Jerry had a career-high 54 tackles and 11.5 sacks. The TCU team's defense was ranked first in the nation that year. They allowed only 233 yards per game. Jerry was again a first-team All-Mountain West selection. He was also named a unanimous first-team All-American. For the second year in a row, he was the MWC Defensive Player of the Year.
By the end of his college career, Jerry had 28.5 sacks and 139 total tackles. He earned his college degree in communications from TCU in 2010.
College Awards and Honors
- All-American (2008, 2009)
- Ted Hendricks Award (2009)
- Lott Trophy (2009)
Professional NFL Career
The Indianapolis Colts picked Jerry Hughes in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. He was the 31st player chosen overall. He was the first TCU player picked in the first round since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2001. During his first year in 2010, Jerry played in 12 games. He made six tackles. In 2011, he played in 12 games and had one sack. In 2012, he played in all 16 games and recorded four sacks.
Playing for the Buffalo Bills
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On April 29, 2013, the Colts traded Jerry to the Buffalo Bills. In his first season with the Bills, he had 46 tackles and 10 sacks. He also forced two fumbles.
In 2015, Jerry signed a new contract with the Bills. He played through most of that season with a chipped bone in his left wrist. In 2016, he moved from defensive end to outside linebacker as the team changed its defense.
In 2019, Jerry signed another contract extension with the Bills. In a playoff game against the Houston Texans, he sacked quarterback Deshaun Watson three times.
During the 2020 season, Jerry had a great game against the New York Jets. He recorded two sacks, forced a fumble, and made an interception that helped seal the win. He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Later that season, he recovered a fumble and returned it for a 21-yard touchdown against the Denver Broncos. In the playoffs, he had two sacks against the Baltimore Ravens.
By the 2021 season, Jerry Hughes was the player who had been with the Bills the longest. He finished his nine years with Buffalo with 53 sacks. This ranked him fourth in the team's history at that time.
Joining the Houston Texans
On May 11, 2022, Jerry Hughes signed with the Houston Texans. He started 16 games and led the team with nine sacks. In 2023, he played in 17 games and had three sacks. On July 9, 2024, Jerry re-signed with the Texans. He continues to be an active player in the NFL.
NFL Career Statistics
Jerry Hughes has played many games in the NFL. Here are some of his career totals:
- Total tackles: 479
- Sacks: 70.0
- Forced fumbles: 19
- Fumble recoveries: 5
- Pass deflections: 21
- Interceptions: 2
- Defensive touchdowns: 2
Personal Life
Jerry Hughes is married to Meghan Hughes. They got married in April 2015. They have three children: JR, Hayden, and Jack.
