Jonathan Hankins, a defensive tackle who spent 12 seasons in the NFL, has retired from professional football. Hankins was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Giants, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks.
Hankins, 34, concluded his playing career with the Seahawks. He was released by the team in December after sustaining a back injury, which led to him spending the entire 2025 season on the Non-Football Injury list. The specifics of the injury remain undisclosed, but placement on the NFI list typically indicates an injury sustained off the field.
Prior to his injury, Hankins played all 17 games for Seattle in the 2024 season. He was known primarily as a run-stopping defensive lineman, consistently ranking among the league's top players in that category. While not a prolific pass rusher, Hankins recorded a career-high seven sacks in 2014 during his second season with the Giants. He did not record more than three sacks in any subsequent season.
Hankins departed from the Giants as a free agent in 2017 to sign with the Colts. He played college football at Ohio State before being drafted by the Giants following their 9-7 season in 2012 that saw them miss the playoffs.