Hunter Henry Sets New Career Mark In First Half Of Patriots-Jets
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry entered Week 17 with impressive numbers on the season: 52 receptions for 663 yards and six touchdown catches.
In the first half against the New York Jets, Henry added to those number and set a new single-season career high in receiving yards, in the process. The standard-breaking reception for Henry was a 13-yard catch. Later in the half, Henry snagged another 13-yard catch, this time for a touchdown.
The Patriots were leading the Jets 35-3 at halftime of the bloodbath. Henry had two receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown. Drake Maye, meanwhile had video game stats at the intermission: 17-of-19 for 229 yards, four touchdowns, and zero picks.
Henry’s first-half milestone allowed fans to think about his entire career.
Henry entered the NFL as a second-round pick (35th overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 2016 Draft after starring at Arkansas. In his rookie season, he notched 36 receptions for 478 yards and eight touchdowns, earning All-Rookie honors and tying for the league lead in scores among tight ends. He followed with solid campaigns in 2017 (45 catches, 579 yards, four TDs) and 2019 (55 catches, 652 yards, five TDs), but a torn ACL wiped out his 2018 season entirely.
After five years with the Chargers (including their move to Los Angeles), Henry signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the New England Patriots in 2021. He tied for the NFL touchdown lead again that year with nine scores on 50 receptions for 603 yards. In 2022, he posted 41 catches for 509 yards and two TDs, followed by 42 receptions for 419 yards and six scores in 2023, despite missing the final three games due to injury.
Henry re-signed with New England in March 2024 on a three-year extension running through 2026. In 2024, he set a personal best with 66 catches for 674 yards and two TDs. Over his career, Henry has amassed 447 receptions, 5,190 yards, and 46 touchdowns (entering Sunday).