Matthew Connor Hennessy is currently playing as a center with the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was born on November 17, 1997. At Temple, he played collegiate football.
He attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, where he received his diploma. Hennessy, a 3-star offensive tackle recruit, selected Temple over offers to play collegiate football from schools including Air Force, Army, Florida Atlantic, Old Dominion, and Yale.
As a true freshman, Hennessy started one game at left guard and participated in three more before sitting out the remainder of the campaign. With the exception of the one game he missed due to injury, he started every game as the Owls’ starting center during his redshirt freshman season.
Hennessy acquired a single-digit jersey (number three), which he wore throughout practice because offensive linemen are not allowed to wear single-digit numbers during actual games. Hennessy was one of the nine toughest players on the team entering his redshirt sophomore season.
How Good Is Matt Hennessy?
After a terrible rookie season the previous year, Matt Hennessy really improved in Year 2. His pass-blocking score increased by more than 20 points, while his overall PFF grade increased by more than 30 points.
Although pass-blocking is still one of his weaker areas, it is less of an issue at the center position than it is at other offensive line positions. His run-blocking grade of 89.1 was exceptional, and his trajectory is favorable.
What Happened To Matt Hennessy?
The Atlanta Falcons selected Hennessy with the 78th overall choice in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He is now wearing jersey number 61 and serving as the team’s center. Thomas Hennessy, Hennessy’s older brother, is the long snapper for the New York Jets.