CINCINNATI -- A conversation with Cincinnati Bengals veteran defensive end Trey Hendrickson stuck with rookie defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson.
"Don't ever let no one disrespect the name on the back of the jersey," Jackson recalled. "Front means a lot, but the back to me is more because it's just a big story behind it.
That message offers a window into someone who has developed into one of the game's best edge rushers. Since arriving in Cincinnati in 2021, Hendrickson has been a Pro Bowl selection in his first three years and leads the league in sacks this season with 11.
"You only have one name," Hendrickson told ESPN. "You can have up and down years, but protecting yourself as in being on time, being a crucial part of a defense, raising your game, being a good teammate, those are things that you carry on with forever."
Hendrickson's high school jersey at Apopka (Florida) High School didn't have a nameplate. Only when he arrived at Florida Atlantic as a 2-star recruit, according to 247Sports, did he have his name stitched across the back of his jersey.
When he wrapped up his four years with the Owls, he was the Conference USA's Defensive Player of the Year and was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Early in his pro career, Hendrickson's production was limited. He had three starts and just 6.5 total sacks in his first three seasons in the league. But at practice, his tenacity was on full display on a daily basis.
"His rookie minicamp practice, I'm sure he got kicked out for fighting," said defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, Hendrickson's former teammate in New Orleans who signed with the Bengals in free agency. "To a degree, I was unofficially Trey's wrangler in New Orleans," Rankins said, referring to someone who breaks up fights.
When the Bengals evaluated Hendrickson in free agency entering the 2021 season, the tape said everything they needed to know. Even though he had only one year of production, Cincinnati's coaches saw an edge rusher who was relentless and also had great performances against Tampa Bay's Tristan Wirfs, a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection.
Back then, Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said the tape showed Hendrickson consistently winning his one-on-one matchups. These days, Hendrickson has to beat an offensive tackle and then another offensive player, usually a tight end or a running back, in order to get a shot at sacking a quarterback.
"When he does get a free rush, it's pretty few and far between," Anarumo said. "Those are things we work on now with him."
Cincinnati's initial deal for four years, $60 million proved to be a bargain. Since 2021, Hendrickson leads the NFL in sacks created (53.0), according to ESPN Research, putting him above names such as the Kansas City Chiefs' Chris Jones, Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett and San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa.
For years, he was known amongst his teammates for his double-swipe rush move, which features him swiping both arms across his body to dislodge an offensive tackle and get to the quarterback. Devin Cochran, a practice squad offensive tackle who serves as Hendrickson's scout team matchup each week, notes that Hendrickson has added some new moves to his pass rush arsenal. Namely, a bull rush that eventually turns into an inside swipe.
Cochran noted how the finest of details can make the difference between a successful block and a successful pass rush. Usually, a rep can be won or lost in the first two steps.
That showed up on tape in the team's Week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, another All-Pro player, was whistled for a false start when matched up against Hendrickson.
"You can just tell by the way he went into the game, he sees Trey on film getting off the ball really fast," Cochran said. "So if you don't do that, if you don't utilize the cadence, you're screwed."
Being lined up against him every day, Cochran isn't surprised at the consistency and production Hendrickson has produced in four seasons with the Bengals. Hendrickson will also look to exploit every advantage, including mentally. During Cochran's first year with the team, Hendrickson asked him how many times he expected to win a set of 10 reps that day. Knowing Hendrickson was wanting to hear 10 out of 10, Cochran lowballed him to avoid giving Hendrickson extra ammo.
"When he thinks he's being held, he will say anything he wants to say and you have to deal with it and you can't let him get in your head," Cochran said. "Because he's really good at it."
Hendrickson's talent has been unquestioned in three seasons with the Bengals. And this one might be his best yet. His 11 sacks through the first 10 weeks is his highest total in a season.
However, the future remains a bit more in doubt. Last offseason, he requested a trade after he was unable to get a new contract. In 2023, the Bengals gave Hendrickson a 1-year extension that puts him with the team until 2025. According to Roster Management System, his average contract value of $21 million a year ranks 10th among defensive ends.
While the situation is settled for now, it is something that will be revisited after the season.
"It's 'a one day at a time' thing," Hendrickson told ESPN. "I take care of business, take care of my own, and I try to protect the name on the back of my jersey. How I carry myself as a football player and as a person matters."
By the end of the year, Hendrickson's name could be above all others at his position as he makes a push for his first All-Pro season. He hears the debates about where he stands among his peers. But as long as he continues to pursue the level of consistency that has marked his whole career, he feels his name will be in good standing.
Said Hendrickson: "If I just do my job to the best of my ability and continue to want to be better, just let the chips fall."
