The Cincinnati Bengals have granted Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade away from the team, it has been revealed.
Hendrickson, who spent the last four seasons in Cincinnati, has paid tribute to the Bengals after the news was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.
‘It’s been an honor and privilege to represent Cincinnati over the last four years,’ said the All-Pro defensive end, who is the NFL’s sack leader. ‘I love this city and organization. I appreciate the privilege of now being allowed to explore my options.’
The 30-year-old has made 65 appearances since heading to Cincinnati in 2021, following four seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
Hendrickson was selected by the Saints with the 103rd overall pick in the third round of the 2017 draft, before going on to make 45 appearances in four years with the team.
During his four seasons as a Bengal, he has earned four Pro Bowl selections while being named a first-team All-Pro last term.
The Bengals have granted Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade away from the team
News of his desire for a trade comes just 24 hours after Bengals icon Sam Hubbard announced his shock retirement at the age of 29.
Hubbard, who spent seven years playing for his home-city team, is hanging up his cleats on the back of the posterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in December.
‘In my heart, I know that I gave this game, this team, and this city everything that I had,’ he said in a shock statement on Wednesday.
‘That is why today, with great pride, I am announcing that I am moving on from my playing career in the NFL and entering the next chapter of my life.’
Hubbard says he plans to throw himself into other business ventures while continuing work for the foundation in his post-football career.
The now ex-player, who got engaged to fiancee Jess Koehler last year, also wants to focus on his family after bowing out from the sport.
He continued: ‘What’s next? Although it is the end of my playing career, I view this as a new beginning. A new chapter to explore other business opportunities, further the mission of The Sam Hubbard Foundation, focus on my health and family and also take on new challenges.
‘I want to send a sincere thank you to my teammates, coaches, trainers, support staff, Bengals ownership, and the NFL for everything you all have done for me. I could not have done any of this alone.
‘To the fans – Who Dey Nation – I thank you the most; you inspired me. From the years of struggle and adversity to Super Bowl LVI, you never stopped believing. I hope I made you proud.
‘To play my entire career in one uniform is incredibly special to me, and I am a Bengal for life, always have been and always will be.’
