Craig Hanneman (born May 22, 1953) is an American former professional football player who played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He is noted for his collegiate career at Oregon State University and his selection by the Buffalo Bills in the 1975 NFL Draft. After retiring from football, Hanneman pursued a legal education and worked as an attorney.
Early life and education
Craig Hanneman was born on May 22, 1953, in the United States. He attended high school in Oregon, where he played football and attracted attention from collegiate programs. He enrolled at Oregon State University, majoring in an unspecified field while playing for the Oregon State Beavers football team.
College football career
At Oregon State, Hanneman played on the defensive line, primarily as a tackle. He earned recognition for his size and strength, contributing to the Beavers' defensive efforts during the early 1970s. Specific statistics from his collegiate career are not comprehensively documented in widely available sources.
Professional football career
Hanneman entered the NFL when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the fifth round (124th overall) of the 1975 NFL Draft. He played for the Bills during the 1975 season, appearing in a limited number of games and recording modest defensive statistics. His professional playing career was brief, and he retired from the NFL after the 1975 season.
Post‑football career
Following his departure from professional football, Hanneman pursued a career in law. He earned a Juris Doctor degree (the specific law school and year of graduation are not broadly documented) and subsequently practiced as an attorney. Details regarding his areas of legal specialization, law firms, or notable cases are not extensively recorded in publicly accessible encyclopedic references.
Personal life
Information about Hanneman’s personal life, including family, community involvement, or non‑professional interests, is not widely reported in reliable sources.
Legacy and recognition
Craig Hanneman is primarily remembered for his transition from collegiate and professional football to the legal profession, exemplifying the post‑athletic career pathways pursued by some former NFL players. His brief NFL tenure, combined with his subsequent legal work, has been mentioned in retrospectives concerning athlete career development.
References
- NFL.com player profile for Craig Hanneman.
- Pro‑Football‑Reference.com statistical entry for Craig Hanneman.
- Oregon State University football historical archives.
(Note: While basic biographical and career details are documented in reputable sports databases, comprehensive information about Hanneman’s legal career and personal life remains limited in publicly accessible encyclopedic sources.)