Chris Hogan (American football)
A former college lacrosse star who took an improbable path to the NFL, becoming a trusted receiver for Tom Brady on two championship teams.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football and lacrosse player·Birthday: October 24·Millennials
Biography
Chris Hogan’s story defies the standard NFL draft narrative. A standout lacrosse player at Penn State, he used his final year of NCAA eligibility to play a single season of football at Monmouth University. Undrafted and overlooked, his professional journey began on the fringes: cut by the San Francisco 49ers, released by the New York Giants, and spending time on the practice squads of the Miami Dolphins. His break came with the Buffalo Bills, where he carved out a role as a gritty special teams player and reliable receiver. But his legacy was forged in New England. Signed by the Patriots in 2016, he transformed into a key component of their offensive machine, valued by Tom Brady for his precise route-running and clutch performances in the playoffs. Nicknamed '7-Eleven' for always being open, he played a crucial role in two Super Bowl victories. After New England, he had stints with several other teams, capping a decade-long career that proved that athleticism, intelligence, and relentless work could open a door few even knew existed.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chris was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots.
- Recorded a career-high 180 receiving yards in the 2017 AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Played in 10 NFL seasons for five different teams after entering the league as an undrafted free agent.
- Played three seasons of Division I lacrosse at Penn State University before switching to football.
Did You Know?
In lacrosse at Penn State, he was a two-time All-ECAC selection.
His nickname '7-Eleven' was given to him by a teammate on the Dolphins because he was 'always open'.
He participated in the NFL's 'My Cause My Cleats' campaign to support the American Cancer Society, in honor of his father.
He interned at a financial firm on Wall Street during an offseason early in his career.
“I just kept showing up, doing the work, and proving I belonged on the field.”
