Jerry Hughes
A relentless and durable defensive end whose late-career surge in Buffalo established him as one of the NFL's most consistent pass rushers.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American football player·Birthday: August 13·Millennials
Biography
Jerry Hughes began his football life as a running back, but it was on the defensive line where he forged a long and impactful NFL career. A standout at TCU, where he won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end, he entered the league as a first-round pick for the Indianapolis Colts. His early years were quiet, but a 2013 trade to the Buffalo Bills unlocked his potential. In Buffalo, Hughes found a perfect home, becoming the energetic, high-motor bookend to a formidable defensive line. He racked up double-digit sack seasons and, more importantly, provided relentless pressure off the edge for nearly a decade. His consistency was remarkable; he started over 140 games for the Bills, becoming a vocal leader and a fan favorite known for his explosive first step. While team playoff success often eluded him in Buffalo, his individual production and durability made him a cornerstone of one of the league's most respected defenses throughout the 2010s.
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.
Jerry was born in 1988, 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 Jerry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jerry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Recorded back-to-back seasons with 10 or more sacks for the Buffalo Bills in 2013 and 2014.
- Started over 140 regular season games during his tenure with the Buffalo Bills.
- Won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top collegiate defensive end in 2009 at TCU.
- Earned First-team All-American honors in 2009 after leading the NCAA in forced fumbles.
Did You Know?
He played running back and linebacker in high school before switching to defensive end full-time at TCU.
Hughes was a track standout in high school, competing in the 100-meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay.
He was part of a Bills defensive line that included Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, and Mario Williams, nicknamed the 'Cold Front.'
“Get off the ball and go hunt. That's what a defensive end does.”
