Although best known for his role with America’s Team, Chad Hennings’ successes began long before his professional football career. An accomplished lineman in high school, Chad Hennings was offered full scholarships from universities across the nation. Instead, he chose to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he racked up numerous honors academically and on the gridiron. Named most valuable athlete at the academy, he earned defensive player of the year honors from the Western Athletic Conference and was named to the WAC’s All-Decade Team. In addition, he received the 1987 Outland Trophy, given to the country’s outstanding lineman, and the most valuable player designation at the 1988 Freedom Bowl. A two-time Academic All-American, Chad Hennings was inducted into the GTE Academic All-American Hall of Fame.

His exemplary achievements put him at the top of many draft lists and earned him a spot on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster, but Hennings postponed his entry into the National Football League to fulfill his commitment to the U.S. Air Force. He entered the Euro-NATO program, a training program for top pilots, and soon found himself at the controls of the A-10 Thunderbolt.

During his four-year stint with the Air Force, Hennings flew 45 missions in support of Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq, an effort that helped provide relief and humanitarian aid to Kurdish refugees. He received two aerial achievement medals, a humanitarian award and an outstanding unit award for his actions in the service.

After his discharge, Hennings joined the Dallas Cowboys, quickly earning a starting position as a defensive lineman. He spent his entire 9-year professional football career with the Cowboys, retiring in 2001 with three Super Bowl rings. His knowledge of the game and recognizable personality led to co-hosting gigs on various radio and television shows about the Cowboys.

Hennings now serves as president of Virtus, Inc., a private equity marketing consulting company based in Dallas. He and his wife, Tammy, are the proud parents of a son, Chase, and a daughter, Brenna. His dedication to children extends beyond his own family, as he serves on the board of directors for Happy Hill Farm Academy/Home, a residential school/farm for at-risk kids.

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