PRO: Jason Hatcher has provided a solid compliment on Dallas’ defensive line rotation over the past six seasons. He has steadily proven his worth in each one of his seasons with the team, filling in nicely on the defensive line with his ability as a pass rusher when called upon. He is a physical player that adds size to the line while providing a veteran presence on the team. He started 10 games in 2011 - the most in his career - and tied or established career-highs in several defensive categories. He will look to build upon his career year this season.
PRO: Jason Hatcher has provided a solid compliment on Dallas’ defensive line rotation over the past six seasons. He has steadily proven his worth in each one of his seasons with the team, filling in nicely on the defensive line with his ability as a pass rusher when called upon. He is a physical player that adds size to the line while providing a veteran presence on the team. He started 10 games in 2011 - the most in his career - and tied or established career-highs in several defensive categories. He will look to build upon his career year this season.
TRANSACTION SUMMARY:
8/3/11: Signed a three-year contract with Dallas.
4/29/06: Drafted in the third round (92nd overall) by Dallas.
2011:
• Started 10 of the 13 games he played and tied career-highs in tackles (36) and tackles for losses (three) while setting a career-best with 4.5 sacks and intercepting his first career pass.
• His 4.5 sacks were third on the team.
• Started in place of Marcus Spears in the season opener at the N.Y. Jets (9/11) and recorded four tackles, one tackle for a loss and one pressure.
• Started once again in the overtime win at San Francisco (9/18) and had four tackles, one pressure and a pair of sacks - his first multi-sack game.
• Had one tackle in the home-opening win over Washington (9/26) before a calf injury sidelined him in the second quarter.
• Returned to the field at Philadelphia (10/30) and had four tackles.
• In the win over Seattle (11/6), intercepted his first career pass while adding a tackle, one tackle for a loss and a pass breakup.
• In the win over Washington (11/20), had two tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss and three pressures.
• Had four tackles, two pressures and a sack at Arizona (12/4).
• Closed out the season at the N.Y. Giants (1/1/12) with a season-high six tackles, one pressure and a sack he split with DeMarcus Ware.
2010:
• Played in 13 games with one start, totaling 17 tackles, a sack and two quarterback pressures while missing three games due to injury (groin).
• Logged a season-high four tackles at Washington (9/12) in the season opener.
• Made his first career start at Houston (9/26) as the team opened in its nickel package, but did not record any statistics.
• Suffered a groin injury against the N.Y. Giants (10/25) in the second quarter and did not return.
• Missed the next three games against Jacksonville (10/31), at Green Bay (11/7) and at the N.Y. Giants (11/14) due to the injury.
• Returned to action against Detroit (11/21) and tied his season-best with four tackles along with one pressure, a sack and a fumble recovery.
2009:
• In 16 games played, totaled 29 tackles, one sack, a career-high 27 quarterback pressures - fifth on the team - and a pass breakup.
• Opened the season at Tampa Bay (9/13) with two tackles, one pass breakup and tied for the team lead with three quarterback pressures.
• Recorded two tackles and recovered a fumble against Carolina (9/28).
• Played in his 50th career game at Denver (10/4) and notched two tackles.
• Registered season-highs in tackles (four) and quarterback pressures (four) against Oakland (11/26).
• Notched his lone sack of the season against Philadelphia (1/3/10).
2008:
• Registered career-highs in tackles (36) along with 15 quarterback pressures, one sack, a tackle for loss and a pass breakup while playing in all 16 contests.
• Posted a season-high five tackles at St. Louis (10/19).
• Recorded his lone sack of the season at Pittsburgh (12/7) and notched a season-high tying five tackles.
2007:
• Played in all 16 games in the defensive line rotation recording 35 tackles, 2.0 sacks, three tackles for a loss, nine quarterback pressures and one forced fumble.
• Recorded his first sack of the season at Buffalo (10/8) along with three tackles, two pressures and a tackle for loss.
• Had his first career fumble recovery which he returned 27 yards for a touchdown following a Greg Ellis sack and forced a fumble of Tom Brady against New England (10/14). Also added one tackle for loss.
• Forced a fumble that was recovered by Bradie James that led to a field goal against Minnesota (10/21). Also had two tackles.
• Recorded a season-high and career-best seven tackles and one sack at Washington (12/30).
2006:
• Played in 14 games as a rookie, missing two with an ankle sprain, and recorded 13 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one tackle for a loss and seven quarterback pressures.
• In his NFL debut at Jacksonville (9/10), played mainly on third downs on the defensive line.
• Recorded his first defensive statistic against Washington (9/17), splitting a sack with Ellis on the final play of the game and added two quarterback pressures.
• Suffered a sprained ankle in the first half against Houston (10/15) causing him to miss the next two games.
• Recorded two quarterback pressures against Indianapolis (11/19) and helped limit the Colts to a season-low 14 points.
• Had his first solo sack - a 10-yard takedown of Bruce Gradkowski - and two tackles against Tampa Bay (11/23).
• Posted a second quarter sack of Michael Vick on third down and added two tackles at Atlanta (12/16).
• Against Philadelphia (12/25) had a season-high three tackles.
• In his postseason debut at Seattle (1/6/07) recorded one quarterback pressure.
COLLEGE:
• Finished his career at Grambling with 111 tackles, 31.5 tackles for a loss, and 18.5 sacks.
• Also had three passes defensed, 14 quarterback pressures and three blocked kicks.
• Recorded 65 tackles, including a season-high eight stops in three different games during his senior year.
• Played his first full season at defensive end as a junior and finished the year with 33 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 5.0 sacks.
• Also blocked two kicks and broke up one pass.
• As a sophomore, started at tight end and caught one pass for 14 yards and a two-point conversion before moving to defensive end midway through the year.
• Finished the season with 13 tackles, 3.0 sacks and one pass breakup.
• Granted a medical redshirt after rupturing his right anterior cruciate ligament in 2002.
• Was ineligible as a true freshman because of NCAA academic requirements.
PERSONAL:
• Jason Dewayne Hatcher attended Jena, La., High School, where he lettered in football and basketball.
• As a senior, helped his team go 10-3 and earned all-state honors after catching 28 passes for 1,028 yards as a tight end.
• Majored in physical education at Grambling and hopes to become a head football coach.
• He and his wife, Natasha, have two sons, DiCarlos and Jason, Jr., and a daughter, Tamia.
COMMUNITY:
• 2006 Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club.
• 2008 Dallas Cowboys Draft Day/Fan Appreciation Party.
• 2011 Participated in Super Bowl XLV youth football clinics.
• 2011 Served an early Thanksgiving meal at The Salvation Army.
• 2012 Reliant Home Run Derby benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• 2012 Served as celebrity host for Taste of the NFL: The Ultimate Cowboys Tailgate Party benefitting the North Texas Food Bank.
• 2012 Dallas Cowboys U High School Camp.
• Jason Hatcher Youth Football Camp for kids ages 7-18 in his hometown of Jena.
• Annual Team Holiday Hospital Visits.
• Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas Program.
• Dallas Cowboys annual Luncheon and Cowboys Family Cookbook benefitting Happy Hill Farm.
• Cowboys Women’s Association Christmas Program for The Family Place.
• Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas.
