Despite Rocky Offseason, Peyton Hendershot Still Sees NFL Future

Written By: Nate Comp (@NathanComp1)

Peyton Hendershot ended the 2019 season on the top of the world.

The third-team All-Big Ten selection had just finished his third year with the Hoosiers and set single-season tight end program records for receptions (52) and yards (622). Despite taking heavy hits every week, he started all 13 games and finished fourth among tight ends nationally in catches and 10th in yardage. He led the country in yards after the catch (432) among all power five tight ends.

But then, things started to crumble.

Many will remember the numerous times Hendershot headed to the sideline during the Gator Bowl clutching his shoulder in pain. The heavy beating he had taken all season long had finally caught up with him, and soon after the bowl defeat he underwent surgery to repair his injured shoulder. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning, as the offseason continued into February and an altercation with his ex-girlfriend left him arrested and facing multiple charges.

“I was at the highest point of my life and within two months I was at the lowest part of my life,” said Hendershot.

“I cannot explain how disappointed I was in myself. It is crazy how life can hit you. I saw my life, my future, my career flash in front of me.”

But if anyone could stand to benefit from a pandemic’s delaying of a football season, it was Hendershot. He needed to get his life under control, and he has seemingly done so.

Hendershot plead guilty to a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge in June. Three other charges were dropped in connection with the deal. He continues to undergo weekly court ordered trainings regarding the matter, but is otherwise cleared of the offense. On top of that, he now feels fully healthy and is back with the team under no suspension.

“I am responsible for my own actions, my own chaos in my life. I have been able to realize it and take care of the everyday things in my life.”

As he has continued to work on himself, tight ends coach Kevin Wright has noticed that he’s got a specific goal for his future: to play in the NFL.

“It seems like I have been working with Peyton forever because this has been an extended fall camp,” said Wright. “We watch a lot of NFL tape as we are breaking things down, so I think he has a goal and he sees what it takes. He is working awful hard toward that.”

“I think I have the tools to make it to the next level,” added Hendershot. “I need to clean up all of the little details because that it what really matters. That will allow me to take that next step and grow to become a better player.”

 Just a couple Saturdays separate us from Indiana’s first game. Though the offseason may have seemed especially long for Hendershot, he’s on track to strap up for the Hoosiers once again.

And if he’s lucky, those Saturday performances will lead to many more gameday opportunities; but this time, they’ll be on Sundays.