Bengals Star Trey Hendrickson Gets Shock Backing from U.S. Vice President in Contract Standoff
Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson is making headlines this offseason—not just for his dominant on-field performance, but for a growing contract dispute with the team. Hendrickson, who’s coming off another stellar season with 17.5 sacks and 46 tackles, has made it clear: he won’t take the field unless he’s paid what he believes he’s worth. This marks his second consecutive season with 17.5 sacks and his fourth overall with double-digit totals, earning him All-Pro honors and the prestigious Deacon Jones Award for leading the NFL in sacks.
What’s turning heads now is an unlikely voice backing Hendrickson’s push—a U.S. Senator. Ohio native and Vice President J.D. Vance publicly called on the Bengals to pay the star edge rusher during a recent appearance on Theo Von’s podcast. Vance didn’t hold back, saying, “I say this every year, but with Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, if we get our defense and our offensive line, we could have a true championship run.”
It’s a rare moment when politics crosses into football in such a vocal way, but Vance’s comments highlight just how valuable Hendrickson is viewed in Ohio. With Joe Burrow healthy, Ja’Marr Chase on the outside, and a defense anchored by Hendrickson, the Bengals are a few key moves away from contending for a Super Bowl. But first, Cincinnati must decide whether to invest in the defensive cornerstone who’s been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the league.
