“This year has literally been a movie for me.” That’s what any rookie will say when they know their team made it to the Super Bowl. Yes, we’re talking about Chiefs‘ lineman C.J. Hanson. Hanson has dedicated his life to football, and making it to the NFL fulfilled his dream. Before even stepping into the big leagues, he was grinding with the Holy Cross Crusaders. Hanson started 38 consecutive games for the Crusaders, proving that they trusted him. In 2023, he even helped them rank in the top 10 nationally in rushing offense, total offense, and scoring offense. Sheesh, that’s an impactful player right there.

Only 17 players from Holy Cross have been selected during the NFL draft during the Super Bowl era, and Hanson was the first player selected in 34 years. He followed in the footsteps of Crusaders LB Rob McGovern, a tenth-round pick in the 1989 NFL draft. Ironically, the Chiefs also selected McGovern back in 1989, a fact that Hanson revealed he didn’t even know until he arrived in Kansas City. And when you see a guy like C.J. Hanson, one question is sure to arise: Who is the main source of motivation for him to get up and rub his cleats on the ground every single day? Well, for him, it’s the love from his family.

Who are C.J. Hanson’s parents?

You’ll understand a lot about a man if you sit down and have a talk with one of his parents. While not much is known about C.J. Hanson’s father, his mom, Dianne Macchia, is someone who truly stands out. And you know the kind of mother who’s everyone’s mother? Yeah, Dianne is one of them. She is a simple person whose joy comes from making those around her happy. Back when Hanson was with the Crusaders, she loved organizing post-game meals for his teammates. And not just that—when the Crusaders were still in the playoffs, she made it feel like home for the players who couldn’t visit home for Thanksgiving and made them dinner. “I just love making a fuss over the kids,” Dianne said.

The team mom used to make cookies and buffalo chicken wontons, which were Hanson and Co.’s favorites. All of this is enough to show us that she’s been actively there for her son on his journey. Hanson appreciated it too, saying, “She’s the best person in my life. She’s 100 percent with me through anything. She treats this football program like they’re her kids — she’s always been the person to do that. She’s a giver.”

Where did C.J. Hanson grow up?

Hanson was destined to be a football player ever since he was born. Wyckoff, New Jersey, was his place growing up. He started playing flag football as a young kid in second grade and was already in tackle football by the next year. Hanson even got his hands dirty with lacrosse. But it was clear he was set on the gridiron. “I always felt like I wanted to be a football player.” he said. “And I wanted to be really good at what I did.” The world is a witness now, as he marches toward the Super Bowl showdown in New Orleans.

C.J. Hanson went to DePaul Catholic High School in New Jersey, a place known for producing top-tier talent like Browns’ Ronnie Hickman. He was surrounded by competition all his life and learned at a young age that mediocrity was not an option. He gave his everything to the game. Both on and off the field, and that zeal pushed him to his success.

Who is C.J. Hanson’s father?

There isn’t much intel about C.J. Hanson’s dad. Maybe he’s one of the real ones who likes to stay in the shadows, quietly pushing from behind. But hey, we did observe an older man in some of Hanson’s Instagram posts. He surely looks very happy, like a proud father. Could that be Senior Hanson? It’s possible.

When C.J. redshirted his jersey back in 2024, Holy Cross shared this happy moment on their IG. But the eye-catching element in the post was that Hanson was hugging an older man. Maybe he is who we think he is? The caption read, “The newest member of the Chiefs — and the family that got him there.” highlighting the family’s role in his journey. It’s clear that whoever this man is, he surely is an important person in C.J.’s life, even if he stays out of the limelight.