University of Colorado football icon Chris Hudson is officially taking his rightful place among the sport’s legends. The premier defensive back of the 1990s will be inducted into the National Football Foundation (NFF) College Football Hall of Fame this December.

 Prior to the national ceremony, Hudson will receive his official “on-campus” salute on October 3 during CU’s homecoming game against Texas Tech at Folsom Field. The formal induction will take place during the NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 8 at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. FACEBOOK VIDEO

A Cornerstone of CU’s Golden Era

A native of Houston, Texas, Hudson is the 11th player in Colorado history to earn induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.  He joins Byron White (inducted in 1952), Joe Romig (1984), Dick Anderson (1993), Bobby Anderson (2006), Alfred Williams (2010), John Wooten (2012), Herb Orvis (2016), Michael Westbrook (2020), Rashaan Salaam (2022), and Deon Figures (2024).

Hudson is the fifth player coached by 2013 NFF inductee Bill McCartney to enter the Hall, joining Figures, Salaam, Westbrook, and Williams, all of whom played for him during his 13-year tenure as head coach from 1982-1994.

Hudson anchored a secondary that defined a dominant era. During his four-year career (1991-1994), the Buffaloes compiled a stellar 36-9-3 overall record, captured a Big Eight championship in 1991, and finished nationally ranked every season – peaking at No. 3 in 1994.

In sharing the spotlight with those CU greats, Hudson was also a teammate of Jim Hansen, the third recipient of the NFF’s William V. Campbell Trophy® in 1992.

Award-Winning Dominance

Hudson’s collegiate career is highlighted by historic individual achievements:

• The Jim Thorpe Award Winner: Captured the 1994 award as the nation’s top defensive back during a dominant consensus First Team All-America senior season.  Hudson’s chief rival for the award was Colorado State’s Greg Myers, who captured the Thorpe the next season.  Myers was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

• Three-Time All-Big Eight: One of only seven CU players in history to earn First Team All-Big Eight honors three times.

• Versatility: Starred at cornerback for three seasons before transitioning to free safety as a junior, earning Associated Press Third Team All-America honors.

Record-Breaking Stat Line

Ranking second all-time in CU history with 15 career interceptions, Hudson was a constant threat to opposing offenses. He finished his career with:

• 141 total tackles

• 15 interceptions (including 2 returned for touchdowns)

• 20 pass breakups

• 53 punt returns for 516 yards and 10 kickoff returns for 155 yards

Notably, Hudson earned the team’s Hang Tough Award in 1994 after playing through the final 10 games of the regular season with a painful turf toe injury, continuing to perform at an elite All-America level. His standout collegiate moments also include a legendary 1993 performance against Texas, where he tallied seven tackles, two pass breakups, and two interceptions – returning one for a touchdown – in a 36-14 victory on September 4 at Folsom Field.

Beyond the Gridiron

After his stellar college career, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Hudson in the third round of the 1995 NFL Draft. He enjoyed a solid professional career playing for the Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and Atlanta Falcons from 1995 to 2001.

Already inducted into the CU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016, Hudson now resides in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Away from football, he has built a successful career as an entrepreneur owning restaurants and hotels, while staying deeply committed to his community through youth mentorship and volunteer coaching.