Jason Dewayne Hatcher (born July 13, 1982) is a former American football defensive end. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Grambling State. Early years Hatcher was born in Alexandria, Louisiana and was raised in Jena and attended Jena High School where he lettered in football and basketball. As a senior, he helped his team to a 10-3 record and earned All-State honors after catching 28 passes for 1,028 yards as a wide receiver and tight end. College career Hatcher attended Grambling State University where he majored in physical education. As a true freshman, he was ruled academically ineligible because he didn't meet the NCAA requirements. In 2002, he was granted a medical redshirt after rupturing his right ACL. In 2003 as a sophomore, Hatcher started at tight end and caught one pass for 14 yards and a two-point conversion before being gradually converted to defensive end midway through the season. After the switch he earned a starting position, recorded 13 tackles, three sacks and one pass broken up. In 2004, as a junior, he played his first full season at defensive end and finishing with 33 tackles, 10 for losses and five sacks. As a senior, Hatcher helped his team win the conference title with an undefeated record (9-0) and a co-Black college football national championship (11-1 overall), while having an outstanding year of his own, recording 65 tackles and 10 sacks, and being named an all-Southwestern Athletic Conference selection. He finished his college career with 111 tackles, 31.5 for losses and 18.5 sacks. Professional career Dallas Cowboys Hatcher was drafted in the 3rd round (92nd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. His selection at the time was questioned because of his lack of production in college, but the team was high on his athletic ability and potential for their 3–4 defense. As a rookie, Hatcher played in 14 games, missing two with a sprained ankle. For the season, he recorded 13 tackles, one for a loss and 2.5 sacks. In 2007, he played in all 16 games and recorded 35 tackles, three for losses and two sacks, while forcing one fumble. In 2008, Hatcher recorded 36 tackles, one for a loss, one pass broken up and one sack. In 2009, he played in all 16 games and recorded 29 tackles,