Nate Hemsley


Nathaniel Richard Hemsley is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers. He played college football at Syracuse University.

Early years

Hemsley grew up in Delran Township, New Jersey and graduated from Delran High School in 1991. As a senior, he received second-team All-American, All-Freedom League, AllBurlington County and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He accepted a football scholarship from Syracuse University. As a redshirt freshman in 1993, he was named the started at inside linebacker and led the team in total tackles with 81, while also tallying 2 tackles for loss, 2 passes defensed and one blocked kick.
In 1994, he was lost for the season with a knee injury he suffered in the season opener against the University of Oklahoma, where he had 10 tackles and one fumble recovery. As a junior, he started 11 games at outside linebacker, making 119 tackles, 3.5 sacks.
As a senior, in 1996, he posted 106 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 4 quarterback pressures, 3 passes defensed, while being named First-team All-Big East.

Professional career

Houston Oilers

Hemsley was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Oilers after the 1997 NFL Draft on April 21. He was waived on August 13.

Dallas Cowboys

On September 3, 1997, he was signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. On December 10, he was promoted to the active roster for the last 2 games to play on special teams. On August 31, 1998, he was re-signed by the Cowboys. After appearing in three games playing on the short-yardage defense and on special teams, he was injured while covering a punt and was placed on the injured reserve list with a dislocated right ankle and a broken leg on October 5. He was cut by the Cowboys on October 27, 1999.

Miami Dolphins

Over a year later, on November 14, 2000, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins to their practice squad. On February 19, 2001, he was re-signed to a two-year contract. He was then cut on August 28.

Carolina Panthers

On October 3, 2001, he was signed by the Carolina Panthers. He appeared in 9 games, before being released on March 20, 2002.