2022 - Caleb Murphy

CHICAGO, IL – Ted Hendricks and the Ted Hendricks Foundation are pleased to announce that the 20th recipient of the Ted Hendricks
Award is Caleb Murphy of Ferris State University. The senior from Dowagiac, Michigan is the first non-FBS player to receive Ted’s
recognition.
Murphy demolished the NCAA all-divisions record for single-season sacks, recording 25½, and led all divisions with 39 tackles for
loss. Nearly half of Murphy’s tackles this season were for negative yards. He and his Ferris State teammates dominated opponents
on their way to their second consecutive Division II championship. The Bulldog defense shut down Colorado School of Mines, the
division’s top scoring offense, in the Division-II championship game.
After transferring from Grand Valley State in 2021, Murphy played two seasons for the Bulldogs and recorded 40 sacks, 60½ tackles
for loss (353 yards), 156 total tackles and 8 forced fumbles. His teams went 9-0 in the NCAA Division-II playoffs. Murphy’s accolades
this season include the Gene Upshaw Award (D-II Lineman of the Year), First-Team AFCA D-II All-America, the sole defensive player
named a finalist for the Harlan Hill Award (D-II Player of the Year) and GLIAC Player of the Year. He will also represent Ferris State at
the East-West Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas February 2, 2023.
Murphy will graduate this winter with a degree in Criminal Justice and plans on participating in the lives of troubled young people as
a role model, with the aim of redirecting them in a constructive direction. He has served as an intern in a local program for at-risk
youth. He has also been a volunteer for the Special Olympics.
Caleb participated in five sports throughout his development as an athlete (football, baseball, basketball, track & field and
wrestling). Each discipline contributed to Murphy’s versatility as a defensive end and his work ethic. He plays the position with a
quick first step and great leverage when encountering offensive linemen. He can also drop seamlessly into coverage.
After speaking with Caleb this week, here is what Ted Hendricks had to say about his 2022 recipient:
“It is my great pleasure to welcome Caleb Murphy to our star-studded list of Ted Hendricks Award winners. Caleb
has been a tireless multisport athlete and a selfless leader. These skills, combined with a superior work ethic,
contributed significantly to his team’s consecutive Division II National Championships. He is the total package
that exemplifies the Hendricks Award. His record-setting on-field performance, academic achievement,
volunteerism & dedication to improving the lives of others in his community set him apart. Congratulations, Caleb!”
The 2022 Hendricks Award trophy presentation will take place early in the year 2023 (time and place to be announced).
As always, the Ted Hendricks Foundation would like to express our gratitude to our Selection Committee members. We hope to
hear from you again next season!

Ted Hendricks
Pro Football Hall of Fame ’90