From standout athlete to international football competitor and championship coach, Todd Hendricks’ story reflects perseverance, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the game. His journey took him from Minnesota to Europe and back again, but one of the most meaningful chapters in that path was his time at the University of Mary.
A Competitor Determined to Grow
Born in 1968, Todd Hendricks first made his mark as a multi-sport athlete at Alexandria Area High School in Minnesota. Even when his path did not unfold in a straight line, he continued moving forward with determination. After an early academic setback, he found new momentum at Minnesota State Community & Technical College, where he developed into an All-American athlete and later earned induction into the MCAC Hall of Fame.
That resilience helped carry him to the next stage of his football career: the University of Mary.
The University of Mary Chapter
Todd Hendricks’ time at the University of Mary was a defining part of his development as both a player and a person. Competing for the Marauders, he helped elevate the program to new heights and played a role in one of the school’s landmark achievements: earning its first-ever top 25 national ranking.
That accomplishment speaks not only to Hendricks’ ability on the field, but also to the standard of commitment and teamwork that shaped his career. At the University of Mary, he was part of a program building something meaningful—something rooted in hard work, character, and belief.
For Marauder football alumni, Hendricks’ story stands as a reminder of what it means to represent the University of Mary. His success beyond college was remarkable, but it was during his time in Bismarck that he helped strengthen a legacy that continues to matter today.
His University of Mary experience was more than a stop along the way. It was a foundational chapter in a football life defined by excellence, endurance, and service to the sport.
Building a Professional Career Across Continents
After college, Hendricks went undrafted by the NFL, but that did not stop him from building an extraordinary professional career. He found opportunity overseas and made the most of it, especially in the Austrian Football League with the AFC Rangers.
In 1995, he delivered one of the most impressive seasons in league history, earning AFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors while setting a league record with 20 touchdowns in just eight games. His impact in Europe earned him All-Europe recognition by EFAF three times, cementing his reputation as one of the most accomplished American players to compete internationally.
Back in the United States, he also starred for the St. Paul Pigs, helping lead the team to a championship while receiving All-Star honors. He later continued his playing career in Switzerland with the Bern Grizzlies and Thun Tigers. Even after suffering an Achilles tendon injury, he returned to produce 19 touchdowns in his final season as a player.
In 2004, his achievements were recognized with induction into the US National Minor League Football Hall of Fame.
A Lasting Impact as a Coach
Hendricks’ football legacy extends well beyond his playing days. As a coach, he has built an outstanding resume across both the United States and Europe. His head coaching record of 91-35-1, along with four championships, reflects a leader who understands how to build successful teams and develop athletes.
His work has included stops at Wabasso High School, the Bern Grizzlies, and multiple Italian clubs. He has also spent two decades serving as an assistant coach, including contributing to a conference title at North Dakota State College of Science in 2021.
Just as importantly, Hendricks has continued to give back to the game through camps and clinics, helping teach and inspire the next generation of players.
A Marauder Legacy Worth Celebrating
Todd Hendricks’ football journey is extraordinary because of its range, but even more because of its consistency. At every level—as a student-athlete, professional player, and coach—he has represented the values of dedication, growth, and leadership.
For the University of Mary community, his story is especially meaningful. He helped advance the Marauders during a pivotal moment in program history, and his career remains a powerful example of how a University of Mary athlete can make an impact far beyond campus.
Todd Hendricks did not simply play the game well. He helped carry it across communities, across countries, and across generations. That is a legacy worth honoring.