KhaDarel Hodge


KhaDarel Hodge is an American football wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He played college football at Prairie View A&M.

Early years and high school

Hodge was born in D'Lo, Mississippi and raised there with three siblings by a single mother, Michelle Hodge, and by his grandfather, who was a preacher. Hodge attended and played high school football at Mendenhall High School. Hodge became the starting quarterback at Mendenhall during his sophomore season and threw for over 3,000 passing yards and ran for over 2,000 yards along with 68 total touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons. He was named second team All-State his senior season.

College career

Hodge began his career as a quarterback at Alcorn State but left after one year, during which he redshirted. He then went to Hinds Community College, where he transitioned to wide receiver, for one season before moving on to Prairie View A&M. Hodge played three seasons for the Panthers, catching 104 passes for 1,797 yards and 21 touchdowns. As a senior, Hodge had 48 receptions for 844 yards and 12 touchdowns and was named first team All-SWAC and Black College All-America.

Professional career

Los Angeles Rams

Hodge signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent on July 24, 2018 after participating in a tryout. He was cut by the Rams at the end of training camp on September 1 and was subsequently signed to their practice squad the following day. Hodge was promoted to the active roster on September 19. Hodge caught his first career pass, a 14-yard reception, on October 7 against the Seattle Seahawks. Hodge played in 14 regular season games during his rookie season, catching two passes for 17 yards and making five tackles on special teams and one tackle in three postseason games.
Hodge signed an exclusive rights contract with the Rams on March 12, 2019. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.

Cleveland Browns

Hodge was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on September 1, 2019. Hodge played in all 16 of the Browns games, catching four passes for 76 yards and led the team with 13 special teams tackles. Hodge was tendered by the Browns for the 2020 season, and signed the one-year tender on April 16, 2020.