For Dordt offensive lineman Ethan Hansen, there's no better feeling than sealing a block and watching a teammate break free for a big play.

Defender Discussions | Ethan Hansen Episode

"It's pure happiness," Hansen said. "You're out in space, engaged in a block, and you feel the running back come right off your side and he's gone. It's a good feeling."

That simple joy—seeing the work of the offensive line open up the field—captures much of Hansen's approach to football: steady, selfless, and deeply invested in the success of those around him.

A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, about 30 minutes southwest of Green Bay, Hansen has been a Packers fan for as long as he can remember. He grew up watching games with his brother, surrounded by small NFL helmets, always drawn to the game's physicality and teamwork.

His path to Dordt began during the pandemic when recruiting looked a little different.

"Dordt found me," Hansen said. "It was through a general recruiting text, and I was kind of going back and forth about playing football in college. I joined a virtual junior day, and for some reason, it just stood out. I remember getting off the Zoom call and telling my parents, 'I really like this.' It just felt different from everything else I'd looked at."

A visit to Sioux Center the following summer and a fall game-day trip sealed the deal. He committed shortly afterward.

Transitioning from Appleton—population near 80,000—to Dordt University took some adjustment, but Hansen embraced the pace and community.

"It's definitely a different environment," he said. "It's more demanding than high school football—it can be like job now—but I enjoy it."

As a construction management major, Hansen has developed a passion for the building industry through both classroom and summer work experience.

"I've done framing for three summers and concrete for two," he said. "People say concrete's hard, but we did a lot of small residential stuff and I really enjoyed it. I figure being in an office someday might be better for my body long-term."

Faith has also played a key role in Hansen's college experience. While church was a part of his upbringing, he says his time at Dordt has helped him take personal ownership of his faith.

"Growing up, we went to church a lot—it was just what you did," Hansen said. "Since being here, I've grown more in a personal relationship with God. It's more of a choice now, and that's probably been the biggest change."

He credits his roommates and teammates for helping him grow spiritually.

"Having five or six guys around who share the same values and keep each other accountable for church and prayer nights—it's huge," he said. "And the coaches too. Everyone shares the same beliefs and helps you along the way."

When his playing days end, Hansen plans to keep that same drive and teamwork mentality alive through construction management and staying active.

"I like just working out and staying active," he said. "I'll always need something competitive, something that keeps me moving."

That competitive spirit took on new meaning after an injury last season sidelined him for much of the year—a stretch that tested his patience and perspective.  Now healthy and back in the lineup, Hansen is focused on making the most of his senior season.

"It was hard mentally, going to the doctor and hearing something different every week," he said. "It definitely makes me appreciate it more this year, just knowing it's my last one."