Merton Hanks

Merton Edward Hanks (born March 12, 1968) played safety in the NFL for nine seasons during the 1990s, spending most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers. With the 49ers, he earned five All-Pro selections, four Pro Bowl nods, and won Super Bowl XXIX. He played college football at Iowa, where he was an All-American in 1990. Despite a slow 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, the 49ers picked him in the fifth round (122nd overall) of the draft.

Over eight seasons in San Francisco and one with the Seattle Seahawks, Hanks became known for his interceptions, return skills, and a distinctive "chicken dance" celebration later copied by basketball star Shaquille O'Neal. He retired after the 1999 season. After playing, Hanks worked as the NFL's assistant director of operations and later as vice president of operations overseeing player conduct. He became senior associate commissioner for Conference USA in July 2016, handling football and baseball operations, officiating, scheduling, and player safety. On September 8, 2020, he took the same role for the Pac-12 conference. He also regularly gives speaking tours.