He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, and was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.

[5] Sources: Hackenberg committed to Penn State after being recruited by a tandem of Penn State coaches – quarterbacks coach Charlie Fisher and running backs coach/recruiting coordinator Charles London, turning down offers from Alabama, UConn, Florida, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

2 pro-style quarterback in the nation, Hackenberg was described as an accurate, drop-back passer with ample athleticism who had a high ceiling.

[7] In the first three games of the season, he twice earned Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week accolades, with a 72-percent completion percentage, 851 yards, 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.

He did note that Hackenberg made some mistakes typical of younger players, but he was on the fast track to grasping O'Brien's complex offensive schemes.

[18] He also played in the preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 1, 2016, where he was 11 for 31 with 54 passing yards and an interception returned for a touchdown.

[25] He also started in the Jets' third preseason game at the New York Giants, posting stats of 8/15 for 60 yards, and two pick sixes.

[28] Hackenberg was inactive the duration of the Jets' season until McCown broke his hand week 14 at the Denver Broncos and was placed on injured reserve.

He completed just 10 of 23 passes for 87 yards and an interception before being pulled in the fourth quarter as the Express were shut out by the Birmingham Iron 26–0.

[2][51] Hackenberg left baseball to focus on completing his degree in communications and public relations and acquiring a real estate license.

He worked remotely as an account executive for a cybersecurity services company, and was also a part-time realtor with Keller Williams.

[52] On March 4, 2021, Hackenberg became the quarterback coach for the Winslow Township High School football team.

[55] Christian Hackenberg's father Erick was a backup quarterback for the Virginia Cavaliers football team, and his mother Nikki played volleyball for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks.