Hannam attended St. Ansgar High School in St. Ansgar, IA, where he played football, baseball, track and basketball. In football he was a three-time All-district selection at defensive tackle and a 1st Team all-state kicker.
College career
He accepted a football scholarship from the Division I-AA University of Northern Iowa. As a freshman, he recorded two receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown. During his sophomore season, he started four games and recorded 23 receptions for 253 yards and five touchdowns. As a junior, he recorded 18 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown. As a senior, he was elected as one of the team captains and helped lead the team to the semi-final round of the playoffs. He started fourteen games, recording 43 receptions for 404 yards and five tackles on special teams. Hannam finished his college career with 47 games played, including 28 starts, 86 receptions for 957 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also awarded the Stan Sheriff Award, named after the former UNI head football coach and athletic director, given to the player that is the most inspirational and who is a leader in helping the team run smoothly. He was a second team All-conference choice and first team All-academic pick. Hannam was also an honorable-mention All-American pick by the Football Gazette.
Professional career
Seattle Seahawks
Hannam was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 5th round of the 2002 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he played primarily on special teams while also serving as the second or third tight end. His first career reception was a 16-yard touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. During the 2003, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the fifth game against the Chicago Bears, ending his season. He was placed on the injured reserve list on October 29. In 2004, he served as the second tight end, finishing with eight receptions for 110 yards, while also playing extensively on special teams. In 2005, he started five games for the Seahawks. His efforts contributed to Shaun Alexander rushing for a league high 1,880 yards, setting the single season rushing touchdown record, and being named the NFL MVP. He played in Super Bowl XL in Detroit, recording two catches for 12 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He finished the season with 13 receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown.
Dallas Cowboys
On March 18, 2006, Hannam signed a four-year, $5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys, which included a $1.25 million signing bonus, to take over the blocking tight end role that was previously handled by Dan Campbell. However, due to a degenerative condition in his right knee, he only appeared in two games that season before being placed on the injured reserve list on October 11. He was subsequently released by the Cowboys on March 1, 2007., and retired from the NFL. Hannam finished his NFL career with 54 games played, 22 receptions for 215 yards, two touchdowns, one kickoff return, one punt return, and eight special teams tackles.
