Hernandez was born to a Mexican family in Las Vegas, Nevada.[2] He was a four-year letterer and three-year starter at Chaparral High School in Paradise, Nevada, where he played offensive line, defensive end, and middle linebacker. Will actually quit football after his freshman year to instead work as a manager for his father's construction company, but was talked into rejoining the team before his junior year by his head coach, who saw extreme potential in Hernandez.[3] As a senior, Hernandez was an all-Nevada offensive lineman and was an all-conference defensive end; he started all games at right guard, and registered 42 tackles, eight sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on defense.[4]
A zero-star recruit, Hernandez was recruited very lightly; despite receiving walk-on offers from Nevada, UNLV, and Wyoming, Will accepted an offer from UTEP, the only college to offer him a scholarship.[5] Outside of football, Hernandez also lettered in track, powerlifting, wrestling, and soccer.
College career
After redshirting his first year at UTEP in 2013, Hernandez was immediately named a starter as a redshirt freshman and would start every game for the rest of his collegiate career; 49 games in total from 2014 to 2017. After the 2016 season, Hernandez was a second-team All-American.[6] Although UTEP went 0-12 and were ranked dead last in the FBS in 2017, Hernandez nonetheless was named to the All-Conference USA offensive line, and was called the "sole bright spot on a very dismal season".[7] He was also invited to the College Football All-Star Challenge, and also participated in the NFL Combine.[8]
On May 12, 2018, the Giants signed Hernandez to a four-year, $7.45 million contract that included $5.08 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.49 million.[13]
On October 29, 2020, Hernandez was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Giants after he tested positive for COVID-19.[14][15] On November 10, he returned to the active roster.[16] However, despite his healthy return, he remained a backup for the remainder of the season, losing the starting left guard position to rookie Shane Lemieux.[17]
Arizona Cardinals
On March 28, 2022, the Arizona Cardinals signed Hernandez to a one-year contract.[18] In Week 4 game against the Carolina Panthers Hernandez was ejected in the fourth quarter for making contact with an official.[19] He was placed on injured reserve on November 9 with a pectoral injury.[20] He was activated on December 17.
On March 15, 2023, Hernandez signed a 2-year contract extension with the Cardinals, worth up to $9 million, with $4.5 million fully guaranteed.[21][22]
