Let me tell you a bit about this offensive tackle—his name really started making waves when he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. That moment definitely marked a turning point in his career. Over time, his performance on the field earned him more recognition, and by 2014, he secured a major milestone: a five-year, $35 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. It was a big deal, no doubt about it. Unfortunately, just two years into that deal, things took a tough turn when he suffered a torn right triceps, landing him on injured reserve.

Now, fast forward to 2018—another shift in his journey. He was traded to the Denver Broncos, with the Raiders receiving a sixth-round pick in return during that year’s draft. But of course, every athlete’s story starts somewhere, and for him, it began long before the pros. Back in high school, he played at Forest Hills Northern High School, where he made quite the impression and even earned the title of Most Valuable Lineman. He graduated back in 2005, then went on to attend Hillsdale College. His college years were impressive—after the 2009 season, he was honored as a First-team All-American, which clearly set the stage for his professional path.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and comes from a supportive family—his parents, Mary and Jim Veldheer, have been part of his journey all along. On a personal note, he shares his life with his wife, Morgan Veldheer, and together they’ve built a family, raising two children. Through highs and lows, his determination has stayed consistent, and his name continues to stand out in the world of football.